Pix from left Ime Umoh, GM, Philips Healthtech, West Africa; Adesuwa Igho-Orere, Executive Director, Technology Distribution; Chioma Nweke, General Manager, Philips Personal Health, West Africa; Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe, Consultant Dermatologist, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Noble Igwe, Celebrity Blogger and Promoter of YNaija at the media launch of Philips Clipper in Lagos.
Philips International, under its Personal Healthcare Business Unit, has introduced to the Nigerian market, the first of its kind clippers designed to ensure no after-shave bumps and rashes. The company said the new clippers have specially developed blades to reduce the risk of cuts when clipping your hair or beard, offering the confidence of a precise cut and shave without the humiliating damaged skin.
The company also said the new Clippers are designed to give a close precision cut or shave, cutting the hair at skin level. It added that the new Philips clippers also offer the freedom to play with multiple hairstyles by simply adjusting the blade and clicking-on different length combs. “Philips conducted extensive research across a cross-section of men in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa before it developed and carried out extensive field tests on the Clipper taking into account the core concerns that came out in the research – mainly the need to get that clean shaving feeling but to avoid the scratches, cuts and bumps that sometimes develop on the skin,” states Chioma Iwuchukwu-Nweke, General Manager, Philips Personal Health-West Africa. “These are the first clippers Philips is introducing in the African market, underscoring our commitment to delivering innovation based on the need of the consumers. Our new clippers cut your hair, not your skin. This not only ensures that you have a painless short and sharp look, but also improves your overall skin health,” said Ms. Iwuchukwu-Nweke.
The two clippers in the range, the Philips Clipper Pro (ideal for professional barber styling) and Philips Clipper Home (for personal use) offer blades designed to avoid cuts and bumps for optimal skin comfort, close precision and durability.
The Pro clipper is designed for a powerful expert trim, cut or shave. Its chrome matt finish is complemented by a smart textured handle for a comfortable grip and a 2.8m cord to give a greater reach and to easily move around while clipping. It comes with seven click-on Combs as well as a styling comb and scissors.
The Home clipper has lacquering, textured high gloss plastic finish and a 2.4m cord; and comes with four click-on Combs including the 3mm, 6mm, 9mm or 12mm combs.
The new robust design promises to become a hair-loom for generations to come. Its strong steel blades are manufactured to withstand chips and cracks lasting up to four times longer than the leading brand, while its state-of-the-art copper motor coil will outrun its predecessor four times over. To put the new product into test, a pan-Nigeria competition among barbers tagged ‘Philips’ battle of barbers’ was staged as part of the product launch.
The competition, which is set to become an annual showpiece, aims at promoting innovation, artistry, precision and professional dignity among barbers in the country. It also underscores Philips Nigeria’s effort to enliven the global Philips’ brand vision of impacting the lives of 3 billion people by year 2025 through innovation that matters to their health, living and wellbeing. Five finalists had earlier emerged from regional finals which took place in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. While three of the finalists emerged from the Lagos region, Abuja and Port-Harcourt regions produced one winner respectively.
At the grand finale which took place on Thursday last week at Protea Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, the five finalists slugged it out for the star prize of N250,000 and a supply of full barbing kits, among other mouth-watering gifts.
At the end of the day, Taofeek Badmus from Lagos came tops while Bashiru Sikiru and a lady barber, Princess Abimbola Adeosun, came second and third respectively.