Best Professional Hair Clippers For Fades – Everything You Should Know
Do you love the look of a fresh fade haircut? Are you interested in getting one? If so, there are a few options.
The first option is to visit your local barber or hairstylist and pay them to do it for you.
The cost will vary depending on your location and the barber’s experience, and the cost can add up if you need to visit them regularly.
If you want to save a little bit of money, you should consider buying a pair of hair clippers and doing your own fade. But what are the best hair clippers for fades?
In this article, we will highlight some hair clippers that are great for fades. Surprisingly, not all hair clippers are good for fades. Some models suit professional stylists, and others are best for home use.
Here’s an overview of 5 best professional hair clippers:
- Best Overall Hair Clippers for Fades: Wahl Professional Magic Clip Hair Clipper
- Best Value Hair Clippers for Fades: Wahl Professional 5-Star Legend Clipper
- Best Professional Hair Clippers for Fades: Andis Master Adjustable Hair Clipper
- Best Hair Clippers for Design and Fades: Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip
- Best Quiet Hair Clippers for Fades: Wahl Clipper Elite Pro
The 8 Best Professional Hair Clippers For Fades
1. Wahl Professional Magic Clip Hair Clipper
The Wahl Professional Magic Clip Hair Clipper is designed to deliver perfection. The clipper is embedded with state-of-the-art technology and premium-grade components that work together to deliver an even haircut.
The package includes everything an amateur or professional stylist needs to get started, including a range of guide combs, blade guard, and lubricating oil.
Lightweight Design
If you plan to use the clippers for an extended period, you’ll want to consider their weight. You may not think that this is a big issue, but if you are a professional barber using these clippers regularly, you’ll be grateful for their light weight.
Weighing in at only 10 ounces, the Wahl Magic Clip Hair Clipper allows you to trim your hair, and every family member’s hair without causing fatigue or discomfort in your hand or wrist. The lightweight design also makes this the ideal hair clipper for barbers and hairstylists who use it on a daily basis.
Durable Guide Combs
The Magic Clip Hair Clipper comes with eight guide combs, ranging from 1/8-inch to 1-inch. The guide combs can be easily attached and detached allowing you to adjust the style of the haircut you are doing.
Stagger-tooth Blades
The innovative stagger-tooth blades with crunch technology give a crisp crunch sound, letting the stylist or barber know that the hair has been precisely cut.
Pros
- Includes eight guide combs
- Lightweight design (10 ounces)
- Operates cordless and corded
- Battery life is approximately 1-1/2 hours
- Only 6-1/4-inch in length
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Gets a bit warm with extended use.
Overall Assessment
The Wahl Magic Clip Hair Clipper is ideal for home and professional settings. While the battery life is a little limited, the clipper will run when plugged into a 110-volt outlet.
The shorter length of the clippers ensures better control, especially when fading and blending.
Shorter battery life may be related to the size of the battery. But there is a fine balance between battery life and weight. The lightweight design makes this the ideal clipper for extended and frequent use.
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2. Wahl Professional 5-Star Legend Clipper #8147
The 5-Star Legend is without a doubt the ultimate wide-range fading clipper. It comes with all the essential features and more.
First, look at the powerful V9000 motor. This motor is designed to run cooler and faster compared to standard clippers.
Handy Thumb Lever
The 5-Star Legend also has a handy thumb lever on the side of the body, which allows you to make fine adjustments to the taper of the blade.
This is perfect for fading and allows you to customize the hair-cutting experience.
Includes Essential Accessories
When you invest in the 5-Star Legend, you don’t just get the clippers. The package comes complete with eight styling guides, a styling comb, lubrication oil, a cleaning brush, and a blade guard.
This is the perfect clipper for the amateur stylist or seasoned professional barber.
Pros
- Includes all the essential accessories
- Power V9000 motor
- Adjustable thumb lever
- Crunch blade technology
- Extremely lightweight (One-pound)
Cons
- Only operates off 120 volts AC
Overall Assessment
It is really hard to go past Wahl if you’re looking for an exceptional pair of clippers for fades. The Wahl Professional 5-Star Legend Clipper #8147 is not the cheapest clipper available, but it is great value for money and we’re confident you’d be happy with the results if you purchased this unit.
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3. Andis Master Adjustable Hair Clipper Silver (01557)
Andis is another reputable brand that should be considered when looking for professional hair clippers.
It’s a little more expensive than some other brands, but this is a professional grade clipper and will prove to be well worth the investment.
Tough Housing
Professionals need a durable clipper that won’t break. This is where the Andis excels. If you accidentally drop this clipper, the metal housing will limit the possibility of damaging the product, meaning the clipper will last longer than others.
Quiet Motor
This model boasts a powerful rotary motor capable of 14000 cutting strokes per minute, nearly double that of some competitors.
At the same time, it will remain cool from start to finish. The unit doesn’t get hot, which provides a more comfortable experience for you and your clients.
Pros
- Very tough housing
- The motor is very quiet
- The powerful motor will not get hot
- Comfortable to use
- The power cord is sufficiently long
- Won’t tug on the hair
- Great for fades
Cons
- Attachment combs and accessories are not included. They need to be purchased separately.
Overall Assessment
This is a great professional-grade clipper. You may pay a bit more for this model, but it will last a long time. Unfortunately, you need to buy attachment combs separately. Overall, this is an excellent option to consider.
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4. Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip #8451
The Magic Clip is another impressive professional Wahl clipper. This corded clipper is equipped with a powerful V9000 motor and offers 50% more power than standard-grade clippers.
The V9000 will give you the power and performance that you need to get a super quick, snag-free cut every time.
Convenient Thumb Lever
Another handy and essential feature is the variable thumb lever on the clipper’s side. This allows you to adjust the blade’s taper, which is important when doing fades. It also allows you to adjust the texture without changing blades.
Lightweight Design
The Magic Clip weighs only one pound, which is light for the power it can produce.
The lightweight, ergonomic design makes moving around the head and behind the ears easy. You can use these clippers all day without discomfort in your hands or wrists.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Powerful V9000 motor
- Convenient thumb lever
- Includes several accessories
Cons
- It operates on 120-volt AC only, so it may not be suitable for locations that do not use 120v AV.
Overall Assessment
Again, Wahl is a market leader and an excellent choice If you are looking for a powerful clipper set with essential fading features.
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5. Wahl Clipper Elite Pro #79602
There are many excellent clippers out there. If you want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth, you’ll want to check out the Wahl Clipper Elite Pro.
There is a great deal to like about this clipper. The guide combs are great and the stainless steel clips are even better. This is one of the very best hair clippers for individuals who wish to get the perfect fade.
Despite the amazing build and performance that you’ll receive, this clipper won’t break the bank.
Self-Sharpening
Professionals need clippers that they can depend on. This is why you’ll want to invest in the Wahl. This clipper is equipped with self-sharpening blades. This makes it a great investment for the money.
With this clipper, you won’t have to worry about taking the blade off and sharpening it too much. The blades will remain sharp much longer than what you might get with fewer alternatives.
Secure Fit
This clipper comes with stainless steel clip guide combs. They ensure a secure fit every time. When cutting your client’s hair, you’ll want to ensure that the combs do not slide off. With this clipper, they will not!
Powerful Motor
It is also great that this unit is equipped with a powerful motor. With a fast motor, you are less likely to pull or yank on your client’s hair. They’ll appreciate how gently these clippers cut.
Pros
- Great price
- Surprisingly powerful motor
- Guide combs won’t move around
- Made in the United States
- The motor can deliver a lifetime of performance
- The power cord is sufficiently long
Cons
- Storage case could be improved by having compartments for each item
Overall Assessment
The Wahl Elite Clipper is great. It works exceptionally well and won’t empty your wallet.
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6. Oster Fast Feed Hair Clipper #76023-510
The Oster Fast Feed Hair Clippers are a great choice if you’re looking for a workhorse pair of professional clippers.
Professional hairstylists and barbers work on a tight schedule.
To ensure the highest performance possible, they rely on quality grooming tools. One such tool is the Oster Fast Feed Hair Clippers.
Great For All Hair Types
These clippers are great for all types of hair, including short, long, and beard trims. Additionally, they are also capable of cutting both wet or dry hair.
Guide Combs
This clipper comes with four guide combs, allowing you to achieve precise cutting and trimming results.
Whether you’re trying to cut a medium or low fade, you can guarantee that you’ll be able to do so with this clipper.
Accessories
It is also great that this clipper comes with plenty of accessories. For instance, you’ll receive lubricating oil and a cleaning brush. You’ll also find a blade guard in the package. This combination ensures that you won’t have to worry about purchasing anything extra.
Pros
- Great cord length
- Comes with 4 guide combs
- Surprisingly quiet
- Very powerful
- The steel blade is adjustable
- Cuts through various types of hair
Cons
- It would be good to have a cordless model available.
- Most other clippers come with 6 guide combs
Overall Assessment
The Oster Fast Feed Clipper is great, but not perfect. Going cordless will offer unbeatable freedom and flexibility. If you’re a pro, you’ll want to check out this clipper for yourself.
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7. Wahl Professional Super Taper Clipper #8470-500
The Wahl Professional Super Taper II is the ideal hair clipper for everyone looking for styled hair or fade.
The clipper comes with everything needed for a professional or amateur stylist to get started. Eight guide combs, ranging from 1/8-inch to 1-inch, ensure the prefect length every time.
Lightweight Design
The Super Taper II weighs in at only 16 ounces. This clipper is light enough that it will not cause any wrist or arm discomfort even after extended use.
Ergonomic Handle
The ergonomic design of the handle enhances the comfort level of this clipper. Wahl has designed it to fit perfectly in the hand, ensuring the user doesn’t experience fatigue of the wrist or arm.
Aesthetically Pleasing
If you value the look of your clippers, the Super Taper II is certainly one good-looking set. Its silver and black handle, with the brand logo and model name, is aesthetically pleasing. Thanks to its sleek design, the clipper will stand out above its competitors.
Pros
- Lightweight design (16 ounces)
- Shorter length (6-1/4 inches)
- Includes eight guide combs
- Comes with a blade guard
- Ergonomic handle
- V5000 electromagnetic powerful motor
Cons
- Longer electric cable will help usability.
- Made of plastic body.
Overall Assessment
The Wahl Professional Super Taper II Hair Clipper will deliver perfection every time. The guide combs are very durable, so you will not have any issues keeping them attached to the blade. The electric cable is short, but it is heavy-duty.
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8. Wahl Professional 5-Star Senior Clipper #8545
The 5-Star Series Senior Clipper is a clipper designed for professional use. It has all the essential features professionals need for performance and reliability.
But that doesn’t mean that the 5-Star Series Senior Clipper isn’t perfect for in-home use.
This clipper is great for cutting your own hair or fading it.
Adjustable Blades
The 5-Star Series Senior Clipper comes equipped with adjustable blades with zero-overlap capabilities. This makes traditional scalp tapering and fading easier than ever. With the ability to taper, you can create precision fades.
Durable Aluminum Body
The 5-Star Series Senior Clipper comes equipped with adjustable blades. Its aluminum body ensures durability and longevity. This clipper can take more punishment than most clippers.
With the aluminum body, you can rest assured that the clipper will be safe from traditional wear and tear.
Includes A Variety Of Accessories
When investing in a good pair of professional clippers, you want to make sure that you get everything you need to get started cutting right away.
This package includes three cutting guides, oil, a cleaning brush, a blade guard, and a styling comb.
Pros
- Includes a variety of accessories
- Extremely durable aluminum body
- Adjustable blades are perfect for precision fading
- Wahl is a name that can be trusted
- Lightweight
Cons
- Zero-gap means that the moving blade and stationary blade are flush with each other. This helps to close cut but makes it easier to cut the skin.
Overall Assessment
The 5-Star Series Senior Clipper includes all features and accessories for perfect fade.
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Why Buy Professional Hair Clippers for Fades?
First, you should consider why you would want to buy professional hair clippers for fades. Well, this happens to be one of the most popular hairstyles on the planet.
It has gotten even more popular during the past few years and a lot of people like the look of a faded haircut.
You could buy a cheap pair of clippers that it aimed at the home market, but will they give you the quality and performance you are expecting?
Spend a few extra dollars and get a professional set of clippers. You don’t need to be a professional barber, but having the right tools will make it easier to cut your hair and they will do a better job.
A pair of professional clippers is going to provide you with greater convenience and it’ll save you money in the long run.
Why Choose Professional Grade Trimmers?
People ask, why should I buy a professional pair of clippers?
Well, there are several reasons.
First, a professional pair of clippers will provide you with many options for clipping and trimming.
Not only can you use the clipper to cut your hair, but you can use them to do other trimming tasks, like beards and tidy-ups.
If you want to be a barber, you’ll need a pair of professional hair clippers for perfect hairline.
Because they are built for the commercial market, professional clippers are going to have a sturdier build quality and will deliver better performance than clippers designed for the home market.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Professional Hair Clippers For Fades
There are lots of great clippers out there, and you could find one for your unique needs. But you’ll need to put in a little effort to ensure that you get the right ones that suit you.
Some factors to be considered before buying hair clippers for fades are:
1. Price
You should consider how much you’re willing to spend on clippers. Professional clippers require a good investment.
Since you’re looking for professional clippers, you’ll want to spend a little more. After all, you want a professional tool that will deliver the best results.
So, how much should you spend on the best professional hair clippers for fades?
Well, it really comes down to your personal circumstances. Consider how much you spend visiting the barber each year. How much can you save by cutting your own hair? Do a quick calculation, choose a price point you are comfortable with, and then start looking around for options.
2. Adjustments
To ensure your fade is perfect, you need a clipper that can provide you with various lengths. After all, fades are all about various lengths. It is possible to create several different varieties of fades.
That said, you need to choose a clipper that allows you to vary the length of the cut. Whether you’re using guide combs or the blades adjust, you need to make sure that you can get the lengths that you need.
3. Motor Strength
It’s important that your clippers have a powerful motor. The more powerful motor will cut the hair more efficiently and precisely while also lowering the possibility that hair will get pulled or snagged while cutting.
4. Comfort
As a professional barber, you’ll be cutting hair pretty much every single day. So, you need to make sure that your clipper is comfortable.
You need a pair that is going to keep you comfortable from start to finish. Investing in comfortable and efficient clippers will be helpful for you.
Make sure that the clipper is lightweight and ergonomic. This will guarantee that it remains comfortable in your hands from start to finish.
5. Self-Sharpening Blades
If you’re a professional barber, you can’t waste time sharpening clipper blades.
Fortunately, you can get a pair of clippers with self-sharpening blades. This doesn’t mean that you will never need to replace the blades, but it will certainly reduce the frequency.
This may increase the overall price slightly but think of the time it will save you overall.
6. Types of Professional Clippers
There are two types of professional clippers.
- Corded clippers
- Cordless clippers
You can choose between cordless and corded hair clippers. Some models can be used either way. There are benefits and disadvantages associated with either type.
Corded clippers:
| Pros | Cons |
| Continuous power | Limited mobility |
| Higher power and performance | Cord can get tangled |
| No battery management | Potential trip hazard |
| Price is cheaper | Can be noisy |
| Lightweight | Can get hot |
Cordless clippers:
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable and mobile | Limited run time |
| No cord to manage | Higher cost |
| No trip hazard | Heavier and bulkier |
| Quieter | Charging time |
You’ll need to do your research to determine which one will work best for you.
Many barbers and stylists use a combination of corded and cordless clippers. They use the corded clippers as the workhorse for getting through the bulk of the hair and doing most of the work, and then they switch to the cordless clippers for the final touches and tidy-up.
Corded clippers are handy because you don’t have to worry about the battery and keeping it charged.
But, there are still some benefits to buying a cordless model.
Cordless clippers give you the ability to move around your client without worrying about the cord.
Consider all your options. If you’re still undecided, stick with a model that can be used with or without the cord.
7. Durability
You’ll be using your clipper for professional purposes, so you need a clipper that will last.
You need a clipper that is sturdy and can withstand the general wear and tear associated with daily use in a salon. It needs to be strong enough that if it is dropped, it won’t be damaged.
8. Warranty
Finally, you’ll want to consider the clipper’s warranty. After all, clippers have many moving parts and you want to make sure that your investment is protected.
Some companies offer 1 year warranty and others offer 2 year warranty. Companies offering longer warranties obviously have a higher regard for the quality of their product.
The company should be willing to rectify problems when they occur. If the unit is still under warranty, the company should be happy to fix the problem.
Always read the product reviews and see if customers have had any issues with the warranty.
9. Weight
Weight is one of the biggest factors that can impact the usability of a hair clipper. Some models have features that make them heavier than models with less features.
Less weight is a good option if you are planning to use the clipper for professional purposes. Lightweight clippers provide excellent comfort. Contrary to belief, a clipper doesn’t need to be heavy to be high-quality. Many top brands weigh less than 16 ounces, making them more suitable for professionals.
10. Attachment Comb Guides
It would be unusual to find a clipper with fewer than six attachment comb guides. These guides attach to the blade, allowing you to trim your hair at a specified length.
For example, a one-inch guide allows you to trim your hair to that exact length, nothing more or nothing less. Before the invention of comb guides, it was almost impossible to cut hair to the same length.
Make sure the clipper comes with a variety of comb-cutting guides. Especially one that suits your needs and preferences.
Another factor to consider is the durability of these guides. Some have metal clips that attach the comb to the blade, some have plastic clips, while others are magnetized.
Summary
There are many best clippers for fades out there. Do your research and choose one of the ones mentioned above. Do that and you’ll be satisfied with your investment.