What Type of Clippers Do Barbers Use? Types, Grades & Pro Picks
Introduction: Why Barbers Use Different Types of Clippers
The first time you truly notice a barber’s tools is usually when the sound changes mid‑cut. One clipper hums deeper, another sounds sharper, and suddenly the haircut looks cleaner. That moment tells an important story: professional barbers don’t rely on just one tool. They rely on a system.
In a real barbershop, clippers are chosen with intention. Each one serves a specific purpose, whether it’s removing bulk, creating a skin fade, or refining details around the neckline. This is why the question of what type of clippers do barbers use comes up so often. The answer isn’t simple, because barbering itself isn’t simple. It’s a craft built on precision, efficiency, and consistency.
Inspired by professional industry insights and barbershop standards, this guide explains all types of clippers used in barber shops, how barber clipper grades work, and why professional tools make such a noticeable difference in results.
What Type of Clippers Do Barbers Use?
Professional barbers use commercial‑grade hair clippers designed specifically for high‑volume, daily use. These clippers are built to handle long hours, repeated cuts, and all hair textures without overheating or losing power. Unlike home clippers, barber shop hair clippers are engineered for consistency. Every pass should feel smooth, controlled, and predictable.
When asking what type of hair clippers do barbers use, the most accurate answer is that barbers use multiple clippers throughout a single haircut. One clipper alone cannot deliver a clean fade, a balanced shape, and a sharp finish. Each stage of the haircut requires a different tool.
All Types of Hair Clippers Used in Barber Shops
Understanding all types of clippers helps explain why professional barbers switch tools so often. Each clipper exists to solve a specific problem during the haircut.
Corded Hair Clippers
Corded clippers are a foundation of traditional barbering. Many experienced barbers still rely on them because they provide uninterrupted power. There is no concern about battery life or power drop, which makes corded clippers ideal for long sessions and heavy bulk removal. In busy barber shops, these clippers are often used for the first stage of a haircut where speed and strength matter most.
Cordless Hair Clippers
Cordless clippers dominate modern barber shops. They offer freedom of movement, better ergonomics, and cleaner control around the head. Today’s cordless models are powerful enough to match corded performance, making them a favorite for fades, tapers, and finishing work. Most professional barbers keep at least one cordless clipper as their primary daily tool.
Adjustable Blade Clippers
Adjustable blade clippers are essential in professional barbering. The side lever allows barbers to adjust cutting length without changing guards, which is critical for blending. This feature makes fades smoother and transitions more natural. When people ask what type of clippers do barbers use for fades, adjustable blade clippers are usually the answer.
Fixed Blade Clippers
Fixed blade clippers maintain a consistent cutting length unless a guard is added. These clippers are straightforward and reliable, making them ideal for uniform cuts and bulk removal. In high‑volume barber shops, fixed blade clippers help maintain speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Fade Clippers
Fade clippers are designed specifically for close cutting and smooth blending. They typically feature high‑speed motors and blades capable of cutting very close to the skin without irritation. These clippers allow barbers to create sharp fades with clean transitions, which is why they are a staple in modern barbering.
Taper Clippers
Taper clippers focus on controlled blending rather than ultra‑close cutting. Barbers use them around the neckline, temples, and sides to create soft transitions. These clippers are especially popular for classic and professional hairstyles that require a natural finish.
Clipper‑Over‑Comb Clippers
Clipper‑over‑comb techniques require clippers with strong, consistent motors. During this technique, the clipper must glide smoothly over the comb without snagging or slowing down. Professional barber shop hair clippers are designed to handle this technique efficiently, which is why it remains a standard method in skilled barbering.
Barber Hair Clipper Grades Explained
Barber clipper grades often confuse clients, but they are simply measurements of hair length. These grades refer to the size of the guard attached to the clipper, not the sharpness of the blade.
Clipper Grade Numbers and Lengths
A lower grade means shorter hair, while a higher grade leaves more length. Grade 0 is very close to the skin, while Grade 4 leaves noticeable length. Barbers also use half grades to create smoother blends and remove harsh lines.
Most Common Clipper Grades Used by Barbers
In everyday barbering, grades 0, 1, and 2 are the most frequently used, especially for fades and short styles. Longer grades are typically reserved for classic cuts or clients who prefer more length on the sides.
When Barbers Change Clipper Guards
Barbers change clipper guards multiple times during a single haircut. This allows them to shape the head properly, blend sections smoothly, and customize the cut to the client’s hair texture and head shape. Professional clippers are designed for quick and secure guard changes to keep the workflow efficient.
Trimmers vs Clippers: What Barbers Use for Precision
Clippers and trimmers serve different roles in a barbershop. Clippers handle the bulk of the haircut, while trimmers are used for precision work. Line‑ups, beard shaping, and neckline cleanup are always done with trimmers. Barbers rely on this separation of tools to maintain sharp, clean finishes.
Professional Barber Shop Clipper Features to Look For
Professional clippers stand apart because of their internal components and build quality.
Motor Types Used in Barber Clippers
Most modern barber clippers use rotary motors because they balance power and speed effectively. Magnetic motors are lighter and faster, while pivot motors provide higher torque for thick hair. The choice often depends on a barber’s cutting style and clientele.
Blade Materials and Adjustability
High‑quality clippers use stainless steel, carbon steel, or titanium‑coated blades. Adjustable blades allow barbers to fine‑tune cutting length and achieve closer cuts without irritation. This flexibility is essential for fades and detailed work.
Battery Life and Power Consistency
Cordless barber clippers are designed to maintain consistent power until the battery is depleted. This ensures that the cut remains even from start to finish. Long battery life and fast charging are critical features in busy barber shops.
What Clippers Do Professional Barbers Prefer?
Professional barbers prefer clippers that perform reliably under pressure. Durability, comfort, and cutting consistency matter more than trends. Barbers choose tools they can trust to deliver clean results on every client, regardless of hair type or style.
Best Clippers for Different Barber Services
Different services require different clippers. Fade work demands precision and adjustability, bulk cutting requires power, and detailing requires accuracy. By matching the right clipper to the task, barbers maintain high standards across all services.
How Barbers Maintain and Care for Their Clippers
Proper maintenance is part of professional barbering. Barbers clean and oil their clippers daily to ensure smooth performance. Regular disinfection protects clients, while blade replacement keeps cuts sharp and efficient. Well‑maintained clippers last longer and perform better over time.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what type of clippers barbers use explains why professional haircuts look sharper and last longer. From bulk cutting to fine detailing, every clipper plays a role in delivering quality results.
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FAQs
1. What type of clippers do barbers use most often?
Most professional barbers use a combination of cordless adjustable-blade clippers and corded clippers. Cordless clippers are preferred for fades and detailing, while corded clippers are often used for bulk cutting due to consistent power.
2. Are professional barber clippers worth it compared to cheap clippers?
Yes. According to discussions on Reddit and Quora, professional barber clippers last longer, cut more evenly, and handle thick hair better than budget clippers. While the upfront cost is higher, they save money long-term due to durability and replaceable parts.
3. What clipper grade do barbers use for fades?
Barbers usually start fades with grades 0 or 0.5 and blend upward using grades 1 and 2. Many professionals also use half guards to achieve smoother transitions without harsh lines.
4. Can you use barber clippers at home as a beginner?
Yes. Many Amazon buyers and Quora users mention that professional barber clippers are easier to control and give cleaner results, even for beginners, as long as proper guards and techniques are used.
5. What is the difference between barber clippers and trimmers?
Barber clippers are designed for cutting large sections of hair and creating fades, while trimmers are used for precision work like line-ups, beard edging, and neck cleanups. Barbers use both tools in almost every haircut.
6. Do barbers prefer corded or cordless clippers?
Most modern barbers prefer cordless clippers for flexibility and comfort, but many still keep corded clippers as a backup or for heavy bulk cutting. Reddit barber communities often recommend owning both.
7. How long do professional barber clippers last?
With proper care, professional barber clippers can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Regular cleaning, oiling, and blade replacement significantly extend their lifespan, as shared by long-term users on forums and reviews.
8. What should I look for when buying barber clippers?
Based on Google and Amazon top questions, key factors include motor power, blade quality, adjustable lever, battery life (for cordless models), and availability of replacement blades and guards.
