Using a comb as a guide for haircutting.

How to Use the Clipper-Over-Comb Technique

Using a comb as a haircutting guide is another technique you can use when cutting your own hair or someone else's. It is similar to the clipper-over-fingers technique, except you use a comb instead of your fingers to cut hair to your desired length.

Steps for Using a Comb as a Haircutting Guide

  • 1

    With the bristles of the comb up, comb the hair upward from the back or toward you from the front, and stop before the hair leaves the comb.

  • 2

    Run the clipper across the comb to cut the hair to the desired length.

What to use

Elite Pro™ High Performance Hair Clipper Kit

Elite Pro™ High Performance Hair Clipper Kit

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Lithium Pro® Hair Clipper and Trimmer Kit

Lithium Pro® Hair Clipper and Trimmer Kit

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Deluxe Chrome Pro® Haircutting Kit with Trimmer

Deluxe Chrome Pro® Haircutting Kit with Trimmer

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Color Pro® Hair Clipper Kit 79300-1001

Color Pro® Hair Clipper Kit 79300-1001

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Clip 'N Trim® Hair Clipper with Built-in Trimmer

Clip 'N Trim® Hair Clipper with Built-in Trimmer

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More Haircut 101 Tips

Use Your Fingers as a Guide

Someone using their fingers as a haircutting guide on the side and front of a man's head.

For longer hair lengths, you can use your fingers to lift the hair to the desired length away from the head. Use the clipper to cut the hair along the fingers.

Someone using their fingers as a haircutting guide on the top of a man's head.

As you continue, be sure to include a small amount of the previously cut hair as a guide to help you maintain the same length.

Related Videos

How to Use Your Fingers as Guides with Hair Clippers

Clipper-Over-Fingers

For longer hair lengths, you can use your fingers to lift the hair to the desired length away from the head.