In Their Kit: The Best Hair Clippers, According to Hairstylists

Not all clippers are made equal. Battery life, guard variations, cordless or plugged in – all affect a haircut’s finish. To help you wade through the dozens of clippers on the market, we’ve enlisted the help of local hairstylists and barbers who know the tools best. From a $27 “get the job done” kit to an investment “top-value performer”, here are the hair clippers that’ll help achieve a barbershop finish at home. 

Jordan Tabakman, owner of The Barber Club

Why do you love it?

The Boosted Up is proper barber-level gear that pros use worldwide. It’s got a super high-torque motor, so it cuts through thick or coarse hair easily without dragging. The modular set-up is a big plus; you can switch blades and change the outer skins to suit your style. It comes with four magnetic guards, a charging dock and USB charging, so it’s actually really practical for home use too. Overall, it’s the perfect mix of power, precision and versatility, and it doesn’t feel like a “home” clipper at all.

How is it best used?

Keep it simple, start with longer guards and work your way down, especially if you’re doing a fade. Don’t force it; just use light, controlled strokes and let the clipper do the work. Keep it clean and oiled so it runs smoothly.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

The Alpha Up is the upgraded version of the original Alpha and hits a really nice middle ground. You still get that Gamma quality and a strong motor, but at a more accessible price. It cuts clean, feels solid and gives you a more “barber-style” finish compared to typical retail clippers. It comes with a charging base, USB charging, magnetic guards and interchangeable skins (white, purple, black), which is a nice touch.

How is it best used?

It’s great for clean-ups, simple fades or keeping your cut fresh between barber visits. Stick to your guards, take your time and focus on keeping everything even rather than rushing. It’s not as powerful or refined as the Boosted Up, so it can struggle a bit with really thick or dense hair.

Joey Scandizzo, founder of Joey Scandizzo Salon

Why do you love it?

Babyliss Pro trimmers are perfect for adding precise details around the hairline. They’re also great for hard-to-access areas, giving you a clean, polished finish.

How is it best used?

Work with light, controlled movements and minimal pressure to maintain sharp, natural-looking lines. Stretch the skin slightly in tight areas (around the ears and neck) to create a smoother surface for the trimmer.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

I use Wahl Senior clippers for clean fades and tapers because they provide a great level of control. They also remove hair quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for fast, high-performance cuts.

How is it best used?

Always start with the longer-length guards to quickly remove the bulk or weight from the hair before refining your fade or taper. Work upwards in a flicking motion when fading to avoid any harsh lines or rough finishes.

Anthony Nader, founder of Raw Anthony Nader and co-founder of SSS Hair

Why do you love it?

I love its innovative adjustable blade cuts that are precise. This clipper stands out because of its technology and high speed, which in turn gives a slick barber finish. It’s also compact so it doesn’t weigh a tonne, so it’s easy to glide along the head with ease if you have smaller hands or wrists.

How is it best used?

With 180 minutes of cordless run-time, you can cut more with less time plugged in. But I’ve always been a believer in paying for quality and not quantity. I’ll always invest to know my haircut is going to look dapper. 

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

If you’re on a tight budget, this set will now be your new bestie. It’s a set that includes all you need for playing barber at home. It has all the attachments and, yes, includes scissors. This clipper set also includes two adjustable comb lengths and stainless steel blades, which will be able to handle excess water over time. 

How is it best used?

When you’re taking off the bulk of the hair, I always start with a bigger blade attachment. This way, I’m in more control of what’s going to be taken off slowly. Then I can use my next blade to narrow in on the final length I want. The only downside to this clipper is that it only has a run time of 40 minutes, so you may want to work with a mission here, rather than casually.

Elly Paynter, independent hairdresser and educator

Why do you love it?

It’s super heavy-duty and more of an advanced tool. I love the 120-minute run time.

How is it best used?

Clip away on clean, dry hair with no knots. Work the clipper along the scalp with your preferred guard size.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

It’s an absolute classic and a great all-rounder clipper; my Super Taper Pro has never failed me! It’s best used on dry and knot-free hair.

Jason Tay, hairstylist at Kings Domain Barber Shop

Why do you love it?

Wahl is always the brand I recommend as they are premium and have over 100 years of history in the industry. I love the Wahl Senior 2.0, which works as a home or professional clipper as it is so well-created. The standout feature is that it is colour-coded and has specific length measurements which takes away the guessing part, especially if you’re not a barber. It’s also cordless, durable and consistently delivers, which is why it’s often praised as a top-value performer in testing. 

How is it best used?

Always start with a longer guard than you think you need, then work shorter. This clipper is forgiving, but you can’t undo a too-short cut. Move slowly with a little flipping motion on your wrist and go through the same section multiple times for an even finish. 

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

Remington is a good, affordable brand, and this is a “get the job done” kind of kit. It’s inexpensive but still gives you solid cutting performances. It includes multiple guards to help determine the length and has decent reliability for basic trims and buzz cuts. Remington tends to be more consistent in quality and longevity, making it a safer budget pick.

How is it best used?

It’s best for simple touch-ups in between barber appointments – leave anything bigger to the experts. Go slow, be precise with your movements and what you are doing. Also, clean the blades regularly to keep them cutting smoothly. It has a less powerful motor and fewer premium touches so it can struggle with thicker hair and feels a bit noisier and less refined in the hand.

Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Mitch

Why do you love it?

Wahl has been known for its solid clippers for years! It’s an iconic brand in our industry. It’s also very easy to get replacement guards (for some reason the number one and two always go missing at Mitch).