Best Hair Clippers Overview

THE BEST FOR BARBERS

Oster Classic 76 / fast feed/ T-Finisher

BEST FOR HOME USERS

best clippers

Philips Norelco Do-It-Yourself

All You Need to Know Before Choosing The Best Professional Clipper

If you are someone who has the skills to run their own makeshift barber shop at home and do their own fade or buzz cut, then you may know the importance of a great pair of hair clippers! There is nothing more satisfying than saving money and cutting your own hair, at home. With the right tools and just a bit of practice, practically anyone can do it. However, there are a few things to consider before picking up a razor, whether that’s in the store or online. That’s why we have gathered together some tips, tricks, and reviews to help you choose the perfect hair clipper for you!

Oster Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper Hair Clipper

Oster Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper

This classic barber shop clipper is nothing to shake a stick at. When considering the Oster 76 Universal hair clipper, there are quite a few fantastic features. Such as, a powerful single-speed motor that is perfect for multiple uses, detachable blades #000 and 1, and 9-foot power cord. Throw all of that on top of the fact that this amazing clipper is renowned for its durability and ability to cut through all kinds of different hair types with ease, and you have a tool that is worth its weight in gold. The only downfall is that while you are given the #000 and 1 size blades, you will need to purchase the other blades separately. However, despite that fact, whether you are a seasoned hair expert or a beginner looking to start out right, this hair clipper will provide you with everything you need to cut hair in an expert fashion.

WHAT’S HOT

  • Detachable blades
  • Cool running universal motor for longer use
  • 9-foot power cord
  • includes blade guard, lubricating oil, clipper grease, and brush
  • Break resistant housing

WHAT’S NOT

  • All blades are not included

Oster Classic 76 Hair Clipper with Fast Feed and T-Finisher

The Oster Classic Full Pack is a great choice for professionals. This kit comes with everything you’ll need to perform precision cuts, including ten comb attachments, a cleaning brush, and blade oil. These clippers are not ideal for beginners, but they are extremely efficient and a great option for barbers. They can be used on damp or dry hair and they work on all hair types. This is a plus for those with thick and/or coarse hair. The detachable blades make these clippers extremely versatile, allowing you to get the most precise cut regardless of hair type. One of the only downsides is that these clippers are on the heavy side, which could take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to more lightweight designs. But on the up side, the clippers are extremely sturdy and the motor is incredibly quiet and designed to run cool to prevent overheating. The fast feed clipper and t-finisher trimmer give you the ability to achieve clean, precise results every time. Although the price may seem a bit high, this kit is a bargain considering all that’s included. Overall, the Oster Classic 76 Hair Clipper with Fast Feed and T-Finisher is a great investment and a must-have set for professionals.

WHAT’S HOT

  • Multiple accessories included
  • Works on all hair types, including thick and coarse hair
  • Sturdy, heavy-duty design
  • Powerful but quiet motor
  • Clipper, Fast Feed Clipper & T-Finisher Trimmer Included

WHAT’S NOT

  • not for beginners
  • high price tag

Philips Norelco Do-It-Yourself Hair Clipper Pro

The Philips Norelco Do-It-Yourself Hair Clipper Pro is another great choice for those who like to cut their own hair at home. Whether you need a trim or you want to maintain a bald head, these clippers are a really great option. The 180 degree rotating head makes these clippers extremely easy to maneuver and get to those areas that are harder to reach. The cordless design make these clippers great for travel. The powerful battery allows you to get up to an hour of cordless usage, giving you plenty of time to get the job done; the unit recharges just as quickly. Aside from the rotating head, one of the most well-liked features of these clippers is the head shave attachment which allows you to get a perfectly smooth and comfortable shave in one easy step. The stainless steel blades are easy to clean and the built-in length settings eliminate the need for multiple attachments. This may not be the best clipper for long, thick hair, but it’s a great option if you want to maintain a close-cropped or bald look. Overall, the Philips Norelco Do-It-Yourself Hair Clipper Pro is a great investment that will eventually pay for itself by eliminating frequent trips to the barber shop.

WHAT’S HOT

  • Head shave and trimmer attachments included
  • 180 degree rotating head
  • Cordless design for easy portability
  • Fast charging/good battery life
  • Easy to clean

WHAT’S NOT

  • High Price Tag

OSTER Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Hair Clipper 76023-510

Another of the top three brands, Oster introduces the Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Clipper as a powerful, quiet motor that is capable of cutting through all types of different hair. The steel blades of the Oster clipper can adjust between size #000 and 1, so the downside is that you’ll need to purchase the other sized guards separately for more varied lengths. The Pivot Motor clipper does come with four guard sizes, ½, ¼,3/8, and blending. Completing your purchase, the clipper is accompanied by blade oil, instructions, and a cleaning brush. When comparing this clipper to the Oster 76, there really isn’t much difference except for the fact that they have slightly different functions. The 76 is great for cutting different lengths and is powered by a motor, while the Fast Feed is direct driven and great for cutting one length of hair; if you want different lengths you will need to use the plastic guards. The biggest upside of this clipper is how quiet it is, much more so than the classic Wahl clippers. If you are looking for an excellent, quiet clipper to use for trimming or just a quick clip, then this may be the one for you!

WHAT’S HOT

  • Available in 7 different colors
  • 8 ft long cord
  • Whisper tech Pivot motor for quiet use
  • Some guards and accessories included
  • Steel blades

WHAT’S NOT

  • Not all guard sizes included

Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding Clipper #8110

Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding Clipper #8110

If you have someone in your life who is either going bald or loves to rock the bald look, then the Wahl Professional Balding Clipper may be the best barber clipper tool for you. Equipped with a powerful electromagnetic motor, this clipper has a lot of power and cuts with perfect precision, making it an excellent choice for a close shave. Included with your purchase of this razor, Wahl has been kind enough to add 2 attachment combs, blade oil, cleaning brush, instructions, and a red clipper guard. This is all pretty nice considering you will be equipped with all you need to cut hair right out of the box. While this clipper is definitely pricey, it isn’t as bad as some of the other competitors on the market. The one thing to remember is that this clipper is specific for getting a close shave, so, if you aren’t wanting to shave people bald, this may not be the tool for you. Be careful when using as the blades are sharp and knicks can occur if you are not well practiced in giving a close shave.

WHAT’S HOT

  • Close cut
  • Electromagnetic motor
  • Lightweight
  • ft long cord

WHAT’S NOT

  • not very beginner friendly

Andis UltraEdge Hair Clipper with Detachable Blade

best clipper for navy sealsThe Andis UltraEdge Hair Clipper will give you professional results in the comfort of your own home. It is also a good option for those who are constantly on the go. These clippers are durable and versatile: they work on dry and damp hair and the detachable blade makes cleaning easy. You also have the option of using these clippers on cordless mode with the help of a battery pack and charger. The blade on these clippers can be a bit bulky for some, but since it is detachable, you can easily use another compatible blade if you want a more precise cut. The lightweight design makes these clippers extremely comfortable to use and the powerful motor ensures a clean cut on all types of hair. Many users have found that these clippers get the job done in a fraction of the time it takes with other clippers. On the down side, some users have complained that the blade can get warm if it becomes clogged with too much hair. For the best results, the blade should be oiled before and after each use. Quiet, powerful, and durable, the Andis UltraEdge Hair Clipper is a great investment.

WHAT’S HOT

  • Powerful motor
  • Easily convertible to cordless mode
  • Great for thick, coarse hair
  • Easy to clean blades
  • Lightweight design

WHAT’S NOT

  • Battery pack and charger not included/must be purchased separately

Wahl Professional Sterling Mag Hair Trimmer #8779

Wahl Professional Sterling Mag Trimmer #8779

As our second trimmer in this review, the Wahl Professional Sterling Mag Trimmer does anything but take the back seat. With a rotary motor and a lithium ion battery, you will be receiving a hair trimmer that has a great balance of power and speed. The Mag has snap on blades that make for a clean cut and accuracy every time. On top of all of this, Wahl has created both a cordless and corded option for this model, so whether you like portable or long battery life, you can pick and choose to your heart’s content. The accessories that are included with this clipper are great and really useful. You will receive an automatic recharge stand, accessory well that attaches to the stand, recharging transformers, 4 trimming guides, oil, cleaning brush, instructions, and a red guard blade. With all of this and a wonderful, lightweight trimmer to boot, you will be ready to clean up hair lines and beards all day long!

WHAT’S HOT

  • Rotary motor
  • Snap on blade
  • Both cordless and cord options
  • Multiple accessories included
  • Lightweight

WHAT’S NOT

  • all good here!

Panasonic ER1512 Professional Hair Clipper

barber clipersThe Panasonic ER1512 Professional Hair Clipper has a sleek, lightweight design that fits comfortably in your hand. Its cordless design makes this hair clipper a great choice for professionals who work in nontraditional settings (i.e. on sets and/or on remote photo/video shoots). The powerful battery lasts for up to 70 minutes and only takes an hour to fully charge. These clippers also include a power cord for uninterrupted usage. The unit also comes with a charging stand, six comb attachments, blade oil, and a cleaning brush. The included attachments help you adjust the clippers to different lengths of hair, allowing you to get a clean, precise cut every time. The motor is powerful but quiet, which is a plus. The blades are also easy to clean. Perhaps the only drawback is that depending on what country you live in, you may need to purchase a separate adapter. But in terms of quality, versatility, and precision, it doesn’t get much better than this model. The Panasonic ER1512 Professional Hair Clipper is small but mighty. This product is a great choice for professionals who want a powerful and versatile hair clipper.

WHAT’S HOT

  • Affordable
  • Convenient cordless option
  • Long battery life/charges quickly
  • Slim, comfortable design
  • Easy to clean blades
  • Comes with useful accessories/attachments

WHAT’S NOT

  • All good here

Andis Barber Combo-Powerful Clipper and Hair Trimmer Combo Kit

Andis Barber Combo-Powerful Clipper and Trimmer Combo KitFor the best of both worlds, you can purchase a combo kit. In the Andis Barber Combo Kit, you will discover a powerful combination of an adjustable blade clipper and a close-cutting t outline trimmer; providing you with both of the barber tools needed for creating the perfect haircuts at home. The fine tooth comb attachments come in the sizes 1/8”-1” and 1/16”-3/8”. These combs are a great range for any type of hair type and paired with the professional, high-speed magnetic motors, Andis has created quite the desirable duo, and in our opinion, one of the best hair trimmers on this list! While it will be a bit pricier to purchase a duo kit, if you are serious about cutting hair at home in the way it would be done in the salon, then the combo kit is definitely the way to go.

WHAT’S HOT

  • Powerful, quiet magnetic motor
  • Close cutting fine tooth comb attachments
  • Hanger loops on cords for easy storage
  • Sturdy cords
  • Both clipper and trimmer

WHAT’S NOT

  • Slightly bulky build

Wahl Professional All-Star Clipper/Trimmer Combo

Wahl Professional All Star Clipper/Trimmer Combo #8331Last, but certainly not least, we have the Wahl All Star Combo. This amazing combo is upper affordable and, being from Wahl, steals the show with its performance and elegance.
This quirky red and white duo are here to meet your haircutting needs with lightweight tools that are run with high powered electromagnetic motors. This makes them capable of achieving excellent fades, blends, and edging without too much effort or overheating. While rotary motors tend to be the most balanced motor, the electromagnetic motors do an excellent job, and you won’t be sorry you purchased this amazing set. Complete with 6 clipper attachment combs, 4 trimmer attachment combs, oil, cleaning brush, instructions, and red blade guards you will have everything you need to cut hair at home in style!

WHAT’S HOT

  • 8 and 7ft chemical resistant chords
  • Electromagnetic motors
  • Accessories included
  • Lightweight
  • Both clipper and hair trimmer
  • Affordable

WHAT’S NOT

  • Trimmer doesn’t cut as close as some competitors

Wahl Professional All-Star Clipper/Trimmer Combo

Another great barber clipper from Wahl. With so many positive reviews, this clipper is one of our top favorite on this list!

Its motor is very strong and its precision blades are great for tapered and fade haircuts, as well as for beard trimming and cutting. This clipper comes with a complete set of accessories such as  Shears, cleaning brush comb, blade oil and more.

 

WHAT’S HOT

  • Includes beard & mustache trimmers
  • Powerful but quiet motor
  • Precision blades

WHAT’S NOT

  • MAde for US voltage only

Best Hair Clippers Overview

Learning a new skill can be challenging if you don’t have the right tools, so when you are deciding what type of hair clipper you want to purchase there are a few questions you should ask yourself: How much do I want to spend? Do I prefer corded or cordless? And, how often do I plan on using the clipper?
These questions will help you to narrow down what kind of clipper you are looking for. then, you can take a look at the best barber clippers brands in the business! There is Wahl , Andis, and Oster; while there are lot more options available, these three brands are top of the professional hair clipper business. They have great quality blades, long lasting battery times, and excellent dependable power. While all of them are not created equal, as you can see in the reviews below, each one has a desirable quality. So, whether you are on a budget or not, a beginner, or an expert, there will be something out there for you. Here is a quick overview as to which hair clippers work best for what hair type and what to look for when purchasing a hair clipper:

Choosing The Best Barber Clippers Based on Hair Type

Curly/course: This type of hair will require a clipper that will not over heat with prolonged use and has plenty of power, such as the Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip #8451 .
Straight/fine: With fine hair, power is not necessarily an issue. So, you can get away with getting a more budget friendly clipper that still does an excellent job, such as the Wahl Color Pro Clipper.

What to Look For

  • Quality blade material (ceramic, stainless steel, coated, self-sharpening)
  • Long lasting battery (if cordless)
  • Long, durable cord (corded)
  • Size
  • Motor Quality and type (Magnetic, Rotary, Pivot)
  • Affordable (to your standard)
  • Good reviews online

What to Avoid

  • Incorrect motor for specific hair type
  • Cheap Materials
  • Bad Reviews: If a product has no negative reviews, then it is too good to be true. All products will have some fault that a user will not like, so pay close attention to what others have to say and read reviews from several different locations. This will help protect you from b

Types of Professional Hair Clippers

When it comes to the world of hair clippers, all of the details can get a bit confusing. You have blade sizes, guard types, hair types and so much more to consider. But, besides being affordable and useful, cutting your own hair can be addicting! There are some really great brands of hair clippers that take into consideration everything that pros (and soon to be pros) will need to have within one hair cutting tool. A major part of what determines a hair clipper’s job is the type of motor used to run it. So let’s take a look at the top types of professional hair clipper motors and what unique job each one performs.

  • Magnetic Clipper – This motor is ideal for infrequent use. While the power is sufficient and the speed is decent, this motor does tend to overheat if used too often in one setting. So, if you are looking for a cutter that mainly cleans up edges, then the magnetic would be the perfect way to go.
  • Pivot Clipper – While a little bit on the slow side, the pivot motor has plenty of power and is perfect for cutting through damp hair all day long. Because it is slower, this motor does not tend to overheat easily, so you can use it multiple times in a row without concern.
  • Rotary Clipper – The favorite motor for most people, the rotary motor is the perfect blend of power and speed. It works well with both thick and thin hair and typically doesn’t have a problem with overheating or bogging down after prolonged use.

Besides the motor, professional hair clippers are also categorized by whether they are cordless or not. The decision as to which is best will essentially come down to personal preference of course. But, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether you want a traditional, corded model or one that is cord free, such as price, portability, and dependability.
The first question you should ask is, how much are you willing to spend on a good clipper? Typically, when looking at corded hair clippers, you can get one that is high powered and great quality for a much more affordable price. On the other hand, can get a cordless clipper that has the same amount of power and quality, but it will tend to cost more. So one of the biggest factors that comes into play is your budget for this barber tool.
Secondly, do you plan on traveling around with your hair clipper? If you are someone that likes to cut hair outside or take your device with you for quick clean ups on the road, you may want to look into a cordless clipper. These are super convenient thanks to their charging stands and lack of dependence on power outlets. While cordless clippers are more expensive than their corded counterparts, the price may be well worth it if you love the idea of easy movement and portability.
Last but certainly not least, how often do you plan on using your clipper? If you plan on doing multiple haircuts a day, you will need to take battery life into consideration. While cordless clippers are convenient and portable, if used often throughout the day there is always the risk of a battery dying midway through haircut. This isn’t to say that a cordless clipper isn’t dependable but the corded clippers definitely take the spotlight in a bustling atmosphere. Although they aren’t portable and the cord can get in the way at times, you won’t need to worry about a corded clipper quitting on you before the job is done.

Professional Hair Clippers Sizes, Guard, and Blade Types

It can be a bit overwhelming the first time you ever take a look at all the guards included with your razor. Each one has a number on it paired with a varying size. How will you ever figure out which one to choose? Although this may seem daunting, we are here to help you figure it out!
There is a wide range of clipper blades and guard sizes that are unique to each individual brand and the typical range of clipper guards goes from numbers 1-10. You may be thinking, why does there need to be such a large selection of sizes? Wouldn’t just a “one size cuts all” guard solve a lot of issues? Well, the significance of multiple guards is actually really important! The rule of thumb is usually, the larger the size number, the longer the hair will be at the end. So, let’s take a look at a condensed version of what each range of numbers is best for.
#’s 0-4: Aiding by the ‘larger number, longer hair’ rule, the smaller numbers will get you a shorter haircut. These guards are great for cleaning up a buzz cut or getting a close shave.

#’s 5-10: These longer blades are great to start out with and work your way down to the desired length (especially if you are a beginner). If you are looking for extra length, these are the guards you will want to use.

Even though blade sizes do come into play, the guard size will be the most common number system you should be associated with. If you do get a clipper that has detachable blades, such as the Andis or Oster clippers, keep in mind that different blades will be sharper, faster to cool down, and more durable than others based on the material used. Here are a few blade types that you may run into:

  • Stainless Steel (most common)
  • Coated (expensive)
  • Ceramic (doesn’t overheat)
  • Self-Sharpening

The most important thing to keep in mind when wading through the different sizes is, always go for a larger size blade and guard first, then work your way down. By doing this, you can easily fix any mistakes that are made and continue once you are happy with the result. It is much easier to take hair off than to put it back on, so take your time and don’t worry!

Barber Clippers Maintenance and Cleaning

After the haircut is all finished and the hair has been swept up, it’s time to take care of your clipper blades. This is extremely important because proper cleaning can save you the headache of jams and rusted blades later on down the road. Here are the steps to keeping your professional hair clipper running in tip-top shape.

  • Remove the blades: Take out the top two screws that hold down the head plate. You will want to have a Philips screwdriver handy! Once everything is loose, grasp the blade carefully with your fingers and remove from the clippers.
  • Remove the hair: Separate the blades and with a thick brush, sweep away any of the hairs still clinging to the blades and the inside of the clipper.
  • Soak the blades: Place the blades and the head of the clipper into some warm water for a few minutes to allow the any smaller hairs that may still remain to loosen.
  • Clean the blades: Take some cleaning solution, such as Oster Blade Wash, and rub it carefully onto the blades. You can use something like a cotton ball or a toothbrush to apply the solution. If you do not have cleaning solution handy, you can use a DIY mixture of half water and half white vinegar as well.
  • Oil the blades: The last step is to oil up your blades. To do this, reassemble the head and the blades onto the clipper. Point the clipper down and facing away from you; turn the power on and while the clipper is running, drop some hair clipper oil on the blades. Be sure not to use too much oil and don’t allow any of the oil to run down inside of the clipper itself.

Choosing a Barber Clipper Based on Hair Type

Different hair clippers will tackle hair types depending on their motor type and blade quality. In this section, we will be matching up hair types with some of the best clippers for that specific hair! There are quite a few factors to consider so let’s dive in.

Best Hair Clipper for Curly Hair (Thick, Course)

If you have curly hair, then you know how much harder products have to work to tame your lovely locks. Those wild and free beauties need a strong barber tool to help calm things down, so when you are looking at a hair clipper for curly coarse hair you will want to find one that has a strong motor. Since the motor will need to work to get through the hair, the pivot motor may be the perfect one for the job. This motor, while a bit on the slow side, has a lot of power and doesn’t over heat easily.

Best Hair Clipper for Curly Hair (Fine, Thin)

While still a handful to tame, the finer version of curly hair is a bit easier to cut through. Because of this, clippers that have either a pivot or a rotary motor would be perfect for cutting this kind of hair. This is because both of these motors have a decent amount of power; the rotary is just a bit faster so may tend to overheat with prolonged use.

Best Hair Clipper for Straight/Wavy Hair (Thick, Course)

Even though there may not be any curl to conquer here, thick straight or wavy hair will still need a powerful tool to get the job done. This is because heavy hair bogs down a motor and can potentially get stuck in the blades, causing the clipper to overheat. In this case, the pivot motor or rotary motor would be best at cutting straight or wavy hair with a bit of heft.

Best Hair Clipper for Straight/Wavy Hair (Fine, Thin)

With this hair, everything is easy and breezy! Because the clipper won’t have to wade through anything heavy, a great motor to use for fine straight or wavy hair would be the magnetic motor. This is more on the speedy side of the spectrum, and since the hair is light, there shouldn’t be an issue of overheating. If you want to be on the safe side, however, go for a rotary motor.

Things to Consider Before Buying Professional Barber Clippers

Before purchasing anything online it is really important to do your research. Make sure that you don’t fall into the trap of reviews. Sometimes, when a product really isn’t that great of quality, the company that sells said product will either hire or bribe individuals to leave positive reviews about their product. As a general rule, any product will most likely have a negative review, whether that is a one star or even a four star. If you run into a product that has nothing but five starts, be wary, no matter how good it sounds. It’s always best to find another product that has real reviews than to get scammed into buying something of lesser quality.
Consider your hair type and what kind of motor will be best for your individual needs. If you are cutting hair for others, try to go with a hair clipper that is well rounded and will work under a lot of pressure, like the Oster Classic 76. If you buy tools that you can rely on, you will be able to create wonderful haircuts from home at your own convenience!

Best Professional Hair Clippers – Conclusion

There are three brands of professional hair clippers that are the top choice when it comes to purchasing your own: Wahl, Oster, and Andis. No matter which brand you select, you will be getting a quality hair clipper that can assist you in creating the best haircut possible at any skill level. While some rise above the rest, whether with motor type or blade material, there are plenty of great qualities unique to each model. The most important thing to remember is that you want to choose what is best for you, whether that is to fit the criterion of skill level or budget amount. Don’t be afraid to get out and try something new today, just be sure to use the right tools for the job and you will be fine!