Barber clippers: learn all about professional hair clippers

Barber clippers are specifically designed for cutting hair, primarily on the head. These essential barber tools have evolved significantly over time, enhancing both precision and convenience.

Originally, barber hair clippers were manually operated. They featured a pair of handles that, when squeezed together, would trim the hair. This changed in 1919 when Leo J. Wahl revolutionized the industry by inventing the first electromagnetic hair clipper, powered by a motor for efficient cutting.

Today, barber clippers continue to advance with modern technology. In this spirit of technological progress, Wahl has created the Vapor, the new barber's favourite clipper.

Discover the full Wahl range and find the clipper that meets all your needs.

Summary

What are the differents types of barber clippers?
What comes with a barber clipper when you buy it?
How to use barber clippers for a flawless cut?
What are the top features to look for in barber clippers?

What are the differents types of barber clippers?

When selecting the right barber clippers, understanding blade types is crucial because that's where the difference is. Firstly, there are two main categories of blades: those that can be detached and those that are fixed. Then the blades vary according to their cutting length, coating, teeth, etc.

The different kind of barber clippers blades

Fixed blade vs Detachable blade

Fixed blade are as their name says, permanently attached to the clipper and need to be unscrewed in order to be removed. On the contrary, detachable blade can be easily removed and replaced. They also allow barbers to easily clean and maintain them on a daily basis.

For professional barbers, selecting the right barber hair clippers is essential for achieving the perfect cut. Traditionally, clippers came equipped with a taper blade, but thanks to advances in technology, there are now various types of blade for very specific uses. Understanding the difference between them can help barbers refine their technique and deliver top-tier results.

Taper Blade - The versatile and efficient one

Cutting Range: 1-2 mm
Angle: 21-degree level
Best for: Tapering and clipper-over-comb techniques
Features: Allows for easy hair pick-up and feeding

Taper blades are an industry standard due to their versatility. They are perfect for achieving seamless fades and are excellent for general haircutting, making them a staple for barbers worldwide.

Surgical Blade - Offers precision cutting

Cutting Range: 0.5-1.2 mm

Best for: On-scalp cutting and precise detailing

Features: Zero-overlap adjustment, slightly shorter teeth for finer hair feed

Surgical blades are designed for ultra-close cutting, making them ideal for creating sharp lines and detailed work. Their fine-toothed design ensures smooth, clean cuts without pulling or snagging.

Blading Blade - Perfect for ultra-close shaves

Cutting Range: 0.5 mm
Best for: Bald fades and skin-close cuts
Features: Zero-overlap adjustment, short sharp teeth, patented design

If you’re looking to create bald fades or ultra-close shaves, the balding blade is a must-have. With its precision sharp teeth, this blade delivers a clean and smooth finish with minimal effort.

Wedge Blade - Extend your fade range

Cutting Range: 0.7-1.7 mm
Best for: Fading and precision cutting
Features: Deeper teeth for enhanced hair feed, extended blade slide for a wider fade range

The wedge blade offers deeper teeth and a longer blade slide, which makes it perfect for achieving smooth gradients in fades. This blade provides closer precision cutting while maintaining flexibility for various hairstyles.

Stagger-Tooth Blade - Perfect for blending

Cutting Range: 0.5-1.2 mm
Best for: Fast cutting and seamless blending
Features: Alternating tall and short teeth, bottom blade is a surgical blade

The stagger-tooth blade is designed for fast, efficient cutting and blending. Its unique tooth pattern allows for seamless fades and transitions, making it a favorite among professional barbers.

F32 FADEOUT Adjustable Balding Blade – Next-Level Precision

Cutting Range: 0.5-1.2 mm
Best for: Transitioning from balding to fading
Features: Fine, ball-pointed teeth for smooth gliding over pores
Coatings: VD chrome and black DLC for ultra-durability and rust resistance

The F32 FADEOUT Adjustable Balding Blade is an innovative solution for barbers who demand precision and efficiency. Its specialized coatings and fine-toothed design ensure a flawless, long-lasting performance. Learn more about the performance of this blade in our article about our best barber clippers.

Selecting the right blade depends on your cutting style and the type of services you offer. Whether you're a barber specializing in skin fades or looking for a versatile blade for general haircuts, Wahl provides high-quality options to meet your needs.

Pro Tip: For barbers who want to master both traditional haircuts and modern skin fades, having different clippers with different blades in your toolkit is essential. Whether you're perfecting a classic taper or crafting a seamless bald fade, the right barber hair clippers will help you achieve flawless results every time.

Adjustable barber clippers: the key to perfect tapered haircuts

For professional barbers, adjustable barber clippers offer the flexibility needed to handle a variety of hair lengths and styles. These clippers are especially useful for longer haircuts, making them a go-to tool for everything beyond a classic buzz cut.

Why use adjustable professional hair clippers?

Adjustable barber hair clippers allow barbers to modify the blade length on the fly. This feature makes them ideal for a range of styles, including tapered haircuts that gradually shorten from top to bottom. Here’s why barbers love them:

Versatile cutting for longer hair: adjustable clippers can leave hair longer, making them perfect for layered or blended cuts. They provide more control over hair length, allowing barbers to make real-time adjustments.
Perfect for tapers and blended fades: the ability to adjust blade length seamlessly is essential for tapered haircuts and smooth fade transitions.
No need to swap out blades constantly, simply move the lever to refine the cut.
Efficient for custom haircuts: barbers can tweak hair length during the cut, ensuring a polished look without switching tools. Ideal for clients who want a balance between a close cut and a bit of length.

Pro tip: For barbers who frequently work with longer haircuts, tapers, and blended fades, adjustable barber clippers are a must-have. They provide greater control, quick length adjustments, and smooth transitions, making them one of the most versatile tools in a barber’s kit.

What comes with a barber clipper when you buy it?

When purchasing professional barber clippers, it’s important to consider what accessories come with them. High-quality clippers typically include:

Guide combs: ensure you get a set of attachments or purchase them separately to match your clipper model.
Blade oil: keeps the blades sharp and prevents overheating.
Cleaning brush: helps remove hair buildup for smooth performance.

These add-ons can make a huge difference in achieving precise, professional results.

Indeed barber hair clippers are essential for achieving professional, precise haircuts, but their true versatility comes in particular from the attachments and guards that accompany them. These accessories allow you to create different lengths, fades, and styles, making a single clipper a multi-functional grooming tool.

Barber clippers guards are designed to control the length of the cut, ensuring consistency and precision. Without them, clippers cut extremely close to the scalp, making it difficult to achieve layered or longer hairstyles. Standard clipper guard lengths range from 1.5 mm to over 3 cm, allowing for a variety of styles, from short fades to longer, textured looks. Investing in a clipper with a variety of attachments ensures maximum versatility, whether you're blending, tapering, or trimming around the ears.

Each clipper attachment corresponds to a specific hair length. Below is a standard guide to attachment comb sizes:

Guard #	Length (mm)	Length (inches)
#0.5	1.5 mm	1/16"
#1	3 mm	1/8"
#1.5	4.5 mm	3/16"
#2	6 mm	1/4"
#3	10 mm	3/8"
#4	13 mm	1/2"
#5	16 mm	5/8"
#6	19 mm	3/4"
#7	22 mm	7/8"
#8	25 mm	1"
#12	38 mm	1.5"

Pro tip: If you’re unsure which guard to use, start with a longer length and gradually work down until you achieve the desired style. This method helps prevent cutting too much hair at once.

With Wahl, customise every cut with precision! Discover our attachment combs and get the perfect length every time.

Barber clippers are an investment, and having the right attachments and guards can elevate your haircutting skills. Whether you're creating fades, tapers, or longer styles, using the correct guard sizes ensures a flawless finish.

How to use barber clippers for a flawless cut?

Wahl's advices for a safe cut

Barber hair clippers are essential tools for professional and home haircuts, but improper use can lead to nicks, cuts, and discomfort. To ensure a smooth and safe grooming experience, follow these expert tips:

Keep blades sharp & clean – Dull or dirty blades can pull hair and cause irritation. Regularly clean and oil your barber clippers to maintain peak performance. Learn how to use oil for barber clippers correctly before using it.
Use guard attachments – Avoid cutting too close unintentionally by selecting the right clipper guards for your desired length and style.
Follow manufacturer guidelines – Proper maintenance, including blade replacement and lubrication, extends the lifespan of your barber clippers and ensures optimal cutting precision.
Keep clippers dry – Water and electric clippers don’t mix! Always store and use them in a dry environment to prevent damage or electric shock.

By using your barber hair clippers correctly, you’ll achieve professional-quality cuts with ease while keeping safety a top priority.

Wahl's tips for a flawless cut

Achieving a professional-grade haircut with barber clippers requires the right technique and attention to detail. Whether you're perfecting a fade, blending seamlessly, or lining up edges, these expert tips will help you get the best results.

Clip in the right direction
- Always move the clippers against the natural hair growth for an even, consistent cut.
- Use smooth, controlled strokes to prevent patchy areas.
- Keep a steady grip to maintain precision and control throughout the cut.
Master the taper lever for seamless blending
- Open the lever for a longer cutting length—ideal for blending and soft transitions.
- Close the lever for a shorter cut—perfect for detailing and defining sharp lines.
Achieve a smooth fade and taper
- Begin with a longer guard and gradually work down to shorter lengths for a flawless fade.
- Utilize the clipper-over-comb technique to blend hair seamlessly.
- Adjust the taper lever incrementally to fade out harsh lines and create a natural transition.
Perfect the edge and line-up
- Switch to one of your barber trimmers for sharp, clean edges around the hairline, ears, and neckline.
- Apply light pressure to prevent irritation and razor bumps.
- Follow the natural contours of the hairline for a crisp, professional finish.

Mastering these techniques with high-quality barber hair clippers will take your haircuts to the next level.

What are the top features to look for in barber clippers?

Clipper features	Features advantages	Diffrent type of features
Motor Power	A strong motor ensures seamless cutting through different hair types.	Rotary motors : ideal for versatility and power. Magnetic motors : high speed and great for fades. Pivot motors : strong torque, ideal for thick hair.
Blade Quality	High-quality blades provide sharpness and durability, contributing to a smoother cutting experience.	Adjustable blades for easy tapering and blending. Carbon-steel or titanium blades for longevity and sharpness. Self-sharpening technology to reduce maintenance needs.
Corded vs Cordless	Clippers can offer mobility or power or both.	Corded clippers provide uninterrupted power, ideal for busy barbershops. Cordless clippers offer flexibility and mobility, perfect for on-the-go styling. Some models feature dual-mode functionality allowing both options.
Ergonomic Design	A well-balanced, lightweight clipper reduces wrist strain, ensuring comfortable handling for extended use.
Accessories & Attachments	Look for guide combs, fade blades, and cleaning tools that enhance versatility and performance.

When choosing between several clippers, remember to compare these key features.

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