Wahl Hair Clipper User Manual
Tips & Techniques for Hair Cutting
To achieve professional-looking results when cutting hair, visualize the head as divided into four sections. Proper techniques when moving between sections will help blend them together.
Head Sections for Cutting
The head is divided into four sections for cutting:
- The neckline
- Under the rim of the head
- The rim or side
- Top of the head
Step-by-Step Guide for Cutting Hair
- Comb hair and remove tangles. Attach the largest guard to the clipper.
- Start at the hairline on the side of the head and cut up to the middle of the head. If the cut hair is too long, repeat with the next smaller guard.
- Continue around the head, repeating step 2.
- Prepare to cut the middle portion of the hair.
- Use the attachment guard with the next highest number than in step 3 (e.g., if #6 was used, select #7).
- Continue cutting around the middle portion of the head as in steps 2 and 3.
- For cutting the top of the head, use the attachment guard with the next highest number than in step 6. Start at the front bang area.
- Cut across the top of the head. Comb hair on the entire head to assess if further cutting is necessary.
Important Notes:
- The first time you cut hair, cut only a small amount until you become accustomed to the length each attachment guard provides.
- For best results, hair should be dry before using the clipper.
- Go through the hair at a slow, even speed; do not force the clipper.
- For best results, cut against the direction of hair growth to catch more hair with the guard.
- The blades should be oiled every few haircuts.
Blending Techniques
To blend from one section to the next, practice moving the clipper in an upward rocking motion. This leaves the hair slightly longer where the clipper pulls away from the scalp, enabling a smooth transition between lengths.
- Blend out any cut lines that may form where guard sizes change. Use the same guard used in step 3.
- Using a rocking motion, blend out the middle cut line.
- Using the guard from step 8, repeat blending the top outline as needed.
Detailing / Outlining
- Start with the sideburns. No attachments are needed.
- Continue around the ear as shown.
- Trim the neckline as shown. Use the clipper or a battery trimmer (not all kits include a trimmer).
Clipper Models and Parts
Various Wahl clipper models are supported, including:
- Models MC, MC2, CNT2-M SC, SC2 (No taper lever)
- Model MC3
- Model PVCM
- Model 79610
- Model 79050
Key parts of the clippers typically include:
- Blades
- Detachable Blades (for 79610)
- Taper Lever (on applicable models)
- Cord
- On/Off Switch
- Power Screw
Model numbers can be found on the underside of the clipper.
Clipper Maintenance
Oiling Blades
Blades should be oiled every few haircuts. Turn the clipper ON ('I'), hold with blades facing DOWN, and apply three drops across the front of the blade and one drop on each side at the heel. Wipe off excess oil with a soft cloth. Do not over-oil, as excessive oil can damage the motor. Do not use hair oil, grease, or solvents.
Detachable Blades (79610 Clippers Only)
- Removing Blades: Ensure the on/off switch is OFF ('0'). Hold the clipper with both hands. Using thumbs, push the blades away from the front of the clipper. The blade set will come off in one piece.
- Attaching Blades: Ensure the on/off switch is OFF ('0'). Place the blade at an angle, fitting the bottom portion into the clipper. Ensure the outer white clips of the blade set sit just below the metal clips inside the clipper. Center the blade. While holding the bottom, push the blade onto the clipper with your thumb until it 'snaps' into place. Do not use excessive force.
- Cleaning Blades: Use the provided cleaning brush(es) to remove hair from between the blades. Do NOT use water to clean the blades. After brushing, apply Wahl clipper oil to the blades for best results.
Taper Lever (MC, MC2, CNT2-M, MC3, PVCM, 79050 Clippers Only)
The taper lever adds versatility, allowing gradual changes in cut closeness for blending and fading. Lever 'Up' Position = Closest Cut; Lever 'Down' Position = Longest Cut. Move the lever up and down to help free jammed blades.
Cord / Plug
Do not use the cord to pull the clipper. Keep the cord untwisted and unobstructed. The clipper has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) for reduced shock risk; it fits a polarized outlet one way. Reverse the plug if it doesn't fit fully. Do not alter the plug.
Adjusting Power Screw (for Noise Reduction or Maximum Power)
To Reduce Noise (Excessive Clattering): Turn clipper ON. Use the end of the detail cleaning brush or a screwdriver to turn the power screw COUNTER CLOCKWISE until clatter stops.
For Maximum Power Setting: Turn clipper ON. Turn power screw CLOCKWISE until clattering noise begins. Then, turn the screw COUNTER CLOCKWISE at least 1/4 turn until the clattering stops.
Aligning Clipper Blades
Wahl clipper blades are oiled and aligned at the factory. Realignment may be needed if blades are bumped or removed for cleaning. To check alignment:
- If your clipper has a taper lever, set it to the closest cut (up) position.
- The end of the top blade's teeth should be approximately 1/32-inch (0.64 mm) back from the bottom blade.
- The extreme left-hand tooth of the top blade must cover or be to the left of the first small tooth of the bottom blade.
- The extreme right-hand tooth of the top blade must touch the big tooth on the bottom blade.
If alignment is incorrect, add a few drops of Wahl Clipper Oil, turn the clipper ON briefly, then OFF and unplug. Loosen screws slightly, adjust blades, and tighten screws. Other than blades, clippers have no user-serviceable parts.
Built-in Trimmer (CNT2-M Clipper Only)
Convert to a Trimmer:
- Open the detail trimmer by unsnapping the lid (Fig 1).
- Guide the detail trimmer lid over the clipper blade, like adding a guard. The clipper blade must be positioned between the trimmer lid and detail trimmer guide fingers (Fig 2).
- Press down on the top center of the detail trimmer lid to snap it onto the clipper blade (Fig 3). Do not push on the detail trimmer blade itself.
Convert Back to a Clipper:
- Unsnap the detail trimmer lid by lifting the back of the lid (Fig 4). Lift the lid around the detail clipper blade.
- Close the detail trimmer by tucking the detail trimmer blade down starting on the top side (Fig 5).
- Snap into place by pressing down on the top center of the detail trimmer lid (Fig 6).
If the detail trimmer is exposed to excessive force (like dropping), it is designed to pop off rather than break. To re-attach, simply snap the detail trimmer arm back into place (Fig 7).
Easy-to-Use Attachment Guards
Attachment guards help cut hair to a desired length by keeping blades at a set distance from the skin, ensuring an even hair length. Each guard is numbered and indicates the resulting hair length.
Always start with a longer length guard; you can always use a shorter one if needed. For even 'tapered' cuts around the ears, use the LEFT and RIGHT tapered attachment guards. For eyebrow hair, use the BROW trim attachment guard.
Before adding or removing guards, ensure the on/off switch is OFF ('0'). Not all kits include all guard types.
Adding Guards:
Hold the guard at a slight angle and place it onto the clipper so the blade tips rest into the guard's slots. Push down on the guard where the size number is located until it 'SNAPS' into place (Fig A, Fig B).
Removing Guards:
Hold the top of the attachment guard. Place your thumb on the underside of the attachment guard tab. Push up on the tab to remove the guard from the clipper (Fig C).
Standard and Elite Guards:
Your kit will include either 'Standard' or 'Elite' attachment guards. Colors may vary.
Specialty Attachment Guards:
- Ear Taper Guards: The cutting length ranges from 3/16" (#1-1/2) to 1/4" (#4).
- Right Ear: Attach the 'R' guard. Starting BEHIND the right ear (shorter guard fingers closest to ear), move clipper upward and around towards the front side of the ear, repeating as necessary (Fig A). Keep 'R' guard on. Starting on the FRONT of the left ear (shorter guard fingers closest to ear), move clipper upward and around towards the back side of the ear, repeating as necessary (Fig B).
- Left Ear: Remove 'R' guard, attach 'L' guard. Starting BEHIND the left ear (shorter guard fingers closest to ear), move clipper upward and around towards the front side of the ear, repeating as necessary (Fig C). Keep 'L' guard on. Starting on the FRONT of the right ear (shorter guard fingers closest to ear), move clipper upward and around towards the back side of the ear, repeating as necessary (Fig D).
- Brow Trim Guards: Attach the BROW guard. For longer cut length, start just above the nose and guide clipper slowly outward. For shorter cut length, start from the outside of the face and guide clipper slowly inward.
Warranty Information
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (Valid in U.S.A. Only)
If your Wahl product fails to operate satisfactorily within five (5) years from the date of original purchase or receipt as a gift, Wahl will, at its option, repair or replace the product and return it free of charge.
ELITE PRO / PRO SERIES / LIFEPROOF PRO CLIPPERS ONLY LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY (EXCLUDES BLADES) (Valid in U.S.A. Only)
If your Wahl product fails to operate satisfactorily, Wahl will, at its option, repair or replace the product and return it free of charge.
REFURBISHED CLIPPERS (Valid in U.S.A. Only)
If your Wahl product fails to operate satisfactorily within 90 days from the date of original purchase or receipt as a gift, Wahl will, at its option, repair or replace the product and return it free of charge.
How to Get Warranty Service
Do not return the product to the store where purchased. Products needing repair under warranty should be returned with postage prepaid to:
Wahl Clipper Corp.
Attn: Repair Department
3001 Locust Street
Sterling, Illinois 61081
Or, call 1-800-767-9245 for assistance. When mailing, include a note describing the defect and the date of original purchase or receipt as a gift. Products out of warranty will be repaired at standard repair charges.
What This Warranty Does Not Cover
This warranty does not cover products damaged by:
- Modification or repair by anyone other than Wahl Clipper Corporation or a Wahl authorized service center.
- Commercial (non-consumer) use or unreasonable use.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. No other written express warranty is given. No responsibility is assumed for incidental or consequential damages of any type or for the use of unauthorized attachments. Some states may not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the limitation may not apply to you. Warranty valid in U.S.A. only. Outside U.S.A., check with store for Wahl authorized distributor's warranty.
Customer Support
- Website: wahlUSA.com
- Email: help@wahlclipper.com
- Phone: 1-800-767-9245
- Social Media: @WAHLGROOMING
Find How-To Info, Clipper Replacement Parts & Accessories, and Digital Copies of Instruction Books on the Wahl website.