Best hair trimmers?

[nuyorican]

I've been cutting my own hair since lockdown. It's one of those things that I'm quite prepared to carry on with. I've got my eye in with it now, and all the proper barbers around here have been turned into artisan sourdough coffee shops. Been through a few trimmers, but they've all been disappointing in various ways. Not enough oomph, poor battery performance, breaking comb attachments.

So I want to buy a really decent one. What do the pros use? I'm tempted to go with a corded model so I don't have to bin the entire thing when the battery goes like an electric toothbrush. But is it hard to use, DIY'ing with the cable getting in the way?

[Radec]

You won't go wrong with either a Wahl Magic Clip or Senior model if you want something pro barber grade.

Oster and Andi's are other brands to look for.

[thebraketester]

Wahl super taper. Brilliant.

[mike9009]

I DIY with a cheap wahl corded trimmer. Dead easy. Grade 2 back and sides, grade 4 on top and a little trim with scissors for the longer spikey bit at the front. Wife got bored of doing it, so I tried myself....

Cord doesn't bother me, except it coils up a little and then is not long enough.

Must have saved me a fortune since Covid.

[indigochim]

I have this model or similar When my previous clippers battery failed I wanted ceramic blades (old one had and they where superb) li-on battery and tapered guides as I cant do over my ears without them. I compromised on the blades as they're steel but not been any issue. It lasts a good number of cuts between charges and no breakages. My only complaint would be the blow moulded insert for storage isn't great but they mostly seem to be similar and it's not yet cracked.

I agree I don't think I could manage with a corded for cutting my own. I did fancy some of the Wahl models but none seemed to do the tapered guides.

[Steve_H80]

A word of caution, be careful the cutting comb doesn't fall off or you'll end up with a partial tonsure.
Don't ask how I know...

[craigthecoupe]

thebraketester said:

Wahl super taper. Brilliant.

This.
Industry standard, corded or cordless. Was a hairdresser for 20 years, and it's all you need. The corded ones last an eternity.

[Simon_GH]

Steve_H80 said:

A word of caution, be careful the cutting comb doesn't fall off or you'll end up with a partial tonsure.
Don't ask how I know...

I’ve been there. The tone of the shaver changes suddenly as it carves a grade 1…

[bitchstewie]

These seem to do the job.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06WD1CDCC/

I don't know if a corded more expensive pair would be noticeably better but they seem fine.

I watched a lot of YouTube videos before daring to try them and the thing that stays in my mind is simply "you can't put it back on".

[nuyorican]

thebraketester said:

Wahl super taper. Brilliant.

A few votes for this. Seems to be an industry standard.

Sold!

Thanks everyone. I like to keep it longer on top so require some tapering. Which is hard enough in the mirror, so want to give myself the best chance by having the right tools.

[anonymous-user]

I have the Wahl magic clip but haven't heard anything but good reviews about the super taper.

[Radec]

If you do go for Wahl, based on reviews I'd avoid buying from Amazon, seems to be various degrees of build quality issues on the higher end models and maybe even fakes going around.

[Digger]

The alternative view is that Amazon returns are easy-peasy

[Jamescrs]

I have been using Wahl for years, mine are corded so no battery life to bother about, definitely recommend the brand

[anonymous-user]

Mine can be used cordless or corded. I've always used them cordless and its coming up to four years now with no problems.

[soad]

Best are cheap ones.

Mine lasted nearly 3 years. Replaced with a cordless one.

[anonymous-user]

soad said:

Best are cheap ones.

Mine lasted nearly 3 years. Replaced with a cordless one.

TBH I would have been quite happy some cheap Wahl ones but during lockdown, they were snapped up rather quickly! Hence me buying the expensive ones.

[thebraketester]

Anyone looking for cordless then these are good too. Panasonic ER-GB62. They adjust from 0.5-10mm too which is handy.

[anonymous-user]

thebraketester said:

Anyone looking for cordless then these are good too. Panasonic ER-GB62. They adjust from 0.5-10mm too which is handy.

55% off on Amazon at the moment so £36.

[Alickadoo]

bhstewie said:

These seem to do the job.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06WD1CDCC/

I don't know if a corded more expensive pair would be noticeably better but they seem fine.

I watched a lot of YouTube videos before daring to try them and the thing that stays in my mind is simply "you can't put it back on".

There is a newer version of that - £25. Very good value.

If you are going to cut your own hair....

Take off too little to start with. You can always come back a take a bit more off. You can't put it back on. Ask me how I know.