Manual hair clippers are hair clippers operated by hand power rather than by electric power. Several types of manual hair trimmers, beard shapers, and adjustable razors exist in a large variety of shapes and sizes, though manual clippers tend to look like scissors, with handles that squeeze together, but with a head that looks like the head of electric clippers. Squeezing the handles causes the blades to move in a similar, though slower, quieter, and more controllable, way to electric clippers. Many of the attachments that electric hair clippers use to trim hair at varying lengths and shape beards are also available for manual clippers. While the lack of motor makes trimming hair a slower process than with electric clippers, manual hair clippers offer several advantages, such as the freedom to move around instead of being tied to an electric outlet with a cord for electric clippers.
Since manual hair clippers do not require an electrical cord, outlet, or battery, they are often an ideal choice for individuals who go on extended camping trips or are frequently in areas where electric hair clippers would be impractical. Environmentally friendly individuals also often prefer manual hair clippers over electric ones. Manual clippers don't require electric energy.
Grooming children and pets is often easier with manual hair clippers than it is with the electric kind. The loud whir of the motor and the feeling of the vibration in electric hair clippers often frightens young children and pets enough that they will not sit still long enough to receive an even trim. Using manual hair clippers, which lack a motor and therefore do not make a loud noise or vibrate when operating, typically does not cause as much fear. Some users also find that the nearly silent operation is preferable simply because the loud, persistent noise of electric hair clippers can get annoying and disturb other family members.
The comb attachments that connect to the head of the clippers control how close to the skin the clippers cut. This in turn determines the length of the hair that is left behind. Clippers that offer a wide variety of attachment sizes may be helpful for individuals who will need to cut hair into multiple styles and lengths. They are also useful for those who may be unfamiliar with hair cutting and would like to experiment with different lengths.