Fades are an increasingly popular style, and it’s important to have the right tools in order to get the cut right. The best clippers for fades are going to be ones that are sharp, to provide the cleanest and smoothest cut possible, that can be easily blended. Some clippers even have designated “fade blades”, allowing you to make smooth cuts.
We also recommend looking for clippers that are powerful, with a strong motor that allows you to glide through hair the first time, and doesn’t require repeated going over. You don’t necessarily have to gravitate to clippers with the biggest motor, but it is definitely a factor to consider.
The best clippers for fades are also going to be lightweight and cordless, allowing you to focus solely on the cut, without feeling as though you are inconvenienced in any way. A lighter model means that your arm won’t get tired no matter how long the cut takes, and a cordless machine gives you more freedom to move around without feeling constrained or getting tangled.
Of course, this is also based on preference to your best hair, and if you have experience with cord clippers and feel more comfortable that way, there are excellent fade clippers out there that would also suit you.
Detailed Review of Top Fade Clippers
Fade clippers stand out from the crowd and we are going to review some of them below
Andis Professional master clipper
This is one of the best clippers for black hair. It is beautifully designed and will serve its intended purpose perfectly. Additionally, the clipper is cordless and this improves mobility. The product runs on a lithium battery, which is rechargeable. The battery will equally maintain its charge for long. So, the clipper can work for 90 minutes before it requires another charge.
What is more, the battery only requires about 1 hour for a full charge. The speed runs at the rate of 7,200 SPM. It is lightweight and easy to carry about. The product will also not break easily and you can use it for long.
Wahl professional magic clip
Are you a barber or hairstylist looking for the perfect tool for your trade? Then this clipper is one of the best for you. This is one of the best items for you when looking for the best clippers for black men. The product features zero overlap adjustable blades and it will never become hot when you use it.
The product, however, has a cord and requires electricity to work. The high-precision zero-overlap blades ensure complete ease and produce superior speed. You can get up to 50% more power from this product compared with the standard clipper. It is very easy to use also.
Andis Cordless Clippers
Those looking for a top-quality cordless clipper can opt for this product. It is one of the best detachable clippers out there and runs on a very powerful battery. Despite being cordless, it is equally one of the best for hairstyling and a professional barber can find it useful.
The lithium-ion battery in the product can work for 2 hours before requiring another charge. It will not require more than 90 minutes for charging. This is a powerful and lightweight clipper. It is made in the US and the quality is not in doubt. The blade is equally detachable.
Wahl Clipper Elite Pro
This clipper has so many outstanding features. For one, its blades are self-sharpening. Secondly, it comes with an industrial power motor. Furthermore, each unit comes with premium combs. This makes this product one of the best clippers for fades. The clipper can be used for styling the hair on your head and the ones on your body. It is equally lightweight.
The clipper has a power cord and will, therefore, require electricity to work. The power cord is 8-foot long. Furthermore, the clipper has 15% more power than many other clippers in its category.
Andis ProFoil 17150
This clipper is top quality and portable. It has a beautiful and impressive design. It will give you value for money for sure. You can use it with a cord or without a cord; this is because the cord is detachable. It is equally lightweight and undoubtedly one of the best clippers for fading black hair.
The clipper is perfect for clean shaving, thanks to its dual drive shafts. When cordless, it runs on a powerful lithium-ion battery and the battery can last for up to 80 minutes. It will never stop or drag when working. Even an untrained person can use the product hassle-free.
Cordless Detachable Blade Clipper (Andis 79005)
This is among the best hair clippers for fades. The blades are detachable and it runs on a lithium-ion battery. You do not need any special knowledge or expertise to change the blades. The clipper can deliver a very smooth cut finish and the blade is made of high-carbon steel. So, it can last for long.
You can go for either the corded or cordless option of the product. It features single-speed, 2-speed, and 5-speed options too. If you want better control, it is better to opt for a lower speed setting. The higher speed settings are more preferable for cutting coarse, thick hair.
BaBylissPRO Gold Clippers
This clipper is lovely and can last for long. It will equally give you value for money. It runs on a lithium-ion battery and it can work for up to 2 hours. Additionally, it is available in cord and cordless options. This makes it a good choice for those looking for the best clippers for fades and tappers.
The engine in the clipper is a high-torque, brushless product. You can trust the clipper for cutting the hair of any texture. It also delivers quality haircuts with speed and power. The product comes with 8 comb attachments and very easy to control.
What are the main objectives when buying the Best Clippers for Fades?
Does Clipper Design your style?
Before you choose a clipper, find out if it fits your style in design. Are you always on the move and may not be close to where there is electricity at all times? Then you should opt for a cordless clipper. You also want a clipper that can be moved around easily and will not overburden you.
While a cordless clipper is good, you should not forget to consider the strength of the battery. Clippers with lithium-ion batteries can work for long before requiring another charge.
Are your Clippers Portable for Fades?
The right clipper for a consistently mobile person is the portable type. A cordless clipper is portable. Check the weight of the clipper and compare it to the weight of other clippers in the same category before you buy. Even cordless clippers vary in their weights.
Aside from size variation, clippers equally vary in size. Since you need a portable clipper, you should go for the one with the smaller size among the available ones. Bear in mind, however, that the functionality of a small-sized clipper may not be as outstanding as that of a bigger one.
Should you go for a corded or cordless clipper?
Both corded and cordless clippers have their pros and cons. For one, cordless clippers will cost you more money than corded ones. So, you may want to consider your budget when choosing between the two. While it may be more expensive than the corded type, the cordless clipper can be used anywhere even in places where there is no electricity.
Bear in mind also that the corded type can work for long but the cordless type will require another charge after about a couple of hours of using it.
How long do you spend on barbing or grooming?
This is yet another important consideration when buying clippers. The strength and durability of clippers differ one from the other. So, you should go for one that can withstand long hours of use if you will have to work for long. Corded clippers are preferable for hours of working since you will not need to pause for it to recharge.
If you are a groomer, for example, and you need to groom many dogs each day, you need a clipper strong enough to bear that pressure. Take some time to read reviews about the clipper before you buy as this can enable you to decipher its strength and reliability.
What are the required accessories?
Before you choose any of the clippers on sale out there today, find out about the number of accessories that you will need for the product to work as desired. Accessories required by clippers vary from one product to another. For example, some clippers come with all the accessories you can ever require, while you will have to purchase the accessories separately in some other clippers.
Furthermore, the cost of accessories to be bought separately can differ from one clipper to another. So, you should equally pay close attention to this when choosing a clipper.
How much does the clipper cost?
You do not have to empty your bank account to get a good clipper. You can purchase a very good one without spending a lot of money. So, take some time to compare the costs of the clippers and go for the most affordable among them. The most expensive is not necessarily the best; always keep this point in mind.
Many of the popular brands of clippers tend to be expensive. This is not necessarily because they are more superior to the less popular brands.
How to Maintain Your Hair Clippers?
It is not enough to own a clipper; you must also maintain it very well. Proper maintenance can increase the lifespan of the clipper and enable you to get value for money. Proper maintenance of your clipper can equally protect your hair from hair-related problems.
You should maintain your clipper for the reasons below:
- To promote proper hygiene
- To keep the clippers working for long
- Must be ensure your clients get value for money.
Use a clipper spray
One of the best ways to maintain your clipper is to apply a clipper spray on it. The spray works better than the alcohol used by many barbers. The aerosol produced by the spray can remove hair and prevent rust. It can equally cool the blades.
How often should you clean the clipper?
You should clean it as often as you use it. If you are a barber using the clipper for commercial purposes, then make sure you clean it up after using it for each client. It is even better to clean the clipper while the client looks on. This is a way of showing them that you value hygiene. It can encourage them to patronize you again in the future.
How to Give Yourself a Fade Haircut?
What is a fade haircut?
A fade haircut is one featuring the blending of hair on the back and sides of the head. It is generally a man’s kind of haircut, but some women also go for it. The fade haircut usually begins from the bottom or hairlines at the back and sides of the head.
You can then move the clipper from the hairline upward towards the top of the head. However, all the cutting will be restricted to the side of the head and never go as far as the top. You must maintain a complete evenness while at it.
If you are a professional barber, you can give yourself a fade haircut. It may be somewhat challenging, on the other hand, if you are not a professional barber.
Despite that, you can decide to experiment with your hair to see how it plays out. It is a great opportunity to learn how to do it.
What are main Types of fade
There are different types of fades and the various types are categorized into 3 as highlighted below:
- Low fade: This type focuses on the lower part of the hair; that is the hairline. It involves bringing the hairline up by an inch or so all around the head. Some of the examples are Low Fade+ Hair Design, Buzzcut + Line up+ Low fade, low bald fade
- Medium fade: This type involves flattening of the hair on the sides. The medium fade occupies a position between the high and low fades and it follows the hairline at the back of your ear. Good examples are side part haircut, mid fade haircut, crop haircut+ medium fade
- High fades: This type of fade haircut can play the role of a canvas for a complex or simple hair design. So, it can fit virtually any hairstyle. Some examples are Pompadour fade, high bald fade haircut, comb over fade, and high fade haircut.
How to use a clipper for a fade
Make sure that you get a good clipper ready. You will also need a couple of styling tools to complete the process. You are better off with clippers that have a full set of guards. Some other things you will need are:
- A trimmer
- Scissors
- Comb,
- full mirror systems
Instead of the mirror system, you can simply opt for a handheld mirror.
How to get it right
If you want to get the fade right, then you should only use a fade clipper or professional barber clipper. The blades in fade clippers are very sharp and their motors are powerful. They are solidly built and can, therefore, last for long. Such clippers are available either as corded or cordless clippers.
What is more, the cordless professional clippers come with long battery life. So, you can use them for a long time even in places where there is no electricity. Many of them equally come with all the accessories and combs you will need for each cut.
The steps below will help you to give yourself a fade haircut
- First of all, finalize where the fade line is to begin.
- Do you want the fade to be long or short? After deciding the one you prefer you can now choose the right guard size
- Next, hold the clipper in your hand and move it up the side of your hair, then return it to the trim. Continue this movement using short strokes from the bottom upward.
- You can then change the guard to fade and blend the hair gradually.
- After that, it is time to clean up the neckline and hairline with trimmers.
FAQ – Best Clippers for Fades
Which are the best clippers for fades?
You will find many brands and models of clippers out there and the manufactures can even claim their clippers are great for fade haircuts. You should not take the manufactures on their words. Rather, you should carry out your personal research to ensure you get the right thing.
Before choosing a clipper for fades, find out if the clipper has all the functionalities and features a fading clipper should have. For one, a good fading clipper should have good tooth blades. The blades must also be very sharp. Furthermore, its motor must be very powerful. The perfect fade clipper can either be corded or cordless.
How to Fade Hair with Clippers?
The steps below can help you in this regard:
- There are different types of fade haircuts available out there today. So, you need to first choose the perfect one for you among them.
- After that, sit in front of a mirror and get all the tools you will need ready, including the fade clipper itself.
- Start from the bottom or hairline and move the clipper against your hair upward.
- Move the clipper with care so that it will not cut beyond the desired line at your top hair.
- Make sure that you maintain the same motion and level all around the head.
- Clean the clipper once you finish.
What size Clippers should I use for a fade?
The size of the clipper to be used for a fade haircut is not as important as the capability of that clipper to do the job. This means that the functionality of a clipper for fade rarely depends on its size. So long as the clipper has all the features a fade clipper should have, the rest is history.
One other important thing is the clipper guard. This refers to the clips attached to the electric hair trimmers. The size of the clipper guards is written into them for easy identification.
What Clippers do barbers use for fades?
The type of clippers that the barbers use for fades can depend on the particular type of hair to be cut. If your hair is long, the barber will opt for a Number 1 clipper size. In such a situation, the barber will attach a Number 1 guard to the clipper. If the hair is not that long, a Number 2 clipper is just perfect for it.
The size of the clipper reduces as the length of the hair reduces. You may not know this, but the barber will know the right size to use when you present your hair to him for a fade haircut.
Is this clipper water-resistant?
It is not advisable to allow water to come in contact with a fade clipper. The clippers are not water-resistant. So, you must keep water away as much as possible. If water comes in contact with the clipper, the blade can become rust and the water can damage the motor.
You should never make the mistake of cleaning the clipper with water. Instead of water, use a clipper spray on the clipper. Studies show that the aerosol from the clipper spray can protect the blade from rust. Instead of clipper spray, you can also use liquid disinfectant to clean the clipper.
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