Tried using a clipper-over-comb method on a client with thick curly hair - got a choppy mess instead of a smooth blend

She wanted a short fade on the sides with length on top, so I went in with my clippers and a fine-tooth comb, thinking I could finesse it. After about 15 minutes of work, the blend looked uneven with random longer patches that stuck out like sore thumbs. I ended up having to switch to my guards and start over from a #3 guard down to a #1 to fix the lines. Has anyone else found clipper-over-comb works better on straight hair or is this just a skill issue on my part?

2 comments

2 Comments

jamiesingh23h ago

Honestly I feel this in my soul. I tried clipper over comb on a guy with thick curly hair once and it was like the clippers just wanted to fight me the whole time. The comb kept snagging and the hair would bunch up between the teeth so I couldn't even see where I was cutting. Ngl I ended up with these weird little random patches that looked like I gave him a haircut in the dark with a blindfold on. I had to do the same thing you did and just start over with guards to fix it. Tbh I think straight hair is way easier for that method because it lays flat and doesn't bunch up weird. It's not just you man that stuff is tricky.

karenm4915h ago

And @jamiesingh hit the nail on the head about straight hair being easier. The curl clumps and shrinkage mess with your depth perception big time. I think the method just doesn't give you enough control when the hair wants to spring back and hide.