This is one of the biggest challenges of 2024 for many men: cutting their own hair or having someone they know cut it for them. There are so many different clippers out there, and you don't know which one to choose for trimming your beard and/or hair? Don't panic, we're here to explain the different factors to consider so you can select the one that suits you best.
______________
Questions you should ask yourself before buying a hair clipper
First, it's important to ask yourself some questions even before thinking about the clippers themselves. What type of cut do you plan to do? What is your hair type (thick, fine, etc.)? What type of beard do you have? Is it short (less than 5 mm)?
The versatility of your clipper
If you don't want to clutter yourself with too many different clippers, we advise you to choose a relatively versatile one. For example, if you want to cut both your hair and beard with it. If this is the case, you should opt for a clipper with several guards to vary the cutting lengths. However, if you want detailed finishes, you'll need, as the name suggests, a finishing trimmer.
The required equipment
To work on your hair, it's important to have a few tools in addition to the clipper. These will ensure you know what you're doing.
- A movable mirror, to observe what you're doing. Make any necessary adjustments to your new hairstyle to avoid a mishap.
- A straight comb, to properly frame what you're doing and cut the correct lengths.
- Cutting scissors, if you want to do fades or simply thin out your hair.
You can find all our comb and scissor references in our catalog.
Types of guards and their use
What are the types of clipper guards and how to use them? Hair clipper guards are usually numbered and correspond to different cutting lengths. Here are some common examples:
- Guard N°0: 1.5mm
- Guard N°1: 3mm
- Guard N°2: 6mm
- Guard N°3: 10mm
- Guard N°4: 13mm
To create a fade, it is recommended to use three different guard sizes: one for the top of the head, one for the sides, and one for the nape. For example, for a faded cut, you can use an 11mm guard on the sides and a slightly longer one for the top.
Mistakes to avoid
What are common mistakes to avoid when cutting hair with a clipper?
- Wrong guard choice: Not selecting the correct guard for the desired length can result in a cut that is too short or uneven.
- Neglecting maintenance: Regular maintenance of blades and guards is crucial. Use specific oils to lubricate your appliance's accessories.
- Forgetting to clean: After each use, carefully clean the blades and guards with a small brush to prevent debris buildup.
- Lack of accessory care: Clipper guards can be fragile. Make sure to handle them with care and check that spare parts are available if needed.
Clipper guards can be cleaned with water, but this depends on the type of clipper and its accessories. If your clipper is marked as washable (faucet symbol on the device), you can generally clean the guards with water. However, avoid using soapy water or detergents, as they can damage the protective layer of the blades. If your clipper is not designed to be washed (crossed-out faucet symbol), it is best to clean the guards with a brush or cleaning spray without submerging them in water.
Choosing your hair clipper
Now let's get to the heart of the matter. You'll need a quality hair clipper to do most of the work. It allows you to style and shorten your hair and beard. This is the tool you'll use most of the time, whether for fades or shortening.
We offer some references to help you choose; they have been selected for versatile home use.
Beautélive TECHNICUT 998 Professional Hair Clipper
Discover the Technicut 998 from Beautélive, which stands out as a professional quality clipper at a very attractive price.
Precise titanium cutting head
With its high resistance, the cutting head will allow you to do fades easily. 4 levels are available: 1 / 1.3 / 1.6 and 1.9 mm. 2 adaptable combs can be installed on the clipper, allowing cutting heights of 3 and 6 mm for the first, and 9 and 12 mm for the second.
Lithium-ion battery
The battery gives the clipper a 250-minute run time, which is perfectly sufficient for a home haircut.
A modern clipper
You'll discover several speed levels, 5 to be exact. These will allow you to adapt to different hair types. The clipper has a small LCD screen displaying several pieces of information: charge level, current speed, and a reminder to oil the cutting head.
Panasonic ER-GP72 Hair Clipper
Discover the very high-performance professional hair clipper ER-GP72 from Panasonic.
Highly versatile, it will allow you to cut with consistent and regular power, without battery percentage being a problem.
X-taper blade
The ergonomics of the blades and the machine will give you exceptional maneuverability and a precise cut.
Cutting lengths
Equipped with a rotary dial, the clipper allows you to adjust the cutting length to 5 levels: from 8 mm to 2 mm. The three adaptable combs will provide 6 different lengths: 3-4 mm, 6-9 mm, and 12-15 mm.
A finishing trimmer for quality work
If you want to go further to get a quality cut, you will certainly need to buy a finishing trimmer. These trimmers have finer cutting heads for more delicate and precise work. They will allow you to work on contours and can, to a lesser extent, replace finishing razors.
Wahl BERET Cordless Finishing Trimmer
A sleek and elegant design, with performance to match: discover the BERET finishing trimmer from Wahl.
In addition to its original appearance, the finishing trimmer has many qualities that will allow you to finish your hairstyle properly.
A powerful motor worthy of professional clippers
The clipper operates at 6,000 revolutions/minute. This will give you even more consistency in your work.
Excellent blade quality
The chrome-plated blades will provide perfect cutting comfort in a single pass. They are ideal for perfect finishes, nape or around the ears.
Beautélive Trimmer 66 Cord/Cordless Finishing Trimmer
For perfect finishes and fades, opt for the Trimmer 66 from Beautélive! In addition to its colorful design featuring calaveras, you'll discover excellent performance.
A precise cutting head
With its ergonomic shape, you'll enjoy handling this tool, which allows you to finish your haircuts in the best conditions. The clipper is 0.2 mm at base, but you can also install guards (included in the pack) of 1, 2, and 3 mm.
Our razors Panasonic products Shaving products
If you want a product for your beard, we have several brands to offer:
- Beard care oil from Beautélive
- Bandido beard oil with a rather original bottle 👀
- Proraso military beard brush
