I just changed how I hold my clippers for fades and it feels way better

For years I held my clippers with my thumb on the side, like I was taught in barber school. My hand would cramp up after a few cuts. About two months ago, I saw an older barber in Chicago using a different grip, with his thumb on the back of the clipper body. I tried it on my next client and the control was instantly smoother, especially around the curve of the head. My wrist doesn't ache at the end of the day now. Has anyone else switched up their grip and noticed a big difference?

3 comments

3 Comments

foster.wade8d ago

If your grip is causing pain, it is worth trying a few different holds until something clicks. I switched to a palm grip years ago for the same reason and it took a couple weeks to feel natural but my hand stopped hurting completely. Stick with a new hold through the awkward phase before deciding if it works or not.

foster.wade1mo ago

Ever think the way you learned was the only way? I was stubborn about my grip too until a similar switch fixed my wrist pain for good.

troy9961mo ago

My old guitar teacher drilled a specific pick hold into me for years. I had the same wrist pain until I saw a video last month and changed my grip completely. It's wild how one small fix can make such a big difference, just like you said, @foster.wade. Makes you question all the other basics you never thought to change.