Two things make a great haircut: a skilled barber and a quality clipper. If you can't afford the former, you should definitely be able to afford the latter. The thing is, not every man can afford a weekly cut at the barbershop; they are expensive, so your next best option is to maintain your haircut yourself.
But that's not a bad thing, far from it. You know what looks good on you and with the right clippers, you can give your hair a cut worthy of a barber's. Of course, that will take some practice, but if you are reading this guide, we are confident you know what you're doing.
So, how can you choose the best hair clipper for your cuts? This guide will show you exactly what to look out for.
Corded vs Cordless Clippers
There are two types of clippers: corded and cordless.
The corded hair clipper is connected to an electrical outlet to power it, and you can do that while you use it. The advantage of using a corded hair clipper is that you get a consistent flow of power. You don't have to risk the battery running out while you use it, and that makes it consistent and reliable. Corded hair clippers are also more durable than cordless hair clippers.
With cordless hair clippers, you don't have to worry about tripping over wires while you cut. Cordless hair clippers come with customized chargers, so you can charge before you use them and charge when not in use. However, because cordless clippers come with customized chargers, if they get lost, you may have to do some hunting to find the charger again. Also, cordless hair clippers are more expensive, and constant use over time will make their batteries weak.
Clipper Accessories You Should Look Out For
Any quality hair clipper will come with accessories. That's one thing you should look out for when buying your clipper, and if the hair clipper doesn't have them, don't buy it. Here are some important clipper accessories to look out for:
Blade guard
Clipper guards are also called guide combs. They are placed over the cutting blades to help you cut your hair at a specific length. Pro barbers also use clipper guards, and they are even more important if your clipper has only one permanent cutting blade.
Clipper oil
This is important if you cut your hair often. Oiling your clippers regularly will increase their lifespan and keep them moving and sharp parts in the best condition. Most hair clippers will come with a small tube of clipper oil. However, depending on how frequently you cut, that will not be enough. Eventually, you'll have to buy more oil.
Clipper cleaning brush
This is to keep the clipper free of hair after using it. It's actually much harder to get rid of the hair without the brush and leaving them in there will ruin the clipper.
Hand mirror
This is essential for a home hair clipper. Not all clippers will come with this though, even the best ones. You may have to buy it yourself.
Factors You Need to Consider in the Best Hair Clippers
Blades
Most clipper blades are made from stainless steel, but there are also others with ceramic blades. If you are a professional barber, go for a ceramic blade clipper because that's what the pros use. They are perfect for continuous sessions because they will not heat up. A stainless-steel blade, in comparison, is great for home cuts if you plan to give yourself cuts weekly or every two weeks. However, check for the durability and sharpness of the blade before purchase.
Motor speed and power
The motor in a hair clipper is just like the engine in your car. You need a powerful one for the clipper to function perfectly. The motor in the hair clipper is also what determines how noisy the clipper is. It also helps you cut and style your hair properly. There are three types of hair clipper motors: rotary, magnetic, and pivot motors.
Rotary motors
These have an equal amount of power and blade speed. They are more versatile and convenient.
Magnetic motors
These are much nosier. They are, however, lightweight and compact but wear out more easily than the rotary.
Pivot motors
These are the opposite of rotary motors. They have high power and low blade speed, but they are good for cutting thick hair.
Maintenance
It's important to clean your hair clipper as frequently as you use it. That's why you must consider the maintenance of the clipper before you buy it. Go for clippers that are easy to maintain, something that will not tire you out when you have to clean it. Aside from cleaning your clipper when you are done with it, you need to give it a deep clean now and then to make sure it's free from germs and bacteria.
Quality over price
For most people, the point of buying a home hair clipper is to save money. But you will do the opposite of this if you put price over quality. Do your research before you buy your hair clipper. Don't go for a hair clipper because it's cheap. Go for it because it's been tested and trusted. Naturally, quality hair clippers are not cheap, but they are often within a budget that you can afford. If you are looking for a quality hair clipper, you'll definitely find an affordable one.
Best Hair Clippers FAQs
Q: How do I choose the best hair clippers?
A. An important thing to consider before buying a hair clipper is how you want to use it. If it's for a barbershop, you'll need to consider the styles you'll be cutting. Regardless, always consider things like durability and frequency of use.
Q: Is buying hair clippers worth it?
A. Yes. It can be a way to save money and cut your hair within the comfort of your home.
Q: Should my hair be wet or dry when cutting with clippers?
A. It’s always best for the hair to be dry. When you cut wet hair with your hair clipper, it could clog it.