Short hair cuts are done more quickly and easily with Oster clippers than by using scissors. Oster clippers have both professional and retail versions, but both need proper care and maintenance or you could wind up with Oster clippers that are malfunctioning. If your Oster clippers do happen to malfunction, it may as simple as cleaning the blades out; or you may encounter a bigger issue that needs to be taken care of by the manufacturer.

Plug your Oster clippers into an outlet and turn the switch to the "On" position. You will need to make sure that the outlet you are testing the Oster clippers in is a working outlet. If your clippers do not turn on, this is a power issue.

Check your Oster clippers to see if there is an abundance of build-up in the blades. Hair and hair products can build up in the Oster clippers' blades, and cause the clippers to malfunction. If this is the case, you will need to clean the Oster clippers with a blade brush and take the casing off to clean the inside with a soft cloth.

Trim hair to a shorter length before using Oster clippers. If hair is excessively long, the hair could be tangling in the clipper blades, causing problems. If this seems to be the case, trim the hair to a shorter length with scissors prior to using your Oster clippers.

Use the correct size guide comb. If the Oster clippers you are using seem to be working but not cutting the hair, you can try a shorter guide comb than you are currently using.

Contact the Oster manufacturing company. Oster clippers customer service can help with any additional issues you may be having with your Oster clippers via their website.