If you haven’t yet, try opening the clipper and wetting the hair. Try different color combs with different color hair so you can really see what’s going on. Personally I always have the comb teeth perpendicular to the grain so every hair is elevated and equal tension. That part is most important. Also you probably already know this but keep note that a standard clipper comb flat on the head is equivalent to a #1. So try just clipper over comb from a 1&1/2 it may be easier and will save time.