Any barber, or any person that enjoys hair grooming, would have at some points struggled to find the best clippers for lineups. There are simply so many different choices from all these brands. It can be hard to navigate this multitude of options. But there are still some very helpful indicators for a quality clipper. Knowing these can help you choose your perfect fit.
Anyone would prefer a sleek, crisp haircut with clear and detailed lineups. Hence it is important to know what to look for in a device like a clipper. Some notable features to keep in mind include durability, design, blade types, corded or cordless.
Best Clippers For Lineups – Top 5 Reviews
1. Andis 04710 Professional Hair Trimmer – Best For Detailing
Specifications
- Cord length: 8 feet
- Cuttings stroke per minute: 7,200
- Speed: Single speed
- Motor: Magnetic
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Voltage: 120V
Generally, T-blade trimmers, like this Andis product, are well-loved by many barbers. Due to their ability to provide crisp and detailed outlines and designs, they became so favorable. The t-shaped advantage helps you to perform a much closer clipping session. This enables intricate detailing and outlining.
It comes with very fine-cutting teeth, which add up to its detailing capacity. This combined with a high speed of up to 7,200 strokes per minute allows for extremely close cutting. Skilled barbers and stylists will be able to utilize this to optimize the final result with reduced time.
Its contoured housing can fit comfortably in your hand. This design provides the strong grips needed for better detailing. This is also thanks to its high-quality polymer body. But it does require frequent maintenance or the blade will become blunt.
Pros
- High quality carbon steel T-blade
- Suitable for zero-gapped cuts and lining
- Durable 8-foot power cord
Cons
- Does not include any attachments
- Can heat up a lot
2. Andis 32400 Slimline Pro Trimmer – Best Versatility
Specifications
- Battery type: Lithium-ion
- Runtime: Up to 2 hours
- Cuttings stroke per minute: 6,000
- Speed: Single speed
- Motor: Rotary
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Voltage: 100 – 240V
The 32400 Slimline pro trimmer from Andis is the go-to option if you want a versatile hair styling tool. This model has a balanced and ergonomic hair clipper design that makes it well suited for 3 different purposes. It provides you the ability to improve your outlining, designing, and dry shaving.
Encompassing a sleek, lightweight cordless design, the Andis trimmer is very convenient to use. You will not have to worry about the limitation of cord length of many corded models. That said, this product still offers a corded mode where you use it and charge it at the time. This provides much greater flexibility for its users.
The device also includes a high-quality t-blade in its make-up. This allows for clean, deep outlining, and crisp dry shaving. However, there are no extra blade guards when you buy this model. You need to maintain the clipper often for its performance to stay optimal.
Pros
- The clipper comes with efficient power options
- It is quite durable
- The ideal fit for light touch-ups
- Charging needs less time
- Blades are adjustable for convenience use
Cons
- Does not suit rigorous use
- Subpar charger stand design
3. Wahl Professional Cordless Detailer – Best For Durability
Specifications
- Battery type: Lithium-ion
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Cuttings stroke per minute: 6,800
- Motor: Rotary
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Voltage: 120V
- Indicator type: LED
Made from stainless steel, the blade of this Wahl cordless detailer is strong and very durable. The material also helps your cuts become smoother, cleaner. And the stainless steel blade guard helps protect the operating blade. It can prevent degradation and rust for an enhanced experience.
Its strong metallic housing keeps the unit operational after many consecutive uses. The device has reduced vibration even with the powerful rotary motor with 6,800 strokes per minute. Thus, it will not heat up. This helps ensure the parts inside stay operational no matter how many times you use the product.
Another great thing about this particular item is the inclusion of extra handy maintenance tools. It comes with brushes and lubrication to help make maintenance faster and more effective. Unfortunately, the device can only work with 120V outlets.
Pros
- Very compact and light
- Includes an accessory set
- Cordless and convenient
- Adjustable blade
Cons
- Requires to be charged more frequently than other units
- Can be noisy
4. Wahl 8081 Professional Detailer – Best For Close Trimming
Specifications
- Cord length: 8 feet
- Cord type: Chemical resistant power cord
- Color: Red accent
- Motor: Rotary
- Weight: 6.9 ounces
- Voltage: 120V
- Length: 5 inches
The Wahl 8081 professional detailer is the perfect fit for more experienced barbers. Its t-blade’s design with a rotary motor is ideal for delivering the sharp cuts that experts demand. This also makes the device a must-have for extremely close trimming. After a close-up clipping session, the haircut or beard will always come out smooth and clean.
The adjustable t-blade of this model improves your close trimming even further. It comes with 2 cutting settings for a wide range of styles including close lining up. You can now get rid of the undesirable stray hair much faster without having to think that it may ruin the hairline.
One more worth noting feature is that it comes with 3 different cutting guides. They are the 1/16 inch, the 1/8 inch, and the 3/16 inch. You can switch between these guides for lining or close-up trimming. However, as it was intended for professionals, many beginners struggle to use this clipper.
Pros
- Comes with handy accessories
- Excellent for artwork and lining
- Produces clean and crisp lines
- Smooth and secure
Cons
- Get heated easily
- Only functional with 120V
5. Renpho Professional Cordless Clippers – Best Budget Pick
Specifications
- Battery type: Lithium-ion
- Runtime: 4.5 hours
- Cuttings stroke per minute: 7,000
- Speed: 4-speed level
- Motor: Rotary
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
- Voltage: 110 – 240V
These cordless clippers from Renpho do a good job for a budget option. It had decent close cutting and high precision performance with a strong DC power motor. The rotary motor and a max speed of 7,000 strokes per minute make it more in line with much more expensive devices. It can cover all your basic needs from a clipper.
Despite being away more affordable option, it is a new high-tech grooming device for improved efficiency and speed. It has an intelligent LED charge indicator. This light can show the battery life remaining with high accuracy. The smart design allows for selected speed levels which increases the overall versatility that the item brings.
The DC power motor delivers adequate operation speed while reducing friction. This eliminates the chances of making high heat that burns the skin. But it is heavier than other clippers on this list, so keep this in mind if you are aiming for a more lightweight option.
Pros
- Smart LED indicator
- Low noise
- Strong DC power motor
Cons
- Need regular maintenance
- Heavy
Related: Top 5 Best Hair Clippers For Autism
Buying Guide For The Best Clippers For Lineups
1. Durability
The job of a hair clipper is frequent and demanding. It has many chores to finish. You can be a barber or simply a person who enjoys hair grooming. A tool like this can be a determining factor for shaping up your whole appearance. You should not go for any device with build quality that is below average.
Steel and other metallic housing might be a good indicator of quality and durability. But you should rush to buy a clipper just because it has a metal casing. You can try to figure out whether the product is stainless or rust-proof. Plus there are many capable clippers that come with quality plastic housing.
2. Background
Tools that come from a reputable brand name and are well-loved surely are the choices to opt for. Well, this is true in most cases but not all. It is true that good backgrounds will play an important role in indicating the value of a product. In terms of ensuring quality, a household brand that people are liking and buy things from has a better chance of being worthwhile.
There are a significant number of people that favor things from that specific manufacturer. This fact alone makes a 70 percent confirmation that the device you are considering will have a good build quality. And also their features will be more likely to actually payback.
We are not suggesting you only care about the brand name of a trimmer. It should not be a priority but instead, a head start. Moreover, in case you are a barber, shopping for work tools can become easier if you choose a well-established brand.
Related: Merkur VS Muhle – Which Brand Is the Better Option?
3. Motor
Clippers with a more powerful motor are always the better choice. The feature of having enough power is essential for any hair work. The best clippers for lineups should come with an adequate amount of strength. It needs to be able to easily go through a light trim job.
Another thing is that it should not be too noisy, though this can be hard to know without trying the device yourself. The motor should have the right balance of power and quietness. This is to ensure that you do not lose concentration while clipping hair.
The majority of appearance-conscious individuals would likely opt for a magnetic motor device. This is because this type of device will give you a consistent result even after much regular use. Therefore, if you have a motor that has consistency, and decent power, your hair grooming or trimming chores can become more effective and easier.
4. Adaptability
A certain level of flexibility is a must-have. You most likely want to use the item to do more than just clipping. So when searching for a clipper for lineups, you should consider things like good adaptability to work for sideburns, beard, ear, and back of your neck.
With higher versatility from a trimmer, you will be able to get many additional usages from the increased usability. It makes doing different hairstyling tasks easier.
5. Corded Or Cordless?
The wiring method is another noteworthy feature that you need to ponder over to get the option. It is between the corded models and the cordless model. This depends on your personal needs and preferences. Knowing exactly what you need makes it easy to decide which type works best for you.
If you like to have the freedom of moving around without restraints, or you are intending on traveling with it, go for a cordless clipper. On the other hand, if you prefer not to be dependent on a battery pack, choosing the corded option seems fitting.
6. The Blades Quality
The blades can come into play if your ultimate question is whether you want a well-defined look or not. The cutting you perform depends mostly on the type of blade that is in your device. When looking for a clipper, keep the blade type in mind as well.
If you do not want to take any risks, we recommend you choose stainless steel blades. They will not disappoint in any kinds of clipping jobs and light trimming. And, these blades will go a long way without the need for regular replacement.
One more feature that will boost the clipper’s overall performance is the blades that can self sharpen. This type of blade is very common these days. You will be able to extend the durability of your blade if it has this feature. This is much better and does not require regular maintenance which can be frustrating at times.
7. Design & Look
These clippers for lineups can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You should always choose the item that is most comfortable to hold and operate. A design that provides strong grips is ideal.
Upon choosing a trimmer, you want to have an estimate about the weight, and how it would feel in your hand. It must feel effortless to use it for trimming. You also need to figure out how fast the thing can work, how many cutting strokes per minute does it provide.
8. Accessories
Today’s edge-up clippers come with many attachment guides, add ons, and cleaning brushes. The guides operationally speaking work like a small comb. They give you separately defined sections of hair to work on. There usually will be different types of guides for different styles of cutting. This allows for way more versatility.
9. Easy Maintenance
You ought to be using this kind of device quite regularly. Whether you need it for a work-related reason or just personal trimming, regular uses will make the blade dull. The device gradually decreases in functionality over time. Therefore, easy maintenance is very important.
You want all chances to help it stay optimally functional for as long as possible. A lot of products of different brands come with included maintenance kits. These will be the things you need for effective maintenance like oil and brushes.
How To Get Crisp And Clean Lines?
But first up, knowing the way to do better lineups can help a lot in your choosing process. And, there are some tips that you must know.
Properly Aligning Yourself
A common mistake of many users while doing lineups is going askew with the client’s hair. It is the most telling distinction between an inexperienced beginner and a skilled barber. Knowing how to avoid this mistake can significantly improve your final result. The rule of thumb is to align your shoulders with the other person’s shoulders.
Following the trick situates you right in the middle. This allows you to have a much better view of the top of that person’s head. Using hair clippers, trimmers, and razors will become easier. With this in mind, you will be able to create crisp and straight lineups in no time.
You need a lot of careful details when doing lineups. There are many techniques that you ought to master. You would want to be decent at the lining and blending the hair up the back, the front, and the sides of the client’s head. Another important thing you need is a well-rounded set of barber tools. All these combined can give you a sharp and clean lineup.
Using A Straight Line As A Starting Point
After you finish cutting the entire head of hair, you can move to do the lineup. For this last part of the haircut, you will need scissors, clippers, and trimmers to trim and blend the hair into a particular style. Doing lineups last gives you a much clearer view of the hairline.
You should always start at the nape of the head with a straight line. Then you would want to continue extending this line outward. However, it is better to do so slowly. One key tip here is to stop and check after every one or two inches. Every so often taking a close look means you can make timely adjustments if needed.
When doing this part, you will need a straight razor or edgers. You also need to be very careful when cutting along the back of the head. You would want to follow the hairline’s natural pattern to make a straight line. Your straight razor must be sharp and fresh. You do not want to use a dull blade as it increases the risk of causing hair bumps.
Utilizing The Anchor Points
A good place to start when working on the sides is the bump right at the back of the ear. This is a useful anchor point that can help you perfect your lineups. You can start making a straight line using a hair trimmer at this bump. While working on the line, you can invert your tool in order to get a closer look at the line you are creating, ensuring a straight line.
The next step is to continue cutting along this outline behind the ears and around the head. Again, you need to remember to frequently check in the mirror for any mistake to make sure the lineup is crisp and precise. No one would want a crooked hairline. And depending on the specific hairline of the client, you can choose between making a rounded or square lining shape.
Moving to the front of the head, you have to measure the distance between the client’s hairline and the outer edge of the eyebrow. Generally, the lining will end at the outer edge of the client’s eyebrow, but this still depends on the client’s forehead.
Trimming The Strays
When you pull back your client’s hair, you will be able to find some stray hairs. These are typically very fine and thin. The thing you should do here is to trim this out first. You would not want to work within it. It is also worth noting that you must avoid overdoing this minor tweaking process to prevent ruining the client’s hairline.
Leveling The Sideburns
Like the front for the back of your head, a person’s side profile needs a lot of touch-ups as well. A good clipper can give you the dreamed sideburns. You need to always outline this part on the side of the head. And you ought to make sure you level both sides evenly.
Conclusion
To conclude today’s list of the best clippers for lineups, we hope that you were able to find your go-to clippers to match your own needs. Our personal recommendation is the Andis 04710 Professional Hair Trimmer as it has a well-rounded performance and outstanding capability for detailing.
Further reading: Best Electric Shaver For Sensitive Skin