Hair Clippers And Trimmers
Twenty years of CPSC NEISS emergency-room records for this consumer product category, combined with demographic breakdowns, multi-year injury trends, and matching recall notices.
Personal Care & Safety Products · CPSC Code 1683
Down 16% over 5 years
The verdict
Hair Clippers And Trimmers carry a danger score of 31/100 (low risk), driven by roughly 1,410 ER-treated injuries a year that are declining by about 16% over the last five years.
- 31/100
- danger score (low risk)
- 1,410
- ER visits per year (avg)
- 2.0%
- end in hospital admission
- 25-34
- most-injured age group
Every figure is rendered from the CPSC NEISS record for product code 1683 - last data year 2024.
PlainSafety danger score
How this 31/100 score is built
The score is computed from four CPSC-derived factors for hair clippers and trimmers - no opinion, no editorializing:
- Injury volume1,410 ER visits/yr
- Severity (hospitalization rate)2.0%
- Fatality rate0.00%
- 5-year trend-16%
See the full methodology for the exact weighting of each factor.
What the CPSC Data Shows
Hair Clippers And Trimmers (CPSC product code 1683, in the Personal Care & Safety Products category) generate an estimated 1,410 emergency-room visits every year in the United States, adding up to roughly 28,192 ER-treated injuries across the 20-year span from 2005 to 2024. PlainSafety derives a danger score of 31/100 for this category (low risk), combining raw injury volume, demographic reach, severity of outcome, and multi-year trend. The five-year trajectory shows that injury counts are declining by about 16% over the last five years, with the busiest year on record being 2018 (2,446 estimated ER visits) and the quietest 2006 (565 estimated visits).
The single most common ER diagnosis for hair clippers and trimmers is other to the head, accounting for approximately 2,647 visits across the 20-year NEISS window, followed by other to the face (2,538 cases). The 25-34 age group absorbs the largest share of injuries, about 5,591 cases over the NEISS window, and males appear slightly more often than the opposite sex in that cohort. Severity outcomes from the NEISS disposition field show that 2.0% of ER visits involving this product end in hospital admission or transfer.
Beyond the hospital-sampled NEISS projections, this page also aggregates 36 consumer incident reports filed directly on SaferProducts.gov, plus 20 anonymized ER narratives - together forming a layered picture of how hair clippers and trimmers fail in real households. Every figure on this page comes from CPSC-published data: NEISS projects national estimates from a probability sample of about 100 U.S. hospital emergency departments, while SaferProducts.gov collects voluntary reports from consumers, manufacturers, and clinicians. The danger score, trend indicators, and demographic breakdowns update automatically when CPSC releases a new yearly NEISS file, which is why this page is dated 2024-12-31. For regulatory context, consult CPSC recall notices and the SaferProducts.gov public database linked below.
Annual Injury Estimates (2005–2024)
Source: CPSC NEISS national estimates CPSC NEISS national estimates Injuries represent ER-treated cases only
Who Gets Injured?
| Age Group | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | 1,507 | 693 | |
| 5-14 | 1,980 | 328 | |
| 15-24 | 2,602 | 736 | |
| 25-34 | 4,845 | 746 | |
| 35-44 | 4,195 | 718 | |
| 45-54 | 3,012 | 896 | |
| 55-64 | 1,816 | 742 | |
| 65-74 | 1,810 | 332 | |
| 75+ | 914 | 315 |
Most Common Injuries
| Body Part | Diagnosis | Est. Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Other | |
| Face | Other | |
| Finger | Laceration | |
| Ear | Laceration | |
| Head | Derma/conjunct | |
| Neck | Derma/conjunct | |
| Face | Laceration | |
| Pubic Region | Laceration | |
| Neck | Other | |
| Head | Contusions, Abr. | |
| Face | Contusions, Abr. | |
| Upper Trunk | Other | |
| Toe | Laceration | |
| Pubic Region | Other | |
| Hand | Laceration |
Severity Breakdown
ER Visit Narratives
Real anonymized emergency room reports from the CPSC NEISS database.
67YOM CUT THE TIP OF HIS LEFT MIDDLE FINGER ON A TRIMMER AT HOME. DX: LACERATION OF LEFT MIDDLE FINGER
48YOM USING FACIAL CLIPPERS ON FACE AND C/O ABSCESS INCREASING IN SIZE ON FACE. SEEN AT URGENT CAREDX FACIAL ABSCESS
43 YOM USED CLIPPERS TO SHAVE FACE DEVELOPED A RASH ON FACE DX FOCILUTIS FACE
2YOM MOM WAS CUTTING HIS HAIR WHEN THE PATIENT TURNED HIS HEAD AND MOM ACCIDENTLY CUT THE BUTTOM OF HIS EARLOBE DX: LACERATION OF LEFT EAR
38YOM C/O ABSCESS. PATIENT HAS BEEN SHAVING PUBIC AREA WITH CLIPPERS. NOW WITH INGROWN HAIR AND ABSCESS. DX: CUTANEOUS ABSCESS OF GROIN
31 YOM WITH BOILS TO HIS FACE AFTER GETTING HIS HAIR CUT WITH CLIPPERS 4 DAYS PTA. DX ABSCESS
54 YOF WAS TRIMMING HER PUBIC HAIR TODAY AND CUT AN INCH TO THE RIGHT OF HER LOWER RIGHT LABIA MAJORA. DX PUNCTURE WOUND
34YOM P/W AFTER BEING STRUCK W/ ELECTRIC HAIR CLIPPERS TO HAND, C/O HAND PAIN, DX:ABRASION OF HAND, HAND PAIN, SHOULDER JOINT PAIN
75YOM WAS TRIMMING NOSE HAIR AND GOT NOSE BLEED PT LEFT ED DX: EPISTAXIS
3YOM WAS GETTING A HAIRCUT FROM HIS DAD WITH HAIR CLIPPERS AND SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO RIGHT EAR DX: LACERATION TO EAR
39 YOM LIVING IN A HALF-WAY HOUSE USED ANOTHER PERSON'S BEARD TRIMMER AND CLIPPED HIS RIGHT EARLOBE. NOW WITH REDNESS AND SWELLING DX CELLULITIS OF RIGHT EARLOBE
37 YOM STATES HE THINKS HE HAS AN ABSCESS THAT DEVELOPED AFTER CUTTING HIS HAIR WITH CLIPPERS RECENTLY. DX: SCALP ABSCESS
Consumer Incident Reports
Reports filed by consumers on SaferProducts.gov.
I bought a product called Manscaped, I thought it would be safe because of safety features like guards and a plastic cutting blade!
While using the Conair Girlbomb Nose Hair Trimmer following product instructions, the skin inside my right nostril was cut, causing pain and bleeding for several minutes. The product claims to trim nose hair without "nicks, or cuts."
On 09/02/2018 I purchased a new product called the Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Removal. This product indicated it was safe for use on eyebrows. After using this product my eyes began swell shut and abrasions were present. I sought emergency care at the hospital and was discharged with medications.
I made a purchase $2.99 on 08/26/2024 From "BLADEVIP.COM" for a hair trimmer. I received the item on 09/03/2024 When I opened the product, added a battery, and began to use it, I noticed that it was not doing what it was supposed to do. Instead of trimming hair, it was just pulling hair (quite painfully)! I had to stop before blood was drawn! I also noticed that with the slightest pressure on the device, the motor would slightly "give-out" (weak motor). When I contacted the seller via email, I had noticed on the bottom of their webpage that they state they have a no return policy within 30 days if the product has been "used". There would be NO way for me to KNOW if the product works, without at least being "used" once. It is a battery operated hair trimmer. I sent an email stating that it did not do what it was supposed to do. It was just painful, and I mentioned how upset I was that there was a no return policy if the item was "used". THEIR EMAIL REST WAS: "Hi [REDACTED], Unfortunately, you've used the item and acknowledged that it's non-returnable. If you proceed with a chargeback, we will dispute it. Best, [REDACTED] - Blade VIP"
I used a Wahl nose hair clipper. Model No 5546S/.The guard came of the blades and cut the inside of my nose and the skin adjacent to my nostril as I removed the device. I have no permanent injury. You should be aware of this incident
06/15/2017 (Approximate) - The consumer indicates that he had just turned on the hair removal system when a few seconds later sparks shot out about six inches. The consumer instinctively dropped the unit to the floor. The consumer unplugged the device from the wall, noticing that smoke was coming out of it; burn marks were also evident. 07/05/2017 (Approximate) - The consumer contacted the Manufacturer and explained the situation. The representative he spoke to informed him that the warranty does not cover the retailer he purchased it at so there was no assistance they could provide. The consumer indicates that the product was used, on average, two to four times per month for approximately ten minutes each use prior to the day of the incident. The consumer plans on keeping his hair removal system for at least the next thirty days in case an investigation ensues.
CONAIR 15 piece pro style kit Model HC242T shorted out when in use due to the wiring cracking open near the base. It set a spark flying which put a small hole/burn in my shirt but did not result in personal injury.
A battery powered hair trimmer (Wahl Professional 5 Star Series Magic Clip Cordless Hair Clipper) had spontaneously turned on and could not be turned off. The unit reached high operating temperature raising concern of overheating and fire.
Showing 8 of 36 reports.
Product Recalls
Search for active and past recalls related to hair clippers and trimmers on the CPSC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous are hair clippers and trimmers?
Based on 20 years of CPSC data, hair clippers and trimmers have a danger score of 31/100 (low risk). An estimated 1,410 ER-treated injuries occur annually in the U.S. related to this product category.
What are the most common injuries from hair clippers and trimmers?
The most common injury is other to the head, accounting for approximately 2,647 injuries over 20 years.
Are injuries from hair clippers and trimmers increasing or decreasing?
Down 16% over 5 years.
Who is most at risk for hair clippers and trimmers injuries?
The 25-34 age group accounts for the most injuries, with approximately 5,591 cases recorded over 20 years. Males are more frequently injured in this age group.
What happens when someone is injured by hair clippers and trimmers?
Of all ER visits involving hair clippers and trimmers, approximately 2.0% result in hospital admission. The majority of patients (98.0%) are treated and released from the emergency department.
How can I report a safety problem with hair clippers and trimmers?
You can file a consumer incident report at SaferProducts.gov, the official CPSC reporting portal. Reports help the CPSC identify emerging hazards and trigger investigations or recalls. You can also call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772.
Related Products in Personal Care & Safety Products
Safety Guides
What this means for you
Treat the 31/100 score as relative risk between products, not your personal odds of injury.
- See where this category ranks against every other tracked product. Full rankings
- Injuries cluster in the 25-34 age group, take extra care if that describes your household.
- Check for active recalls on this product before you assume it is safe. CPSC recalls
NEISS estimates ER-treated injuries from a national probability sample of hospitals; they do not capture injuries treated elsewhere or not treated at all.
Data: CPSC National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) 2005–2024 and SaferProducts.gov consumer incident reports. Injury estimates are based on a nationally representative probability sample of U.S. hospital emergency departments. This page is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the CPSC.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, scored, and verified.