Best home Hair Clipper + Trimmer

[frlod]

Hey guys,

I've been trying to find the perfect hair clipper/trimmer for me for a while.
Note that I cut my own hair at home.

My requirements:

1. Should (at least) support 0.5m (0.02 inch) to 25mm (1 inch) cutting range.
2. Should be able to style/trim my beard with it (i.e. serve as a trimmer too).
3. Should be strong, cut smoothly and on the first pass.
4. Last for a long time
5. International - many Wahl models for example only support US voltage (110V).
6. Preferably not too expensive (up to 70$ would be perfect)

Here are some I've found during my research:

1. Hatteker Pro Hair Clipper (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077WRL9G6/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza) - Looks good, but not sure about its reliability. Also cordless means it won't survive as much.

2. Wahl Elite Pro (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wahl-Elite-Main-Hair-Clipper/dp/B00WZ1JV48) - Looks pretty amazing, but not close cut (0.8mm minimum) and looks kinda heavy.

3. Remington Colour Cut (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Remington-Colour-Cut-Hair-clipper/dp/B013GH0AE4): Probably my best option so far, but the cheapness worries me regarding its quality.

4. Philips QC5570/13 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Yourself-Clipper-Degree-Rotating/dp/B00BN1TW7C) - Also looks great, but longest it can cut is 15mm (and I'd like 25mm).

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[soccerluvof4]

I have owned a Wahl model CNT-M for at least 10 years if not more and have cut my hair and 3 boys since I purchased it and trimmed my beard at least twice a week. I'd bet its been longer.  Before that I had an Osters which I dont know if there around anymore but the Wahl is a mid size not the small or super big one, has all the different sizes and cleaning stuff you will ever need. I would 4 start out of 4 recommend it.

[inline five]

I have a Wahl. Made in the US. Used it around 7 years so far. No issues, would buy again.

[frlod]

Thanks for the responses. Which type of Wahl? Can it do a close cut?

[jim555]

Wahl from Walmart, model 9243-2301, has many attachments and goes for $16.83.

[lizzzi]

Take a look at the little one called the Wahl Peanut--it's the only thing I've found that works well for trimming and cleaning up the back of my neck. I got it from Amazon Prime.

[pd_03]

I, too, have used a Wahl for many years (5? 6?) after another brand of clippers I had bit the dust. The version I have is 79520-3101P, which comes with a larger clipper you plug into the Wahl and a smaller, battery powered clipper you can travel with. I can't speak to the international power requirement, but it meets your other needs.

[Bird In Hand]

I've been using cheap Wahl clippers (~$30 big-box store variety) to cut my own hair for decades, and more recently my kids' hair.  At least for fine hair, they are barely adequate.  I have to pass through the same area many, many times to do a decent job.  The 15 minutes or so it takes is still mustachian compared with trips to the barber, but it's definitely not a pleasure to use them.

Given that the clippers get so much use -- probably 12 times a year -- I've been thinking about splurging on a nicer set.  If I stick with Wahl, my research points to the commercial/professional models with V9000 motor -- 'Senior', '5 Star Series', 'Legend', 'Sterling', etc..  They are available in 240v outside the US.  I wouldn't bother with any of their products from the consumer line.

[ikonomore]

I have this remington and it's great.  First cut took a little bit of time but now i'm under 10 minutes.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B014SG66UO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Cranky]

We have  Conair rechargeable clippers that we've used for at least 20 years. I vaguely remember buying it a Walmart.

[RobFIRE]

I got the Wahl Elite Pro last year, replacing clippers that were so old I could not find a replacement for the now-blunt blade for sale (I don't recall that it ever cut cleanly just on first pass so I probably would not have just replaced the blade anyway).

Very happy with the Wahl. Cuts very well. I don't find it heavy to use, seems to be built to last. I use the number 2 grade all over my head.

The smallest guard is 0.5 grade, so would not be as little as 0.05 mm, so that looks like the only one of your criteria it doesn't meet.

[elysianfields]

Based on The Wirecutter's recommendation, I bought the Wahl Lithium Ion Stainless Steel Groomer.  It's the bomb, and having used three other trimmers in my life, the Wahl is sooooooooooo much better you should really consider nothing else.

1500 Days also brags about using a Wahl on his blog.

[MStangRacer]

another option I look for is in the adjustment - I like the gated/precise adjuster, so it doesn't move when shaving my head

[chemistk]

I can't recommend a specific model, as I've been using a product not really designed for heavy duty cutting hair (Philips Norelco 3100) - but in using this product, I can say that beard trimmers tend to offer the closest shave - you could get the Wahl like everyone here recommends, use it on the smallest guard size, and then also get a really inexpensive beard trimmer for that last little bit.

Alternatively, you could also do like I do, and just shave your head with a razor to give the smallest taper look. 

[Enigma]

I was working overseas and also wanted a clipper that was perfect.  I still use it and bought it a couple of years ago.  Double checking my Amazon orders I have pasted the information below.

"Wahl Clipper Color Pro Cordless Rechargeable Hair Clippers, Hair trimmers, 21 pieces Hair Cutting Kit, Color Coded guide combs For Men, Kids and Babie"

[rothwem]

I've been using cheap Wahl clippers (~$30 big-box store variety) to cut my own hair for decades, and more recently my kids' hair.  At least for fine hair, they are barely adequate.  I have to pass through the same area many, many times to do a decent job.  The 15 minutes or so it takes is still mustachian compared with trips to the barber, but it's definitely not a pleasure to use them.

Given that the clippers get so much use -- probably 12 times a year -- I've been thinking about splurging on a nicer set.  If I stick with Wahl, my research points to the commercial/professional models with V9000 motor -- 'Senior', '5 Star Series', 'Legend', 'Sterling', etc..  They are available in 240v outside the US.  I wouldn't bother with any of their products from the consumer line.

Okay, weird question since it appears you've looked into the different working parts of a hair clipper--Have you ever noticed that there's two very distinct sounds that a hair clipper can make?  Sometimes when I get a haircut, the clipper makes a low sound, like "boooowwwwwwww".  Usually those haircuts come out poorly.  When the barber uses a clipper that makes more of a whooshy/whiney "sheeeeeeee" sound, my haircut comes out better. 

What's the difference? I've noticed that both types are made by wahl. 

[Ozymandiaz]

I got the $20 Wahl clipper at Costco several years ago, and my wife has cut my hair and my son's hair ever since. Best investment ever. No more barber costs or waiting. Just wish I had started earlier.

[RecoveringCarClown]

I've been using cheap Wahl clippers (~$30 big-box store variety) to cut my own hair for decades, and more recently my kids' hair.  At least for fine hair, they are barely adequate.  I have to pass through the same area many, many times to do a decent job.  The 15 minutes or so it takes is still mustachian compared with trips to the barber, but it's definitely not a pleasure to use them.

Given that the clippers get so much use -- probably 12 times a year -- I've been thinking about splurging on a nicer set.  If I stick with Wahl, my research points to the commercial/professional models with V9000 motor -- 'Senior', '5 Star Series', 'Legend', 'Sterling', etc..  They are available in 240v outside the US.  I wouldn't bother with any of their products from the consumer line.

Okay, weird question since it appears you've looked into the different working parts of a hair clipper--Have you ever noticed that there's two very distinct sounds that a hair clipper can make?  Sometimes when I get a haircut, the clipper makes a low sound, like "boooowwwwwwww".  Usually those haircuts come out poorly.  When the barber uses a clipper that makes more of a whooshy/whiney "sheeeeeeee" sound, my haircut comes out better. 

What's the difference? I've noticed that both types are made by wahl.

Are you sure?  A lot of barbers I know use Oster 76’s with metal blades that are switched out for the cut depth (aka no plastic guards).  These are often ranked as the best clippers for pro use.  They sound more like you are describing and do a superior job but cost more.  Buy once, cry once if you want a lifetime lasting serviceable unit.  It is on of my luxury item list for dyi tools that are worth their price with heirloom level quality.

[rothwem]

I've been using cheap Wahl clippers (~$30 big-box store variety) to cut my own hair for decades, and more recently my kids' hair.  At least for fine hair, they are barely adequate.  I have to pass through the same area many, many times to do a decent job.  The 15 minutes or so it takes is still mustachian compared with trips to the barber, but it's definitely not a pleasure to use them.

Given that the clippers get so much use -- probably 12 times a year -- I've been thinking about splurging on a nicer set.  If I stick with Wahl, my research points to the commercial/professional models with V9000 motor -- 'Senior', '5 Star Series', 'Legend', 'Sterling', etc..  They are available in 240v outside the US.  I wouldn't bother with any of their products from the consumer line.

Okay, weird question since it appears you've looked into the different working parts of a hair clipper--Have you ever noticed that there's two very distinct sounds that a hair clipper can make?  Sometimes when I get a haircut, the clipper makes a low sound, like "boooowwwwwwww".  Usually those haircuts come out poorly.  When the barber uses a clipper that makes more of a whooshy/whiney "sheeeeeeee" sound, my haircut comes out better. 

What's the difference? I've noticed that both types are made by wahl.

Are you sure?  A lot of barbers I know use Oster 76’s with metal blades that are switched out for the cut depth (aka no plastic guards).  These are often ranked as the best clippers for pro use.  They sound more like you are describing and do a superior job but cost more.  Buy once, cry once if you want a lifetime lasting serviceable unit.  It is on of my luxury item list for dyi tools that are worth their price with heirloom level quality.

Hah, no not sure.  Could've been an oster.  I have to take my glasses off when I get a haircut, I usually don't see anything other than blurry light until the haircut is finished. 

[Milspecstache]

I have worn out two WAHL's since I started cutting my own hair in high school and maybe got a couple of years out of each apiece.

Then in 2009 I transitioned to Oster Professional fast feed clipper for $50 and it lasted eight years cutting every 2 weeks.  When the blades wore out and it wouldn't do the job I upgraded again.

In 2017 I bought the Oster 76 for $120 mentioned above.  It is the most expensive but allows the blades to be changed out so it should last much, much longer.  Easily my favorite.  I think it will be worth it as I intend to keep my same haircut forever at this point.

[seattlecyclone]

I've been using one of these $20 Wahl clippers for several years. Not sure how long anymore, but certainly longer than my three-year-old son has been alive. It's showing no sign of "wearing out" yet, but even if it dies after the next haircut we're looking at less than $5 per year of use. A $120 model would have to last more than two decades to beat that. That may well happen, but it seems like a bit of a gamble.

[yakamashii]

I've had a good experience with a pair of Panasonic clippers I bought in Japan 12 years ago. Here is the latest model: https://shop.panasonic.com/personal-care/mens-shavers-and-grooming/mens-beard-hair-trimmers/ER-GB70-S.html#start=1&cgid=mens-shavers-and-grooming

More expensive and smaller cutting area than WAHL, but better maneuverability, washable under running water, and until a few years ago the capability to charge the battery and use cordlessly (now I can only use it plugged in, but it's not a big deal). Never seen a WAHL that offers those features.

(History: My family had a pair of WAHL clippers that came with me when I left home for college. That pair lasted a total of 10 years before the motor ran out of juice and started yanking hair out rather than cutting it. I bought another pair of WAHLs, and the materials seemed much flimsier while the motor crapped out after four years. Then, I moved to Japan and got the Panasonic I have now)

[FIREin2018]

how do you cut your hair by yourselves?
i tried once and it turned out terrible.

#1 guard for the sides, #3 guard for top.
did a horrible job for the back of my head

[Enigma]

how do you cut your hair by yourselves?i tried once and it turned out terrible.
#1 guard for the sides, #3 guard for top. did a horrible job for the back of my head

I watched a youtube video on doing it many times before I attempted.  Been cutting my own hair for a couple of years.  The first few times probably were not the greatest.  I tend to do a #3 on the sides and if I do the top of my head a #5 or #6 on the top.

1st - I do everything with the largest guard.  Lets say a #5 along the top, back, and all the sides.
2nd - I use my hands as guards and the side to prevent me from cutting the top.  I go wild with a #3 everywhere below my hand.
(3 different hand positions) - Left Side, Right Side, Back all protecting the top of my head from trimming.

Then I use a shaving razer to trim the back of my neck.  I will use my hand to make a line and the other hand doing a sawing technique that seems to work best.
The shorter the cut, I think the more flaws you will be able to see.  Just my 2 cents