How to Choose Hair Clippers
A good set of hair clippers puts tidy cuts within reach at home, whether you are maintaining a buzz cut, cleaning up a fade or trimming a beard between visits. Our edit of hair clippers and trimmers covers corded power, cordless convenience and precise detailing tools. Everything here is general guidance for choosing and using clippers, not medical advice.
A hair clipper works by sliding one toothed blade across another to cut hair to an even length set by a guard comb. The differences between models come down to power, blade type, battery and the guards included. Learning a few basics saves regular trips to the barber and keeps your look sharp between appointments.
Clippers and Trimmers: The Types
Each type suits a slightly different job, and many people keep two on hand.
- Corded clippers. Plug in for steady, uninterrupted power, ideal for thick hair and longer sessions. Often preferred as barber clippers for their consistency.
- Cordless clippers. Rechargeable and easy to move around the head, great for touch ups and travel.
- Rotary clippers. Built around a rotary motor that handles thick and coarse hair well and runs cooler over long use.
- Beard and detail trimmers. Smaller heads for edging, necklines and precise beard shaping.
- All in one grooming kits. A single handle with multiple heads and guards for hair, beard and body.
Guards, Blades and Motors
The parts you cannot see at a glance are what decide the quality of the cut.
- Guard combs. Numbered guards set the cut length, usually from a close number one up to longer numbers, so you can taper and blend.
- Blade material. Stainless steel is durable, while ceramic stays cooler and holds an edge longer.
- Motor type. Magnetic motors are fast and affordable, rotary motors balance power and quiet running, and pivot motors suit wet or thick hair.
- Adjustable taper lever. Fine tunes the cutting length without changing guards, which makes fades far easier.
Cutting a Buzz Cut or Fade at Home
For a simple buzz cut, pick one guard length and run the clippers against the direction of growth for an even finish. For a fade, start with a longer guard on top and step down through shorter guards as you move toward the neckline, blending each transition with the taper lever. Go slowly, keep the blades flat to the head and clean up the edges with a detail trimmer. This is general guidance, not medical advice, so take care around the ears and neckline.
Before you start, comb the hair so it lies in its natural direction and make sure it is clean and dry, since damp hair clumps and cuts unevenly. Work under good light with a mirror, or ask someone to help with the back of the head. Take a little off at a time, because you can always go shorter but you cannot put length back once it is gone.
Caring for Your Clippers
Clippers last for years with a little upkeep. Brush the hair out of the blades after every use, add a drop of clipper oil so they keep running smoothly and gliding cleanly, and charge cordless models fully before storing. Every so often, check the blade alignment and replace any guard that has warped, since a chipped guard leaves uneven lines. A clean, oiled blade cuts better and stays sharp far longer than a neglected one.
Complete Your Grooming Kit
Round out your setup by pairing hair clippers with the finishing tools in our hair styling tools edit and a dryer from our hair dryers range. Explore the wider beauty and health collection and our skincare picks for a complete routine. Keeping the right tools together means you can trim, tidy and style at home without a trip out. US orders over $75 ship free.
