Here's a step-by-step guide to cutting men's hair with hair clippers:

1. Pre-Cut Preparation
Wash & Dry Hair: Start with clean, completely dry hair. Damp hair clogs blades and causes uneven cuts.
Brush Thoroughly: Remove tangles and lift hair upward to see natural growth patterns.
Gather Tools: Clippers, guard combs (#1–#8), fine trimmer, spray bottle (water), comb, clipper oil, cape/towel.

2. Clipper Setup
Oil Blades: Apply 2 drops of clipper oil to the blade teeth. Run clippers for 10 seconds to distribute oil.
Attach Guard Comb: Begin with a longer guard (#4 or #6) for the top/sides. Reserve shorter guards (#1–#3) for fades/nape.

3. Cutting Technique (Follow Order)
Step A: Bulk Removal
Sides/Back: Hold clippers flat against the head. Move upward from the bottom hairline to the parietal ridge (where head curves). Use medium pressure.
Top: Switch to a longer guard (#6–#8). Cut against growth direction for volume, or with growth for texture.
Step B: Fading (If Applicable)
Start Shortest at Bottom: Use #1 guard at the nape. Cut a 1-inch horizontal strip.
Blend Upward: Switch to #2 guard directly above the #1 section, overlapping slightly. Repeat with #3 guard higher up.
Remove Guard for Taper: At the hairline, use blade-only (no guard) for a skin* (no guard) for a skin fade. Angle clippers 45° away from the skin.
Step C: Top Refinement
Scissor-Over-Comb (Optional): For precise length, lift hair sections with a comb and trim excess with scissors above the comb teeth.
Texture with Thinning Shears: Reduce bulk on thick hair by "point cutting" (snip vertically into ends).

4. Detail Work
Edges & Neckline: Use a trimmer (not clippers) for sharp lines:
Sideburns: Align with ear middle.
Neckline: Place two fingers above the Adam's apple—cut horizontally across.
Around Ears: Fold ear down gently; trim stray hairs with trimmer.

5. Post-Cut Checks
Inspect Evenness: Use a hand mirror to check the back. Look for uneven patches or missed spots.
Blend Transitions: If fade lines are harsh, run a #1.5 guard lightly over the boundary.
Final Cleanup: Remove cape and brush off loose hairs. Apply alcohol to a cotton pad to wipe hairline/neck.