When it comes to cutting hair, finding the right professional barber clippers can be a challenge. The best barber clippers are designed with powerful motors, sharp blades, long-lasting rechargeable batteries, sturdy designs and a complete set of quality attachments, offering a quality machine at an affordable price.
Whether you’re fading, tapering or cutting, good professional hair clippers can make all the difference for barbers.
With so many different brands on the market, it can be hard knowing which hair clippers to buy.
To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best clippers for barbers. From Wahl to BaBylissPro and Andis, you’ll want to explore these top-rated professional hair clippers and trimmers to find the perfect haircutting tool.
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5 Best Professional Hair Clippers 2023
Oster Classic 76 Clipper
What makes the Oster Classic 76 the top-rated professional hair clipper is the product’s powerful, heavy-duty motor, super sharp blades, ergonomic design, and durable case for long-lasting, high-quality performance.
With the ability to cut through all types of hair and the excellent functionality that everyone expects from barber clippers, this Oster machine has lasted through the years and remains one of the most well-reviewed models.
Don’t let the retro look of these clippers deceive you; everything about these clippers is high-end and made with quality in mind. For starters, the housing is super durable because these hair trimmers are designed to last for years of use. This hair cutting machine buzzes through wet or dry hair easily, and will cut through all types of hair in one pass.
The lack of complexity is a benefit for rookie barbers, as the only steps required to use these hair clippers are plugging them in and switching them on. The powerful motor and razor sharp blades will stand the test of time, so you can rest-assured that it will last as long as you need it to. Plus, the stainless steel blades deliver a smooth, precise cut.
Although a bit pricey upfront, you’ll get a good value in the long run. Just think of these Oster clippers as a good investment. Ultimately, the Oster Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper may be simple and straightforward, but it is commercial-grade and made for barbershops and salons alike. As the highest-rated product on the market, any barber would be wise to get one.
Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip
The Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip is the most versatile tool on our list, making it undoubtedly one of the best barber clippers on the market. With a robust rotary motor, precision stainless steel blades that provide zero-overlap, a convenient taper level for easy fading and blending, and a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, this Wahl clipper is loaded with premium features. It should come as no surprise that we named this Wahl Professional hair clipper the best for fades.
Wahl has cemented its position as one of the leading manufacturers in the market. Whether you’re a new or experienced barber, this unit gets the job done right. With superior speed and ease of use, the Cordless Magic Clip will cut through all types of hair, including thick, curly, wet or dry. The machine comes equipped with sharp blades and a powerful motor, making the experience hassle-free.
Wahl built this clipper with a lithium-ion battery for up to 90 minutes of run-time. The corded and cordless cutting capability allows barbers the luxury of freedom, moving around and accessing the sides, back and top of the head without a lengthy cord in the way.
The ergonomic design and lightweight build also makes it comfortable to hold for hours. Just to be clear, the product will work with the cord attached, so you get the choice.
Finally, the package comes with 8 attachment combs or guard sizes, meaning you won’t have to buy any additional add-ons. Barbers and stylists swear by the Wahl Professional 5-Star Cordless Magic Clip, and with thousands of reviews on Amazon singing its praise, we can’t recommend it enough.
It is important to note that Wahl does also sell a much cheaper corded version. The corded Magic Clip works with a V9000 cool-running motor that offers 50% more power than other standard clippers. And while you get a stronger electromagnetic motor, this machine was designed to avoid overheating or wear.
If you never plan on cutting without a cord and want to save money, this Wahl Professional Clipper for barbers may be the right choice for you.
Andis Master Adjustable Blade Hair Clipper
Andis is one of the most well-known and reputable brands in the industry. Respected for their high-end products, the Andis Master Adjustable Blade Hair Clipper maintains the company’s stellar reputation.
This Andis clipper comes with a powerful high-speed magnetic motor, durable adjustable carbon-steel blade, intuitive design, and tough but lightweight housing, making it a top clipper for professional barbers everywhere.
Cutting is no problem for this machine, with an impressive yet quiet and cool motor running at 14,000 strokes per minute. Equipped with close teeth on its blade, this model can tackle thick, curly, and fine hair with a deft sharpness that removes the fear of snagging, pulling, or nicking.
The single lever on the side adjusts the clipper blades for fading. The result is a heavy-duty pro clipper that’s great for all-around cutting and tapering.
Furthermore, the Andis Master is made of an extra durable, lightweight aluminum case that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Sharp and sleek looking, the tool is comfortable to use and hold for prolonged periods of time.
For easy cutting, fading and outlining, we highly recommend the Andis Master Hair Clipper for barbers and professionals. Expect haircuts to go twice as fast and be twice as precise. While you’ll need to buy a comb set separately, the quality of this tool justifies its price tag.
Andis Barber Combo
For those who need a professional barber kit, the Andis Barber Combo could be a great option. This set comes with an Andis Adjustable Blade Clipper and a T-Outliner Trimmer. The hair clipper comes with a high-speed magnetic motor and adjustable blade for close cutting, while the T-Outliner is fitted with fine teeth for dry shaving, outlining and fading. Whether you’re giving a haircut, fixing a neckline, or fading the sides, this hair clipper and trimmer set gets you everything you need to be a successful barber.
For starters, the Andis clipper comes standard with a carbon-steel blade for long-lasting durability. Paired with a powerful, cool-running motor that delivers 7,200 strokes per minute, you’ll be able to cut through all hair types, including thick, curly and long hair. The company also packaged 6 guard sizes for the ability to blend the perfect fade.
Though the motor on this clipper isn’t quite as heavy-duty as the one on the Andis Master, the company makes up for it with an ultra-lightweight, ergonomic design. At 17 ounces, it feels smaller and lighter in your hand for easier maneuvering.
As for the corded trimmer, it just happens to be the industry-standard Andis Professional T-Outliner. Made with a carbon-steel blade for the closest cut possible, this machine is great for trimming necks, beards, mustaches, and around the hairline.
In addition to cleaning up the neckline, barbers use the T-Outliner for a temple fade or line up haircut, also known as a shape or edge up.
For the best of both worlds, the Andis Barber Combo is a good starter kit. For new barbers trying the profession or men cutting their own hair at home with professional tools, this clipper and trimmer package is an excellent value. If you’re an experienced professional barber, you’d be better off combining the Andis T-Outliner with the Master clipper above.
Wahl Professional Super Taper II Hair Clipper
Perfect for stylists and barbers because of its power, sturdiness, and comfortable hold, the Wahl Professional Super Taper II is another one of the highest-rated clippers on the market. As the name suggests, the machine was originally designed to be a top-of-the-line taper fade clipper. However, the company built it so well that it functions great for all-around cutting and trimming. The Wahl Super Taper certainly delivers on the brand’s professional trademark quality.
Equipped with the V5000 motor that runs faster and quieter than the standard electromagnetic clipper, this Wahl Professional hair clipper glides through even the thickest of wet hair with ease.
The sharp blades and robust motor enable this hair cutting machine to effortlessly blend and taper all types of fades while feeling good in your hands with its ergonomic shape. The combination of sharp performance and sublime design, balancing control and comfort, is what makes Wahl so highly revered by barbers.
As for guards, this product comes with 8 combs, which are color-coded for length and definitely a benefit for beginners. They make easy work of wet or dry hair, and even trimming beards. Lag or “chewing” of hair is near nonexistent, and a lever on the left brings the blades closer, resulting in a shorter, tighter cut. This can be especially useful for barbers who cut many buzz cuts or crew cuts in a day.
The only drawback here is the unit’s bulk and weight. But this may also be the reason it vibrates less and allows for a cozy grip for men.
The Wahl Super Taper II is easily a top clipper for both professional and home use. Powerful, well-balanced, easy to use, and the most affordable machine on our list, this product is an excellent option for anyone.
How To Choose Good Barber Clippers
There are a few main differences between home and professional barber clippers. Picking a pair of good clippers means considering all of these factors in light of the purpose for which you want to use the trimmer. It may go without saying, but professional clippers tend to be better quality than home clippers, so even if you’re not a barber by profession, you might want to consider buying a set of pro clippers.
Powerful Motor
The motor is the heart of a clipper. Without a robust, high-speed motor to power the blades, barbers will get stuck cutting through thick and curly hair, wet and dry. For this reason, we specifically chose products with specs that detailed a high number of strokes per minute.
After all, how embarrassing would it be for a professional barber’s cutting tool to snag or pull on a client’s hair and stop mid trim? Fortunately, all the models that made it to our list won’t allow you to have that problem ever.
Sharp, Long-Lasting Blades
Blades are equally crucial to getting a good clipper. Corrosion-resistant, strong, precise, and sharp blades ensure a close cut with minimal effort. By cutting more hair off with each pass, barbers enjoy maximum efficiency.
Plus, replacing blades regularly isn’t ideal or cheap. Professional clippers generally come with carbon-steel or stainless-steel blades that offer durability and the ability to cut through all types of hair. While home hair clippers aren’t bad per se, they just don’t compare to the quality of commercial products.
Better Design
Ergonomics is a noticeable difference between barbershop and home clippers. Professional hair trimmers are designed to be used all day, every day. The structure and weight of the trimmers reflects that need.
Barber clippers are light and comfortable to hold, whereas home clippers are more bulky. If you’re going to be cutting your own hair, it may be helpful to pay a little more and get a machine that’s easier to hold for long periods of time.
Price
Price is another obvious distinction. Commercial-grade clippers for barbers and stylists are more expensive, but they tend to last longer because they are better built with higher-quality components.
So if you cut your own hair a lot, a top-notch tool could be a worthwhile investment. If you’ll only be using the trimmer once every few months, get an affordable cordless product like the Wahl Color Pro or the Wahl Elite Pro Haircut Kit.
How To Maintain Professional Hair Clippers
Maintenance is the key to making your hair clippers last for years. Even the best-made pair of clippers can deteriorate if not cared for properly. While you don’t need to take apart and oil your machine every day, the right maintenance routine can make your favorite hair clippers last for decades. Most models will come with the tools you need to keep them in good shape, but if they don’t, oil and spray are good accessories to buy.
Here’s how to maintain your hair clippers for longevity and optimal performance.
Clean The Blades
Cleaning the blades is one of the fundamentals of trimmer maintenance. Without these hygienic practices, your barber tools can become grimy and clogged, resulting in uneven cuts. Cleaning the blades involves using the clipper brush to get rid of debris and hairs, and sometimes even blowing through the clippers if something is stuck in a hard to reach place. The essential point is that you get rid of anything clogging the blades, as this can cause damage in the long run.
Align and Oil The Blade
Aligning and oiling the blade are the next two steps. To align the blade, just look at the clipper from the side and check that the blade is perfectly flat. Anything protruding could nick your client’s head as you cut their hair, so loosen the screws and slowly move the blade if you need to align it.
You should also oil the blade regularly by placing a few drops on the teeth and corners. Then run the clipper for a few seconds to distribute the oil evenly. Clipper blade oil will help your clippers run smooth consistently. Clipper spray is also a good investment to keep the blades clean, disinfected, and cool, thereby preventing excessive wear and tear.
Wash The Combs and Attachments
Combs, also known as attachments or guards, should be washed and scrubbed every few uses in warm, soapy water. Be sure to dry them before using them again.
Change The Blade
Lastly, change the blade when necessary. If it’s chipped or bent, or simply starting to go blunt, the best thing you can do is move on and buy a new blade. It’s not worth putting up with a broken blade when a new one will work much better. Plus, it’s cheaper to just buy a new blade than to replace the entire machine, especially if the motor is still running strong.
Buying Hair Clippers For Professional Barbers
Getting the best hair clippers for barbers is akin to any professional finding the right tools of their trade. It’s important to invest time, effort and money buying the highest-quality machines and products to reach your full potential. And these top barber clippers will help you achieve just that.
Whether you’re just a beginner or skilled professional barber, we hope you find a good unit for your needs. And when in doubt, always invest in commercial-quality machines from top brands like Wahl and Andis. Like anything else, you get what you pay for, and the frustration and hassle down the line isn’t worth the few dollars you may save now.