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When asked, most hairstylists advise against a DIY haircut—and with good reason. Unless you’re a trained professional, the end result might be the complete opposite of what you originally planned. But, if you find yourself at home and in need of a simple trim or quick buzz, it might be easiest (and most wallet-friendly) to do it yourself.
Before you get started, it’s important to have all the tools you need. “Be prepared with your clippers, size guards, a mirror, and a towel or cape,” says celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago. Once you’re armed and ready, Santiago suggests starting with a higher-numbered guard on your sideburns first to ensure you won’t be cutting your hair too short. “If you think it’s too long, work your way down to the next guard until it’s right for you.”
With these tips in mind, explore our roundup of the best professional hair clippers.
Best Overall: Andis Slimline Pro Lithium Ion T-blade Trimmer
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“I’m a big fan of Andis,” says Santiago. “The adjustable blade is a big help when blending your fade.” Reviewers agree: The T-blade trimmer allows the user to cut clean outlines and designs. Plus, the sleek design and cordless feature make practicing over and over a breeze.
Best Drugstore: Remington Beard Boss Style and Detail Kit
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Both a trimmer and groomer, this tool comes in an 11-piece kit. You can do everything from trimming your nose and ear hairs to shaping up your sideburns. It’s also ideal for travel as it comes with a sleek storage bag.
Best Lightweight: Wahl Lithium Ion All-In-One Multi-Groomer and Trimmer
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A powerful battery and lightweight feel make this clipper a standout choice. Reviewers like the versatility of the guard sizes as well as the sharpness of the blade. And with a little over three hours of run time, you can take your time to perfect your look.
Best for Beards: Bevel Beard Trimmer
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Here’s a trimmer you’ll be proud to show off. Aside from its curved, yet smooth, design, this clipper boasts over four hours of battery life. It’s also consistent when in use—reviewers love that there’s never any tugging or snagging.
Best All-in-One: Philips Norelco Multigroom Trimmer Kit
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A dual cut plus a stainless-steel blade equals a precise trim every time. And don’t be overwhelmed by the number of accessories (23!)—this clipper is meant to be the answer to all your hair trimming woes. It can be used pretty much anywhere—just remember to use the appropriate guards.
Best Waterproof: Hatteker Men's Beard Trimmer
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Everything about this clipper is adjustable—from the tunable blade to the precision dial to the guide combs. But, hands down, its most useful feature is that the entire tool is waterproof—so you can bring this in the shower with you.
Best for Beginners: Braun All-in-one Trimmer MGK5280
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The easy-to-use accessories—including a nose and ear trimmer—and additional razor blade make this kit ideal for those who want a touchup or a clean shave. And with its autosensing technology, it claims to automatically adjusts its power based on the thickness of your beard.
Best Cordless: Surker Hair Clippers
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While the pop of color is certainly more appealing than your traditional black, we love this tool for its long-lasting rechargeable battery and the carbon-steel blade. Reviewers also report that it does its job quietly—no loud buzzing here.
Best for Body: Ceenwes Updated Version Professional Hair Clippers
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This multitasking clipper can trim any hair, anywhere. Get groomed from head-to-toe with the help of an ultra-sharp ceramic blade, low vibrations, and nine guards. While the blade is washable, the body of the tool is not waterproof, so be careful around water.
Don’t forget to take your time. Your first buzz won’t be perfect—neither will your second or third. But, practice makes perfect, so spend some time exploring all the features of your clipper and its accessories.
What To Look For in a Hair Clipper
Multiple guard sizes
Every shave will be different, so it's important to have different guard sizes. A thicker guard size tend to be better if you want to shave further away. On the other hand, a thinner guard size is better if you need to get super close to the skin. Both should be in your kit since hair is constantly changing and they give you the ability to shave a multitude of areas.
Easy to hold
Trimming and cutting is already no easy feat, so making it simple with an ergonomic design will make the experience more pleasant. Opt for a handle that's easy to hold or a shaver that isn't too big or small for your palm. The last thing you would want is the tool flying out of your hand because you've lost your grip on it.
Stainless steel blade
Stainless steel blades are the way to go with any clipper. They are known to be sharper, so you can really get all of that hair off. Plus, they are easy to clean and disinfect, which can help avoid any potential infection.
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What is difference between hair trimmer and clipper?
Both are intended to cut or trim hair in some way. A clipper is intended to cut larger areas without cutting too close to the skin, while a trimmer is made for more detailed shaves or shaping small areas (like sideburns, around the ears, etc.).
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What is the use of hair clipper?
A hair clipper is a tool meant to help cut hair. It's made for larger areas like your head and beard as it doesn't cut close to the skin.
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Can I cut my own hair with clippers?
Absolutely, though you might need some assistance with the back of your head. It will probably also be a learning curve until you get the hang of it.
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