There was a point in time when I almost gave up on cutting hair before I even started! I walked into Sally’s beauty supply store, grabbed the cheapest clippers I could find, and thought I was being smart by saving money. Needless to say, I was wrong.
Those cheap clippers pulled more hair than they cut, overheated beyond handling, and died completely after about three months. On that day, I learned that you really get what you pay for.
Why Quality Clippers Matter for Beginners
Let me let you in on a little secret – bad tools will make you think you’re bad at cutting hair. I spent months thinking I had no talent because my cuts were rough, choppy, and uneven. Turns out, it wasn’t me — it was the “bargain” clippers I bought.
Many new barbers and stylists make the mistake of buying cheap clippers to “practice” with. The truth is, low-quality tools create frustration and poor results that might discourage you from continuing. Cheap clippers feel like holding a brick fresh out of a hot oven after 20 minutes. You’re constantly stopping to untangle hair from dull blades.
Professional clippers, on the other hand, cut through hair like butter instead of fighting with every strand. The motor runs consistently, the blades stay sharp longer, and they’re balanced and ergonomic even during longer sessions. The difference isn’t just in the final result — quality tools make the whole process easier.
Understanding Different Types of Hair Clippers
Before making a purchase, understand that clippers fall into several categories:
- Corded vs. Cordless: Both of these options have their respective pros and cons. While corded models offer consistent power, they limit mobility. On the other hand, cordless clippers provide freedom of movement but require charging every so often. The good news is, today’s technology is improving battery-life of cordless clippers more and more.
- Detachable Blade vs. Adjustable: Detachable blade systems allow for more versatility but cost more over time as you’ll find yourself having to replace the blades. Adjustable clippers however offer convenience with fewer parts.
- Magnetic, Pivot, or Rotary Motors: Each motor type offers different benefits in terms of power, noise, and cutting capability. Magnetic motors are quieter and smoother but not as powerful. Rotary motors pack more punch but can be louder. Finally, pivot motors fall somewhere in between. I’ve used all three, and for beginners, I’d say go with rotary or pivot – they handle different hair types better while you’re still learning.
Key Features to Look For as a Beginner
After years of trial and error and failing forward, here’s what actually matters when you’re starting out.
- Ergonomic Design: Weight is huge. I used to think heavier meant better quality, but after a few hours of cuts, your hand will be screaming. Look for clippers around 16-20 ounces max. Anything heavier gets uncomfortable fast.
- Adjustable Blade Tension: Adjustable blade tension refers to how tightly the blades press against each other as they move back and forth. This affects how the clippers cut hair, how much heat they generate, and how fast the blades wear down. Being able to adjust this makes a massive difference in how smooth your cuts feel.
- Durable Housing: Always check if the housing is metal or plastic before you buy. Metal housings handle heat much better as they’re able to dissipate heat much more efficiently.
- Quality Motor: The motor power needs to be at least 5 watts, but in all honesty, 7-9 watts is ideal for beginners. Anything less and you’ll struggle with thicker hair types. Using lower wattage ironically will use more energy in the log run because you’ll be spending time “re-cutting” the hair.
Budget Considerations: Finding the Sweet Spot
Okay, let’s talk money because this is where most people get stuck. Professional clippers range from $50 to well over $200 while some retailers sell budget-friendly $20 kits. As a beginner, I would aim for the $80-150 range, which typically offers the best balance of quality and value.
This gets you clippers that will actually work well while you’re learning without breaking the bank. Once you know what you like and don’t like, then you can invest in the fancy stuff.
Buying during back-to-school season is a useful hack to save money as beauty supply stores often have sales in July and August when cosmetology students are gearing up for the new school year.
Supplemental costs is something to consider as well. Good clippers need clipper oil (about $5-8), replacement blades eventually (anywhere from $15-40 depending on the type), and maybe some additional guards or attachments. Factor in at least another $30-50 for accessories and maintenance supplies. With these costs accounted for, you’ll be all set to make your purchase.
Top Brands That Offer Beginner-Friendly Options
Several reputable brands make clippers that combine professional quality with beginner-friendly features. I’ve cut hair with brand listed below, and some are definitely more beginner-friendly than others.
- Wahl: Wahl is where I always recommend people start. Their Magic Clip or Senior models are solid choices that won’t overwhelm you with features. They’re reliable, renowned, and they have tons of online tutorials specific to their clippers.
- Andis: Andis makes some fantastic options too, especially their GTX model. It’s a bit pricier than Wahl, but the build quality is excellent and they’re incredibly durable. Andis was actually the brand I started with back in 2008.
- Oster: Oster clippers are workhorses. They might not be the prettiest, but they’ll cut through anything you throw at them. Their Classic 76 is basically bulletproof, though it’s a bit heavy for some barbers.
Maintenance Requirements: Can You Keep Up?
A lot of beginners (including myself) fail to consider the maintenance needed to prolong the life of their clippers. All professional clippers require regular cleaning, oiling, and the occasional blade replacement. Cleaning your clippers should be done after every cut for health and hygienic reasons. Oiling your clippers should happen at least every 3-4 cuts. And blade replacement will vary depending on how fast your blades dull. Some models demand more attention than others. As a beginner, look for clippers with simpler maintenance routines and readily available parts.
Where to Purchase Your First Professional Clippers
Don’t buy clippers from just anywhere. Avoid marketplaces where counterfeits are common and stick to authorized dealers like Sally Beauty, CosmoProf, or directly from the manufacturer’s website. You might pay a bit more, but you’re getting the real deal with a warranty.
If you can, go to a physical store first to handle the clippers. Weight, balance, and how they feel in your hand matters way more than you’d think.
Finally, don’t underestimate estate sales or barbershop closures either. I’ve found some amazing deals on barely-used professional equipment this way. Just make sure you can test them before buying.
Making Your Final Decision
After researching options that fit your budget and needs, choose clippers that feel comfortable in your hand and match your learning goals. The choice is ultimately yours but my final advice would be to buy the best clippers you can reasonably afford from a reputable brand. Don’t overthink it too much, but don’t cheap out either. Start with one solid pair and learn them inside and out before considering additions to your tool
Your first professional clippers are just that – your first. While they’ll hold sentimental value, they won’t be your last, and that’s okay. Every barber and stylist I know has a collection of clippers for different situations. But starting with one quality pair will set you up for success and help you figure out what you really need as your skills develop. Good luck!
