Electrical Safety Advice for Hair Clippers

Hair clippers usage and safety

Hair clippers are growing in popularity and they’re easy to use. But as with all electrical appliances, they do come with safety risks.

Electric hair clippers have three different types of motors. Rotary is the most common type, offering multiple speeds in a circular as well as side-to-side motion, whereas a magnetic motor moves the blades side to side at a high speed but with less power.

A pivot motor operates at a lower speed than magnetic but is more powerful, great for cutting thicker, heavier hair.

Usually, the more power generated by the motor, the smoother the cut is and the more versatile the clippers are for cutting any type of hair.

Mains powered clippers tend to offer more power and don’t require charging between uses, but you need an appropriate socket-outlet close by.

Cordless clippers can be more convenient and more flexible to use but do consider a longer battery life to reduce frequent recharges.

Key points

Cabled hair clippers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse.
Keep your hair clipper unplugged when not in use.
Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.
Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying a hair clipper

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure cabled clippers are fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug.
You will find lots of online reviews of hair clippers but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Safety features can include stainless steel or ceramic blades which are less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation, rounded blade tips to protect the skin from nicks and cuts, adjustable blade settings, and a low-vibration motor.
Register your hair clipper so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a hair clipper safely

Only charge the hair clipper with the adaptors supplied.
Make sure you keep the hair clipper, adapters, plug and cable dry.
Check the voltage on the adaptor corresponds to the local mains voltage before you plug it in.
Once you’ve finished using the hair clipper, unplug it.
Don’t submerge the hair clipper or adaptor in water, or under running water. If it falls into water, unplug it first before removing.
If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, or any cracks or damage, unplug the hair clipper immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your hair clipper with the manufacturer.
Charge a hair clipper only with the adapter provided.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Submerging the hair clipper or adapter in water.
Leaving a hair clipper plugged in after use.
Using a hair clipper if you notice any damage or sparks.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Woman drying her hair with a hair dryer.

Additional info

Hair clipper oil is important for preventing the blades from corroding and from overheating, ensuring they'll last longer.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using hair clipper oil, but usually it is applying the oil directly onto the blades after wiping them, then turn on the motor for a few seconds.

Hair clippers