Introduction
If you’re dog grooming on your own, it’s likely that you’ll be using a set of clippers. But do you know the difference between human and dog clippers? What about the differences in blades?
Let’s take a look at some common questions about these tools.
I bought a dog clipper that is labeled "not for use on humans." Is it okay for me to use on my head?
Dog clippers are designed for dogs, so they’re not intended to be used on people. Hair grows differently in both species, with human hair being thinner and more delicate than a dog’s fur. Additionally, many dogs have double coats (an inner layer of soft undercoat beneath an outer layer of coarser guard hair), which means that the blades need to work harder to cut through the different types of fur while still keeping them rounded at the tips.
Should I use dog clippers to cut my human hair?
No. It’s important to remember that dog clippers are designed to work on a dog’s coat, not yours. The blades on these clippers are much longer and more powerful than those of human hair clippers, which makes them less suitable for use on human heads or scalps. In addition to increasing the risk of injury (the last thing you want when you’re trying to trim your own hair), using the wrong tool can make it difficult for you to get a good cut – you want to look like you have had a haircut, not been attacked by an over zealous pair of hair clippers!
What are the differences between human clippers and dog clippers?
Dog clippers are made for dogs and human clippers are made for humans, but there’s more to it than that. The blades in a dog clipper are different from the blades used in a human hair trimmer. The motors are different, too—very powerful and designed to cut through thick coats of fur. Dog trimmers also come with longer blades than their counterparts because they need to reach down past thick collars and undercoats to get all the way down to skin level.
Dog-specific motor speeds are faster than those used on human hair trimmers. These motors run quieter, too! Which is another reason you must never use human hair clippers on your pet pup.
Specifically, what are the differences in blades?
The biggest difference between dog clippers and human clippers is their blade size. Dog blades are wider but they’re also more powerful and capable of cutting through thicker coats with ease. The wider blades make it easier for you to see what’s going on under your hand as you cut the fur off your furry friend’s backside.
Additionally, since humans have less hair than dogs do, human clippers tend to be lighter than those designed specifically for dogs. This makes them easier to hold in one hand while using the other hand to hold down your pet’s skin before making a cut.
Takeaway: Dog clippers are different from human clippers, but you can always ask a vet or a groomer for advice.
If you’re looking for a new pair of clippers, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure the clippers are designed for use on dogs. Not only will the wrong ones cause pain and discomfort for your dog, but they could also lead to injury if used incorrectly. Not sure which set is for you? Check out our dog clippers roundup!
Secondly, if you’re looking at buying human clippers because they’re cheaper, think again: They won’t work on dogs’ coats as well as their canine counterparts. For example, most human models aren’t equipped with guards and combs that allow you to adjust the length of your cut and just from a health and safety point of view, stick to using dog specific clippers on your pet pooch!
