Why does my clipper pull on my hair? – The 7 biggest causes (and how to fix it)

A clipper should glide smoothly through your hair or beard. But if it suddenly starts pulling, scraping, or even pulling out hair instead of cutting it, a quick trim quickly turns into a frustrating and painful experience. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to fix. In this blog, you will discover the 7 most common reasons why your clipper pulls on your hair, and what you can do about it.

1. The blades are dull or worn out

By far the most common cause: dull blades. The sharper the blades, the more efficiently the clipper cuts. When the blades lose their sharpness, they pull on the hairs before cutting them. This is especially annoying with thicker or curly hair.

How do you recognize this?

• The clipper hesitates or skips hairs.

• You feel pulling or scraping while shaving.

• The shaving results are uneven or messy.

Solution:

• Use a clipper with self-sharpening blades (such as the Revahs models).

• Have the blades sharpened regularly (if possible) or replace them in time.

• Never cut dry or dirty hair – that accelerates wear.

2. Too little oil or incorrect maintenance

A dry clipper performs poorly. Without lubrication, friction occurs between the blades, leading to jerky movements and pulling on the hairs. Moreover, the blades wear out faster.

What can you do?

• Apply a drop of clipper oil to the blades after every 1-2 uses.

• Turn the clipper on briefly to distribute the oil evenly.

• Clean the cutting head regularly with the brush (and never with water unless the clipper is waterproof).

Extra tip: Never use regular household oil or WD-40 – these are not suitable for precision parts and can cause damage.

3. The attachment comb is incorrectly placed or damaged

Attachment combs are handy for setting the right length, but if they don’t click properly or are damaged, they pull on the hair instead of guiding it neatly to the blades.

Symptoms:

• Hairs get caught on the edge of the comb.

• You hear a rustling or scraping sound.

What can you do?

• Check if the comb clicks firmly onto the clipper.

• Replace damaged or bent attachment combs.

• Do not use the comb if you want a very short cut – then cut without an attachment.

4. You trim with an empty or nearly empty battery

A clipper with a weak battery loses power. As a result, the blades move slower and can no longer cut hairs efficiently. Consequence: pulling, snagging, or even hair loss due to pulling out.

How do you fix this?

• Always fully charge the clipper before use.

• Preferably use a model with an RPM indicator or battery status display (such as the Revahs Clipper One).

• Consider a wired clipper or a model that also works with a cord for continuous power.

5. Hair that is too long, thick, or curly without preparation

A clipper is not always designed to go through a full head of hair at once – especially if the hair is thick, long, or curly. This causes friction, and the hairs can get stuck between the blades.

Solution:

• Comb the hair out well first.

• Optionally use scissors to roughly shorten the hair first.

• Work in slow, controlled movements – do not force anything.

Pro tip: Trim long hair first with a long attachment comb, then gradually go shorter.

6. The clipper is clogged with hair or dirt

Built-up hair residues or dirt in the cutting head prevent the blades from moving properly. This causes jerky movements and pulling behavior.

What can you do?

• Clean the blades with the supplied brush after each use.

• Remove attachment combs and tap them out.

• For waterproof models, you can carefully rinse the head under the tap (consult the manual!).

• Let the device dry completely before using it again.

7. Incorrect technique or shaving direction

Sometimes the problem is not with the clipper, but with how you use it. Shaving against the hair direction is often more effective, but if you work too fast, at an angle, or with too much pressure, you unintentionally pull on the hairs.

Technique tips:

• Always shave slowly and with light, even pressure.

• Move the clipper against the hair direction for the best result.

• Keep the skin taut with your free hand – this prevents hairs from lying flat.

Bonus: When is it time for a new clipper?

If you have tried everything above and your clipper still pulls, it may be time to replace it. When buying a new clipper, look for:

• Self-sharpening ceramic blades

• A powerful motor (at least 7000 RPM)

• Wireless use with sufficient battery life (min. 180 min)

• Ease of maintenance (waterproof or easy-to-clean head)

Models such as the Revahs Clipper One PRO or Clipper Two PRO are specially designed for this: powerful, durable, and with attention to user comfort.

Conclusion

A clipper that pulls on your hair can be caused by dull blades, poor maintenance, an empty battery, or simply incorrect technique. Fortunately, most problems are easy to fix with some knowledge and care. A good clipper does its job effortlessly – without pain or frustration.

Do you want to never have hair pulling again? Take good care of maintenance, invest in quality, and use the right technique. This way, shaving remains comfortable and professional.