CPSC NEISS · code 1683

Hair Clippers And Trimmers

Hair Clippers And Trimmers: danger rank #622 of 838 is not ER-volume rank #481 of 838 (1,410 estimated ER visits a year; declining by about 16% over the last five years).

Personal Care & Safety Products CPSC NEISS through 2024

Danger score versus ER volume

Danger score versus ER volume

According to CPSC NEISS 2005-2024, Hair Clippers And Trimmers ranks #622 of 838 by danger score (31/100) at ER-volume #481 of 838 (1,410/yr). They are not the same ranking.

#622
danger rank of 838
#481
ER-volume rank of 838
31/100
danger score
1,410/yr
estimated ER visits (avg)

Danger score combines injury volume, hospitalization, fatality, and five-year trend. ER volume is the average annual NEISS estimate alone. Rank 1 is highest on each list.

Where this category's danger score sits nationally

Danger score (31/100) across 838 scored CPSC product categories

31 Lower than most lower than 74% of 838 product categories

scored CPSC product categories, bucketed by value

Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more product categories. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source CPSC NEISS, PlainSafety danger-score model · 2024

Composite verdict

Composite Safety Score: 36/100

One verdict blending 4 independently-sourced dimensions from two separate CPSC systems, each benchmarked against all 838 scored product categories by percentile rather than raw value, so no single huge-volume category can dominate the scale.

B
Dimension Value National percentile Weight applied Source
Injury severity (hospitalization + fatality blend) 2 14th 35% CPSC NEISS 20-year severity index
Annual ER injury volume 1,410 39th 30% CPSC NEISS estimated annual ER-treated injuries
5-year injury trend -16% 42nd 15% CPSC NEISS 5-year % change in ER-treated injuries
Consumer incident reports 36 65th 20% CPSC SaferProducts.gov public incident report count

Methodology: each dimension is ranked against the full population's p10/p25/p50/p75/p90 breakpoints and interpolated to a 0-100 percentile; the composite is the weighted average of available percentiles. See methodology for the full benchmark table.

Where 28,192 estimated ER injuries land on the body

Body-part shares from the same CPSC NEISS injury_types extract for product code 1683. Segments sum to 28,192 - a body-map mix, not a danger score or ER-volume rank.

Two danger lenses

Same-group peer scores and this product's dial

The bars compare PlainSafety danger scores inside the Personal Care & Safety Products group (same CPSC NEISS extract). The dial is this product's score alone on the Low/Moderate/High bands. Do not read a peer bar as an ER-visit count.

Personal Care & Safety Products danger scores

1. Massage Devices Or Vibrat…52/1002. Day Wear48/1003. Coins46/1004. Footwear46/1005. Fuel Multi-purpose Lighte…45/1006. Lighters, Not Specified45/1007. Nightwear45/1008. Hair Clippers And Trimmers31/100
Higher score = higher composite danger in this group. Peer set is other scored products sharing the same CPSC group.
0/100100/10031/100
PlainSafety danger score · Hair Clippers And Trimmers

Source: CPSC NEISS danger-score model As of 2024

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 volume 1,410 ER visits/yr Below median volume
  • Severity (hospitalization rate) 2.0% Low admission rate
  • Fatality rate 0.00% No recorded fatalities
  • 5-year trend-16%

Band labels compare this category against the corpus of 838 scored CPSC product categories, see the full methodology for the exact weighting of each factor.

What the CPSC Data Shows

Across the 20-year NEISS window from 2005 to 2024, injury counts for hair clippers and trimmers 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 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)

05001K2K2K3K3K 20052008201120142017202020232024 2K
Estimated annual emergency-room visits for Hair Clippers And Trimmers, CPSC NEISS

Source: CPSC NEISS national injury estimates As of 2024

Source: CPSC NEISS national estimates Injuries represent ER-treated cases only

Who Gets Injured?

Age Group Male Female Total
0-4 1,507 693 2,200
5-14 1,980 328 2,308
15-24 2,602 736 3,338
25-34 4,845 746 5,591
35-44 4,195 718 4,913
45-54 3,012 896 3,908
55-64 1,816 742 2,558
65-74 1,810 332 2,142
75+ 914 315 1,229

Most Common Injuries

Body Part Diagnosis Est. Injuries
Head Other 2,647
Face Other 2,538
Finger Laceration 2,467
Ear Laceration 2,090
Head Derma/conjunct 1,530
Neck Derma/conjunct 1,149
Face Laceration 896
Pubic Region Laceration 844
Neck Other 824
Head Contusions, Abr. 757
Face Contusions, Abr. 674
Upper Trunk Other 610
Toe Laceration 608
Pubic Region Other 586
Hand Laceration 518

Severity Breakdown

Treated/examined And Released 96.1% (27,104)
Treated And Admitted/hospitalized 2.0% (562)
Left Without Being Seen 1.3% (373)
Held For Observation 0.4% (125)
Treated And Transferred 0.1% (28)

ER Visit Narratives

Real anonymized emergency room reports from the CPSC NEISS database.

Age 67 · Male · Finger · Laceration · 2024

67YOM CUT THE TIP OF HIS LEFT MIDDLE FINGER ON A TRIMMER AT HOME. DX: LACERATION OF LEFT MIDDLE FINGER

Age 48 · Male · Face · Other · 2024

48YOM USING FACIAL CLIPPERS ON FACE AND C/O ABSCESS INCREASING IN SIZE ON FACE. SEEN AT URGENT CAREDX FACIAL ABSCESS

Age 43 · Male · Face · Other · 2024

43 YOM USED CLIPPERS TO SHAVE FACE DEVELOPED A RASH ON FACE DX FOCILUTIS FACE

Age 2 · Male · Ear · Laceration · 2024

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

Age 38 · Male · Pubic Region · Other · 2024

38YOM C/O ABSCESS. PATIENT HAS BEEN SHAVING PUBIC AREA WITH CLIPPERS. NOW WITH INGROWN HAIR AND ABSCESS. DX: CUTANEOUS ABSCESS OF GROIN

Age 31 · Male · Face · Other · 2024

31 YOM WITH BOILS TO HIS FACE AFTER GETTING HIS HAIR CUT WITH CLIPPERS 4 DAYS PTA. DX ABSCESS

Age 54 · Female · Pubic Region · Puncture · 2024

54 YOF WAS TRIMMING HER PUBIC HAIR TODAY AND CUT AN INCH TO THE RIGHT OF HER LOWER RIGHT LABIA MAJORA. DX PUNCTURE WOUND

Age 34 · Male · Hand · Contusions, Abr. · 2024

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

Age 75 · Male · Face · Hemorrhage · 2024

75YOM WAS TRIMMING NOSE HAIR AND GOT NOSE BLEED PT LEFT ED DX: EPISTAXIS

Age 3 · Male · Ear · Laceration · 2024

3YOM WAS GETTING A HAIRCUT FROM HIS DAD WITH HAIR CLIPPERS AND SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO RIGHT EAR DX: LACERATION TO EAR

Age 39 · Male · Ear · Other · 2024

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

Age 37 · Male · Head · Other · 2024

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.

9/7/2021 · Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional · Manscaped · Iowa

I bought a product called Manscaped, I thought it would be safe because of safety features like guards and a plastic cutting blade!

9/5/2025 · Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional · CONAIR CORPORATION · California

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."

9/4/2018 · Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received · Idea Village · Florida

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.

9/3/2024 · No Incident, No Injury · ZHEJIANG MEIDA ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD. · Florida

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"

9/15/2019 · Injury, Seen by Medical Professional · Wahl Clipper Corporation · Texas

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

8/24/2017 · Incident, No Injury · Syneron Medical Ltd · Virginia

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.

8/2/2014 · Incident, No Injury · CONAIR CORPORATION · Minnesota

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.

8/14/2025 · Incident, No Injury · Wahl Clipper Corporation · Florida

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.

Compare beyond Personal Care & Safety Products

Nationwide peers by danger score, ER volume & hospitalization

Three PlainSafety-derived comparison paths for Hair Clippers And Trimmers: cross-group products nearest on danger score (31/100), estimated annual ER visits (1,410/yr), and hospitalization share (2.0%). Same-group neighbours stay in Related Products above.

Read with this product

About this data

CPSC National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) 2005–2024 and SaferProducts.gov consumer incident reports form the basis of this page. Injury estimates are based on a nationally representative probability sample of U.S. hospital emergency departments.

According to PlainSafety's CPSC NEISS corpus ranking, Hair Clippers And Trimmers ranks #622 of 838 scored CPSC product categories by PlainSafety danger score and #481 of 838 by 20-year estimated ER injury volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does hair clippers and trimmers rank on danger score versus ER volume?

Among 838 scored CPSC product categories, hair clippers and trimmers ranks #622 by PlainSafety danger score (31/100) and #481 by 20-year estimated ER injury volume (1,410/yr). The two rankings come from the same NEISS extract and are not the same order.

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.

Data on Hair Clippers And Trimmers is compiled directly from CPSC NEISS and SaferProducts.gov records, current through 2024. See our methodology for details.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the CPSC.

PlainSafety is rendered directly from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall and incident records, no number is typed in by an editor. Product recall timelines and hazard labels are drawn from CPSC recall records for this product. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.