CUTCAM | Clippers For DIY Haircuts

Lead Industrial Designer, Developer, Cofounder

ID / CAD / VBL / CMF / HF / UI,UX / GD / PKG

Leardon Solutions - ME / EE / HW / FW

The first patented hair clipper that integrates a portable streaming camera to see behind the head, LIVE, from any smartphone

Problem & Opportunity

I cofounded CUTCAM Inc., a brand that addresses the difficulty of do-it-yourself haircuts. The global COVID-19 lockdowns highlighted this problem, as many opted to try cutting their hair as shops closed.

DIY haircuts are challenging because it's hard to see where the clipper blade cuts, especially from a comfortable angle. Our innovative solution combines advanced computing with traditional precision motors and blades.

Design Strategy

To wrap, or not to wrap? We wrestled with that question when focusing on a “universal” camera that would wrap around existing clippers.

Another path would be to create a new product leveraging OEM motor/blade assemblies and integrate our camera. We could move confidently forward only after diving into the pros and cons of each with physical testing.

Decision Making

While I found variations in current clipper forms, the handle cross sections for existing clippers fell in two overall shapes: 1) Flat-ish and 2) Round-ish.

Interference with critical parts like displays, and ON/OFF switches became cumbersome as the camera moved under vibration and adjusting hand position.