The 10 Best Hair Clippers for DIY Guys

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Hair clippers—the best of them, at least—can perform wonders. Skills, training, and experience are obviously essential, but the tool used to trim, style, and shave your locks is equally important. You’re not gonna, say, cut a slab of meat with a dull blade and wonky handle, nor should you chop your hair with clippers that aren’t up to snuff. This is why we’ll always suggest that such a task be left up to the professionals; they have the knowledge to separate the real deal from the duds, along with the capabilities to give us men the coif we deserve.

Still, if you want to do your own thing, who are we to stop you? If you have a military-style buzz cut or like your scalp completely bare, and don’t want to go through the hassle of booking an appointment every few weeks when you could just shave off hair growth in a jiffy with clippers. No matter what, you’re gonna want to watch some tutorials to really get an understanding of how to DIY.

It’s also important to use hair clippers, and not those billed strictly as beard or body trimmers. This is because the best hair clippers are specifically built to accommodate all types of lengths and textures, whereas the other two are usually limited to certain styles. A full range of guards is also great to have. Last but not least is the clipper itself, which needs to be easy to hold, powerful, and feature blades that can cut with no fuss. And if you need a good place to start, check out the options below, all of which will help you avoid any at-home haircut mishaps.

5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip Hair Clipper

Wahl is one of the biggest names when it comes to hair clippers, and its Professional 5-Star model is (no surprise) favored by pros in barbershops the world over. The clipper allows easy adjustments to taper or touch-up on the fly, all without changing a blade, and comes corded if that's more your thing.

Yes, this is a professional clipper, but out of the professional-grade tools we tested, it is the easiest to use. First of all, it comes with length guards, so cutting at multiple lengths on yourself is easy. Second, we do favor the cordless version just for ease of use (though the powerful motor inside these clippers drains the battery fast—we can see why pros favor corded versions). The blades are specially designed to give a satisfying crunching sound when they’re cutting, which is also a signal that you’re doing it right. Furthermore, between the motor and the blade, this thing is powerful enough to slice through any thickness or texture of hair with absolute ease. It’s definitely an investment, but a good one if you’re a frequent cutter.

Virtually Indestructible Haircut Kit & Beard Clippers

We don't need to tell you that Remington's clipper is heavy-duty; just take a look at this guy. Not convinced? Well, this set features a power-cut blade system that reduces snagging, a super magnet motor, and precision blades that cut through the thickest strands.

This all-in-one kit is ideal for at-home DIYers for a variety of reasons. It comes with plenty of guards (9 in total) to allow you freedom to cut your hair at a variety of lengths easily and perhaps even try your hand at more advanced moves like fades the more you use it. There are other extras too, like a brush, comb, cutting cape, and blade oil. But what makes it best for home use is the indestructible nature. If you’re still getting used to cutting your own hair, dropping the clipper is inevitable, and with this one, you don’t have to worry about your investment shattering in the sink. In our testing process, we really did put this through the ringe—we dropped it over and over and over—and it held up through some pretty damn hard beatings.

01815 Professional Master Adjustable Blade Hair Trimmer

The Andis Master is a tried-and-true barbershop classic, in part because if you treat it correctly, it'll be the only clipper you'll ever need to invest in. Inside there is an extremely powerful motor that can precisely cut through even the thickest thickets of hair with ease, which means your unruly mane will be no match for these blades.

This clipper is a classic for a reason. It’s powerful, sharp, and slices through hair quickly and effectively. But it also comes with a disclaimer: this is a professional tool, so unless you’re very experienced at cutting your own hair or have someone to teach you the ropes, there is a steep learning curve. It doesn’t come with any guards, but instead has different blades and a level on the side to adjust the gap (which is how barbers typically adjust for length). The plus side, of course, is that once you understand how to use it, it’s one of the best clippers money can buy and out performed nearly every other clipper in our testing process.

ER-GP84 Professional Cord/Cordless Hair Clipper

It should come as little surprise that Panasonic is responsible for one of the most precisely engineered products on the market today. The brand's hair clipper is a deceptively durable, professional-grade product that features a ruthlessly efficient linear motor and carbon blade that can cut from 0.8 to 2 millimeters without attachments, and up to 15 mm with 'em. The clipper also boasts a dial system that allows for seamlessly selecting different lengths on the go, all wrapped up in an impact-proof outer body so sleek it almost looks futuristic.

Truly, you can’t argue with how easy to use this thing is. It’s basically everything you need for a cut in one sleekly designed package, especially if you don’t use the combs. But between the rotary dial and the combs, you get an incredible amount of length options (the most on this list), so definitely don’t sleep on the attachments. It can also pull triple duty as a beard trimmer and body groomer, which is why we endorse this for travel. Anything that takes the place of multiple tools, and saves room in your dopp kit, is a winner in our book.

Classic 76 Professional Hair Clipper

Oster's corded clipper—a barbershop staple—is ideal for maintaining close crops or fades. The Classic 76 is beloved for its overall durability, and won't lose a bit of its signature power (or heat up dramatically) at any point throughout the day. Far from being a burden, its eight feet of cord provide the length you need to move around freely in the makeshift salon that is your home, especially if you need to reach a faraway outlet tucked behind some dusty crevice in the bathroom.

We cannot reiterate this enough: this clipper is a professional tool. Yes, it can be used at home, but if you’re a beginner, you’ll want to look somewhere else. If you’re a seasoned DIY cutter, this clipper will suit you well, but it does take a bit of skill to operate. It doesn’t come with guards, but instead has a lever-adjustment on the side. Even then, you won’t get the same amount of length options you would with something that comes with a variety of combs. The plus side is that you can’t argue with its power or its cutting ability - it leaves many at-home clippers in the dust on both those fronts. If you’re cutting a lot at home, this is a worthy investment.

FX870G GoldFX Cord/Cordless Hair Clipper

Corded or cordless? That is the question. And here is the answer: BaByliss' trimmer can go either way. It also features Italian-designed engine, high-torque, and titanium-coated blades. And the exterior has the Midas touch.

If the luxurious gold exterior is any indication, these are a true luxury investment. They’re professional grade, meaning they are actually designed for and used by professionals, so you get all the motor power, sturdy blades and pro-grade features you’d expect. But they are also so well designed that you can easily use them at home provided you know what you’re doing. Luckily, they also come with length guards to take a little bit of the guesswork out. We wouldn’t advise going this route if you’ve never cut your own hair before (unless you have the money burning a hole in your pocket) but seasoned cutters will find these to be a very worthy investment.

Cordless Lithium Ion Powered 20-Piece Hair Clipper

Conair, a name to know in hairdryers, of course offers hair maintenance products too—including clippers. This rechargeable one, in particular, has it all: sustained power performance, a cord-free handle, and 10 guards. Expect to get precision cuts that, like Conair's top product, will blow you away.

It’s hard to believe that the price of this is so low when it comes with so many add-ons and similar features to models double (triple!) the price. We found in our testing that the low price didn’t compromise efficacy, as long as you don’t expect this to be professional-grade. But realistically, not many of us who are cutting our hair at home really need a professional-grade clipper. If you want to buy a clipper but aren’t sure how much you’re actually going to use it or you’re a beginner who may not want to invest too much in a clipper right away, this is a solid option that will do the job well.

Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Hybrid Trimmer

You can shave or trim with this blade, and unlike some other options designed for at-home use, it's pretty damn good at giving you a clean edge where you need it. Philips' clipper might be more suited to beard maintenance than a full-on haircut, but if you've decided a fully—or very nearly—bald dome is the move, no one's going to fault you for using the OneBlade to get it.

Let us reiterate: if you’re trying to give yourself a fade, or even buzz your head for the first time, this is not the tool for you. It’s just simply not powerful enough. But if you’re looking to maintain details, clean up your neck and sideburns, shave your face or maintain a Mr. Clean-style dome, this is the perfect multi-use tool. In fact, it’s one of our favorite tools in general because you can use it to trim or shave pretty much anywhere on your body. The small, well-designed casing calls to mind a traditional razor, yet it shaves in both directions for even easier use. Overall, it’s one of the most important tools a guy can have in his grooming arsenal, whether he’s a DIY hair cutter or not.

32810 Slimline Pro

One of the best ways to keep your hair looking fresh between cuts (whether you cut your hair yourself or visit a barber) is to maintain the crisp lines. And one of the best ways to do that is to use a detailer like this. You’ve probably seen your barber use this one, or a similar version, to shave your neck, sideburns, beard and any other lines you want to keep extra sharp.

Not only is it frequently recommended by professionals, but in our testing we found it to be one of the best and easiest to use detailers out there. There aren’t a lot of superfluous features, just a sharp blade, powerful-enough motor, and an on/off switch. But that’s all you need in a detailer like this. It’s not meant to give a full haircut, which is why it doesn’t come with guards, but as the final touch to your DIY ‘do—or as a maintenance tool—it’s essential.

5-Star Series Cord/Cordless Detailer Clipper

Wahl's T-shaped blade makes lineups a lot easier than they would be with a standard clipper. One thing to note is that the guards for this guy only go up to 3/16", so it's best for very short haircuts, beard trims, and the aforementioned lineups.

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, detailers are not meant for full haircuts. That doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a place on this list or in your bathroom. This T-blade detailer is ideal for cleanups in between haircuts, trimming sideburns and sculpting facial hair. Since it comes with a couple of guards, you can even use it to trim short beards—but don’t expect much length even with the guards on. Out of all the clippers we tested, we found ourselves going back to this one over and over, not for a full haircut, but to keep our beards and mustaches on point.

What To Consider When Buying Hair Clippers

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a hair clipper. In addition to the below, you’ll also want to consider how often you’ll use it and what kind of hair you’ll typically be using it on (thickness, texture and length).

Blades: A clipper is only as good as its blades. Typically you’ll want to look for a clipper that has blades made from stainless steel, carbon fiber or titanium because of the strength and durability of these materials. Sometimes you’ll find clippers that have self-sharpening blades (usually these are designed for home use and are multi-purpose tools), but usually you’ll be responsible for sharpening and cleaning the blades yourself—especially on professional-grade models. If that’s not something you’re comfortable doing, look for self-sharpening or disposable blades.

Motor: Perhaps the most important factor in a hair clipper is the motor. The motor is responsible for moving the blades in order to cut your hair, so the more powerful the motor, the better the cutting power and the less risk of pulling and nicking. You’ll usually find three types of motors in hair clippers: rotary, which can operate the multiple speeds in both a circular and side-to-side motion (and is generally considered the best for hair clippers); magnetic, which uses magnetic forces to move the blades and is great for detail work, but has less power than a rotary motor; pivot, which also uses magnetic blades but is less powerful than a magnetic motor and is ideal for thicker hair and is often quieter than other types of motors. What type of motor you choose should be based on what kind of hair you are generally cutting and what styles you want to achieve.

Cord versus Cordless: Professionals generally prefer a clipper with a cord because it allows them to power through multiple hair cuts a day without worrying about running out of charge. For at-home use, cordless models are typically more convenient because you’re probably not cutting multiple heads of hair at a time and cords can be unruly (especially if you’d don’t have good plug access in your bathroom). Some models will provide both options, but which one you choose is a personal preference.

Guards: You’ll find that many professional-grade clippers don’t come with guards, but if you’re a DIY cutter, guards are your best friend. They allow you to cut at different length easily without worrying about an uneven result and they also allow you to switch between lengths easily, usually without needing to adjust the blade like a professional barber would. They’re especially handy if you’re trying to cut your own hair. We recommend looking for a model that comes with guards unless you’re very experienced.

Battery Life: If you choose a corded model, you don’t need to worry about battery life, but if you’re on the cordless tip, battery life is an important factor. The last thing you want to do is run out of juice halfway through a haircut. Clippers are fairly large tools, so battery life usually isn’t as good as something like an electric razor, but if you want to travel with your clipper or just not have to remember to charge it after every use, look for one with a longer battery life.

Cutting Your Hair at Home in Seven Steps

Now that you have one of the best hair clippers, it's time to become a makeshift barber. Here's a step-by-step process:

1. Look in the mirror. Touch your hair. Feel it. And decided on one kind of hairstyle. Do you want a buzz cut or just a trim? Make a clear-cut decision, because changing midway could lead to disastrous results.
   

2. Set up a station. This could be a bathroom (the usual suspect), kitchen, or room with a sink. The space just has to be extremely well-lit so you can see what's going on, and extremely calming. Avoid areas with distractions.
   

3. Create a dual-mirror setup so you can see the back of your head. You can also try a hand mirror, but the first scenario is best.
   

4. Make sure you're standing and looking straight forward. Sitting in chair may seem like the most comfortable option, but it could distort your vantage point. You also want to be able to lean toward the mirror readily to make sure everything is up to snuff.
   

5. Dampen your hair or do the deed post-shower, because wet strands group together, making them easier to cut.
   

6. Take your clipper and fasten the longest guard. Then, gradually go smaller and smaller as you work your way down to your preferred length.
   

7. Look in the mirror. Touch your hair. Feel it. And make sure that you're not missing any spots and your coif passed muster.

How To Care For Hair Clippers At Home

To maintain your clipper’s functionality, you’ll want to properly care for it, especially the blades. That means cleaning it regularly (we recommend after every use) and using blade oil, which often comes with the clipper. Blade oil will help keep the blades sharp and prevent friction which can dull and corrode the blades. To use it, wipe the blades clean (or rinse them, if the clipper is waterproof), apply a few drops of oil directly to the blades and turn the motor on for a few seconds to distribute it. Do this regularly to keep your clippers like new.

Can You Use Other Kinds of Clippers On Your Head

The reason hair clippers are their own thing is because they’re generally more powerful than other kinds of trimmers like body groomers or beard trimmers. Hair clippers are designed to cut all kinds of hair at various thicknesses and lengths and need to be more powerful to cut through larger areas of hair quickly and effectively. Other types of trimmers are designed to cut through shorter and thinner hair, like on your face or your body, so usually aren’t powerful enough to deliver a really good haircut.

You’ll also find some clippers are designed to do both, which can be good if you don’t want a bathroom full of tools. What you sacrifice in the name of convenience, though, is power, so be prepared for a cut up top that might take a bit longer or require multiple strokes over the same area to get a uniform finish. And if you have especially thick, curly or textured hair, we’d advise going for a dedicated hair clipper anyway.

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