Best Barber Clippers: Top Picks, Comparisons & Pro Maintenance Tips

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Think of your hair as the canvas, with barber clippers being the brushes that will paint your masterpiece. The best barber clippers can mean everything between a work of art and a DIY disaster.

Whether a professional barber or an at-home grooming enthusiast, it will help to walk you through finding clippers that fit your needs.

Next, we’ll run through some top picks, compare top brands like Andis vs Wahl, uncover which clippers cut the closest, and share some killer pro tips on keeping your clipping tools sharp, performing well, and lasting long.

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways
What Are the Most Popular Barber Clippers?
Andis Vs. Wahl: a Comparison of Barber Clippers
Finding the Closest-Cutting Clippers for Barbers
Maintaining and Extending the Life of Barber Clippers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Wahl and Andis are the dynamic duo of barber clippers – like Batman and Robin, but for your hair. They each have their strengths, so choose wisely based on your needs (and maybe your superhero preferences).
Maintenance is key – treat your clippers like a prized sports car. Regular cleaning, oiling, and TLC will keep them purring like a kitten and slicing through hair like a hot knife through butter.
One size doesn’t fit all – whether you’re after a close shave that’d make a dolphin jealous or precision that could rival a surgeon’s hand, there’s a clipper out there with your name on it.
Don’t be fooled by the jack-of-all-trades clipper. Just like you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to hang a picture, stick to clippers designed for human hair – unless you want your pet looking like they’ve been through a hedge backwards!

What Are the Most Popular Barber Clippers?

When it comes to the best barber clippers, it’s a combination of heritage brands and unique features. High-torque motor cordless clippers are rapidly rising, offering freedom of movement with power.

Wahl clippers prove yet again to be stalwarts for this profession, with the Super Taper and cordless clipper versions making up the top tier.

For those on a budget, hair clippers won’t break your wallet yet deliver professional results.

Looking for precision? Andis Masters are hard to beat.

Don’t forget ergonomic design and style—you want your clippers to feel as good as they look.

Andis Vs. Wahl: a Comparison of Barber Clippers

Now that you know the popular barber clippers, let’s get on to the Andis vs. Wahl argument. These two are huge companies offering professional hair clippers that come with certain key differences. Here is one short comparison:

Sharpness: Andis frequently has a slight edge over Wahl in clipper sharpness.
Clipper Durability: Both are durable brands.
Weight of clipper: Wahl tends to be lighter.

Finding the Closest-Cutting Clippers for Barbers

Comparing Andis vs Wahl, you’ll find that both are close-cutting. But the closest shave depends on sharp blades and how well they can maintain that sharpness.

Some of Wahl’s cordless hair clippers, especially their professional series, deliver very precise cuts. Babyliss clippers also perform well.

For sharp blades, make sure to clean and grease them regularly. Consider the life of clipper blades as you choose; high-end models have a more long-lasting blade.

Keep in mind that the best-rated hair clippers don’t necessarily mean they’re the closest-cutting. It’s about having a fine balance of being sharp enough but at the same time being durable, considering different barbers have different needs.

Maintaining and Extending the Life of Barber Clippers

Master the basics of maintenance to keep your barber clippers in top shape. Clean up the clippers after every use by removing hair and other debris. Use clipper oil regularly—a little goes a long way.

For home use, dry them very well to prevent rust. Store them in a cool and dry place to extend their lifespan.

Self-made barbers take note: proper care will have that at-home, reasonably priced set work like a pro model. Remember, consistent maintenance is the key.

Running a trimmer in good condition will save you time and money, so follow these simple steps to keep your clippers cutting smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What clippers do most barbers use?

You’ll find most barbers wielding Wahl, Andis, or Oster clippers. These professional-grade tools offer power, precision, and durability. They’re designed for all-day use, with adjustable blades and various attachments to tackle any hairstyle you’re aiming for.

Is Andis or Wahl better?

With regard to high-end clippers, Andis and Wahl are both very considerable companies. While Andis brings the heat when considering precision, Wahl takes those honors in terms of variety and more economical pricing. Try both to see which feels better in your hand.

What clippers cut the closest?

You’ll get the closest cut with blade-adjustable clippers like Andis Master or Wahl Magic Clip. They can trim hair to 1mm. For an even closer shave, consider using a foil shaver after clipping.

What type of clippers do barbers use for lineups?

Barbers rely on precision trimmers for crisp lineups. You’ll find them using T-outliner clippers with sharp, zero-gap blades. These tools offer exceptional control for creating clean edges and intricate designs in your hairline and beard.

Are barber clippers safe for use on pets?

You shouldn’t use barber clippers on pets. They’re designed for human hair and can harm your furry friend. Instead, invest in pet-specific clippers. They’re safer, more comfortable, and designed to handle animal fur effectively.

Can barber clippers be used for body grooming?

You can, but shouldn’t. Barber clippers aren’t designed for body grooming. They’re too powerful and may cause irritation or cuts. For safe, effective body grooming, invest in specialized trimmers designed for sensitive areas and coarse body hair.

How loud are professional barber clippers typically?

You’ll find professional barber clippers typically produce a moderate hum. They’re louder than home trimmers but quieter than industrial tools. The noise level varies by brand and model, ranging from a soft buzz to a more noticeable whir.

Are there left-handed versions of barber clippers available?

Most clippers are ambidextrous, and thus their functionality is the same for both lefties and righties. Some brands do, however, have especially designed models for left-handed individuals with ergonomic design features. Look for specialty barber supply stores or online sellers that carry left-handed geared clippers.

Can barber clippers be used with international voltage?

Many professional-grade clippers are designed for international use. You’ll find models with dual voltage (110-240V) or universal voltage adaptability. Always check the specifications before traveling, and consider investing in a voltage converter for added versatility.

Conclusion

Armed with all this knowledge about the best barber clippers, you’ll be well on your way to hair greatness. From pro to DIY enthusiast, choosing the right tools will give your cuts a boost from subpar to spectacular.

Just remember that when you choose clippers, you should consider some key factors: previous brand reputation, degree of accuracy afforded by the cut, and maintenance needs.

Invest in quality clippers and maintain them well so that your arsenal of hair-cutting tools remains sharp and effective.

Now confidently go out and create your hair masterpieces!

References