Remember when we only had one type of clipper guard?

Back when I started at the shop on Main Street, the owner gave me a choice: learn to fade with just a basic adjustable clipper or spend my first two paychecks on a full set of detachable blades. I went with the basic clipper, and for six months, my fades were rough. It forced me to really learn pressure and angle, though. Anyone else start with limited tools and feel like it made you better in the long run?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sam1mo ago

My buddy's first barber gig was in a tiny shop that only had two pairs of clippers total. He had to do everything, skin fades included, with just a basic set of guards that came in the box. Said it was super frustrating for the first year, but now he can do a crisp fade with almost any clipper you hand him. That rough start definitely built his skills from the ground up.

stellanelson1mo ago

Wait only two pairs of clippers for the whole shop? I mean that sounds impossible to run a business. I guess it really forces you to learn though, but man that's rough.

rileym9629d ago

Seriously? I'm with @stellanelson... it's just clippers, not brain surgery.