How to choose a hair clipper

Types of cars

When choosing a hair clipper, it is very important to decide for what purpose it will be purchased. There are three types of cars: rotary, vibration and battery.

Rotary machines

They are in great demand in hairdressing salons, since they have a sufficiently powerful motor (from 20-45 W). A motor of this type will allow the device to work for about an hour without the risk of overheating. In addition, these units often have a cooling system and are easy to clean and lubricate.

The advantages of this device are:

• high power level;
• there is no vibration during operation;
• cope with coarse hair without problems;
• many models can be washed under running water;
• a wide selection of attachments and cutting modes;
• reliability.

However, there are also some downsides:

• heavy weight;
• high price and expensive repairs in case of breakdown.

Vibrating machines

Suitable for home use, since they do not have a lot of power (9-15 W). After about 20 minutes of operation, the machine may shut down due to overheating.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• light weight;
• sufficient equipment for most haircuts;
• some variants have interchangeable knives.

Flaws:

• there is an unpleasant vibration in the hands;
• due to low power, they may not cope with thick and strong hair;
• short operating time.

Rechargeable

They work with a non-removable battery. You can recharge your device using the network. Most of the models are hybrid and can operate on mains or battery power. Most often, these options are used for small jobs, such as edging, shaving off neck hair, or trimming short, soft curls.

These devices are rather weak. Their power can be up to 12 watts. The running time depends on the type of drive. Vibrating units work for up to 20 minutes, and rotary ones are capable of working in an autonomous mode for up to 3-9 hours.

Pros:

• low weight (only 150-300 grams);
• adequate isolation from vibration and noise;
• autonomy;
• easy to change attachments.

Minuses:

• low power;
• when the charge is less than 40%, the power starts to decrease gradually.

Advice! When choosing a device, you need to know how often it will be used and for what hair. For long-term operation, it is better to purchase a rotary device.

How to choose a hair clipper

Devices are classified according to several parameters.

Classes

• Professional hair clippers. Advantages: powerful motor, high-quality assembly, many attachments. They do not limit the possibilities of the master in terms of creating hairstyles. Designed for long-term continuous use.
• Semi-professional. They have almost the same feature set, but are less expensive. Suitable for work and home.
• Amateur. Budget models for household use. They have a low-power motor and a minimum of attachments.

Kinds

Along with conventional typewriters, there are:

• Edging. They have less spacing between the teeth, thanks to which they grip even short hair well, cutting it off and creating a clear cut line.
• Fading machines. Fading is a haircut technique in which a smooth transition is made between hair of different lengths. To achieve it, such machines are equipped with a flat knife.

Engine operation type

There are:

• Rotary. They have a powerful motor (18-50 W) - the devices can easily cut long, coarse, thick hair. The engine is cooled during operation, they can work continuously for a long time. Other pluses: noiselessness, no vibration. The only negative is that they are heavier than analogues with a different type of motor.
• Vibrating. Power - 8–20 watts. There is no cooling system, so some models must be turned off every 30 minutes to avoid overheating.

There are two types of motors in vibration machines: magnetic (the cheapest among professional models, they work non-stop, but they are noisy, heavy), pivot (they are more expensive than magnetic, but cheaper than rotary ones, light, quiet, create a minimum level of vibration) ...

Type of food

When choosing a clipper, consider where it will be used:

• Network Models no need to charge - they are powered by an outlet. When buying them, make sure that the devices have a sufficient cord length (up to 2-3 m), they are connected to the body with a swivel ball-shaped mount - then the cord will not be kinked during use.
• Rechargeable - compact and convenient. These are the best hair clippers on the road - they will work in the car, on the train. If the battery is not using batteries, they will need to be charged. Cutting with a device with a low charge level is inconvenient - the knives work slower.
• Combined - can operate both from the battery and from the network. They are expensive, but they always help out: they can be used at home, taken on a business trip.

Blades

The result and convenience of work depends on their quality:

• Stainless steel blades reliable and affordable. To extend their life, they are coated with titanium or diamond. True, the products need care - on demand or regularly (after 2-3 haircuts, if indicated in the instructions), they need to be lubricated with oil.
• Ceramic - are more expensive, cut better (they are sharper). They do not heat up during operation, but may break if dropped.

The width of the blades is usually 35–46 mm. This is enough to model the desired hairstyle shape.

When considering which clipper to choose, consider the care of the blades. Over time, they need to be removed and sharpened or changed. It is good if self-sharpening knives are installed - they have an edge at an angle of 45 °, and they rub against each other in the process. But even such knives wear out over time.

Types of attachments

The more attachments, the better - you can do different types of haircuts. When choosing a model, keep in mind that there are:

• Removable attachments. They are easier to clean and some can be washed.
• Retractable. Compact, but more difficult to care for.

An important point is the minimum and maximum hair length that will remain after cutting (0.3–70 mm).

Equipment

Most professional and household models are sold with a cleaning brush, knife block oil, accessory stand, and accessories. It's comfortable.

Rating of cars

Let's consider the most popular models.

Rotary machines

Budget models

Wahl 8991-216

The motor speed reaches 5000 rpm. The length of the haircut varies from 0.4 mm to 4.5 mm. In addition, there are 4 length settings and 3 attachments. The cost is 6 800 rubles.

Pros:

• long cord (2.9 m);
• powerful motor;
• durability and reliability;
• a light weight;
• tool for adjusting the knife block.

Minuses:

• few nozzles;
• blade material stainless steel;
• narrow knife - 32 mm.

Andis RT-1

Unlike the previous model, it has less wide functionality: the number of attachments is only 2. There is also no length adjustment. The price is 5 800 rubles.

Advantages:

• excellent ergonomics;
• sturdy body;
• high level of reliability.

Flaws:

• not the best value for money.

Andis BGC2

The good thing about the machine is that it has 7 different attachments and 8 length settings.In addition, its cost is only 1,500 rubles.

Positive sides:

• wide functionality;
• low cost.

Negative sides:

• simple design;
• poor ergonomics;
• weak body.

Middle price segment

Moser 1250-0060 Class 50

This reliable and stylish technique is capable of performing any haircut and is suitable for all hair types. Powerful enough motor to cut thick and coarse hair. The price of the device is 12,700 rubles.

Positive sides:

• weight is only 360 grams;
• wide knife (49 mm);
• suitable for any hair, you can perform a haircut of any complexity;
• powerful motor.

Negative sides:

• quite high cost.

Moser 1245-0060 Class 45

Decent option for the middle segment. It rightfully occupies the second line of the rating, and there are many reasons for that. Firstly, the car has a speed control. Secondly, the knife width is 49 mm, which allows you to work with a larger area. Prices for this model start at 10,500 rubles.

Among the pluses:

• speed regulation;
• rich equipment (oil, cleaning brush and loop for hanging).
• long power cable (3 meters).

Like all other techniques, it also has disadvantages:

• there is no length adjustment;
• large weight (more than half a kilogram).

Andis MBG2

This unit has 8 length settings and 7 different attachments. It lacks accessories and attachments for trimming a beard or for removing hair elsewhere. The price is 9,300 rubles.

Pros:

• copes with any type of hair;
• can work for a long time without overheating;
• wide functionality.

Minuses:

• there is no resistance to moisture;
• not suitable for beard trimming.

Premium models

Andis MV-P2

This model has a very wide functionality. There are 10 length levels and 8 attachments. The machine is very comfortable in the hand and is made of high quality materials. The cost is 21,000 rubles.

Pros:

• a large number of length adjustments by means of a regulator and attachments;
• high motor power;
• the length of the cord is three meters;
• low noise and vibration levels.

Minuses:

• inconvenient way of attaching nozzles;
• no oil included;
• no wet cleaning.

Moser 1245-0050 Class 45

The machine is primarily convenient for its small dimensions, low weight and a long cord. The device cannot boast of a large set of attachments, but there are 2 speeds, which are enough for home use. The price is 15 500 rubles.

The positive aspects are:

• speed regulation;
• ease of use;
• the length of the haircut varies from 1 to 9 mm;
• the package includes everything you need to care for the machine.

The negative sides are:

• lack of a trimmer;
• lack of self-sharpening blades;
• narrow functionality.

Andis MV-P

The machine has 8 attachments, as well as 9 levels of haircut length. In this case, the minimum length is 0.2 mm. The price of the car is 14,000 rubles.

Pros:

• you can choose almost any haircut length;
• reliability;
• nice appearance.

Minuses:

• no wet cleaning.

Advice! When purchasing a budget machine, it is better not to buy the cheapest option, since a too cheap unit can quickly fail.

Rating of vibration machines

Budget models

GA.MA PRO-8

The machine has an adjustable cut length. A big plus are the knives, which are made of alloy steel, which is resistant to corrosion. The machine comes with 4 attachments, oil, a comb and a cleaning brush. The price of the machine is 2 900 rubles.

Pros:

• ease of use;
• small size;
• practically does not make noise.

Minuses:

• scissors are not included;
• build quality is poor.

Philips QC5115

This is a great option for home use. The machine is reliable and durable. The length of the haircut can be made from 3 mm to 2.1 cm. The unit is ergonomic and easy to use. The knife width is 41 mm. It is believed that this device is the ideal value for money. The cost is approximately 1,600 rubles.

Pros:

• cord length 2.5 m;
• convenient to use;
• there is a brush for cleaning;
• 10 length settings.

Minuses:

• flimsy plastic from which the attachments and the body of the device are made.

Polaris PHC 2501

It is a very cheap device, but with a very wide range of functions. For example, the cutting height can be between 0.8 mm and 20 mm. The blade width is 45 mm. Includes scissors, hairbrush, oil and cleaning brush.

You can choose the color of the device: black with soft touch coating and matt anthracite. The cost is about 1,100 rubles.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• a wide range of attachments;
• the length of the haircut can vary from 0.8 mm to 20 mm.

Flaws:

• blades can only be cleaned with oil, cannot be washed with water;
• in case of continuous operation for more than 10 minutes, a break of half an hour is required for the device to cool down.

Middle price segment

Braun HC 5010

The device can operate both from the network and autonomously, which significantly increases the ease of use. The maximum battery life is 40 minutes. The battery charging time is 8 hours. Brown's functionality is also very pleasing - there are 9 settings for the length of the haircut, the length of the haircut can vary from 3 to 24 mm. The price of the car is 5,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• the possibility of wet cleaning;
• system that remembers the previous setting (Memory SafetyLock);
• battery charging indicator;
• stylish design.

Flaws:

• there is only one nozzle.

Panasonic ER1410

A universal device that can operate both from the mains and from a rechargeable battery. Suitable for all hair, as the motor speed is 7000 rpm. The package includes 3 attachments, a storage stand, oil and a cleaning brush. For convenience, a charging stand is also included.

The device can work autonomously for up to 80 minutes. The machine can make hair from 3 mm to 18 mm long. The price is 5 800 rubles.

Advantages:

• long battery life;
• stand for typewriter and attachments;
• high motor speed;
• fast battery charging time (1 hour).

Flaws:

• there is no battery charge indicator;
• uncomfortable spout near the oil.

Oster 616-50

This unit has a wide range of attachments and 5 length settings. The package also includes two knives (0.1 mm and 2.4 mm), which have an anti-corrosion coating. The cost is 6,200 rubles.

Pros:

• the width of the knives is 46 mm;
• rubberized inserts on the body;
• large equipment.

Minuses:

• works only from the network;
• no wet cleaning.

Premium models

Moser 1884-0050 Li + Pro

Voted Best Premium Hair Clipper. The machine can work autonomously for 75 minutes, and the battery charging is only 1 hour and 15 minutes. The device has 11 length settings and 6 additional cutting attachments. Price - 11 900 rubles.

The advantages are:

• wide knife;
• indicator of the need for lubrication;
• charging stand;
• haircut length from 0.7 mm to 25 mm.

The downsides are:

• lack of wet cleaning;
• no rubberized inserts.

Panasonic ER-GP80

Also has won a good reputation. The machine comes with 3 additional attachments and all the necessary attributes for caring for the device. This technique can work both autonomously and from the network. Battery life is 50 minutes and charging is 1 hour. You can buy it for 11 800 rubles.

Advantages:

• modern appearance;
• battery charge indicator;
• rubberized inserts;
• a light weight.

Flaws:

• quite high cost.

Moser 1886-0050

The machine has a rechargeable battery, but it can also be operated from the mains. The battery life is 90 minutes and the battery charge is 2 hours. Includes 4 attachments, cleaning brush, oil and storage case. The approximate cost is 9,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• long battery life;
• the presence of a charging indicator;
• low cost, as for a premium model;
• powerful motor.

Flaws:

• can not be washed under running water.

Rating of children's hair clippers

Philips HC1066

This is a children's hair clipper. The device can work autonomously and from the network.When working autonomously, you can cut for up to 45 minutes. The battery charging time is 8 hours. The length of the haircut varies from 1 to 12 mm. Since the machine is for children, its noise level is also very low. The package also includes two attachments. The price of the machine is 1 875 rubles.

Advantages:

• can operate on mains and battery;
• there is a possibility of wet cleaning;
• the knives are made of ceramics;
• low noise level.

Flaws:

• not the most comfortable attachments.

Philips HC1091

It differs from the previous model in a large number of attachments. The knives are also made of ceramics. The package also includes a cleaning brush and oil.

Pros:

• suitable for cutting children with any type of hair;
• practically silent;
• ceramic rounded knives;
• can be washed with water.

Minuses:

• ill-conceived ergonomics;
• narrow knife.

Panasonic ER131

The hair clipper is easy to handle, as the motor speed is 6,300 rpm. Powered by mains and battery. For convenience, a charging indicator is installed. The cost is 1,500 rubles.

Advantages:

• strong motor;
• there is a charging indicator;
• low price.

Flaws:

• no self-sharpening function of the blades;
• few nozzles;
• can not be washed under water.

The best professional cars

Babyliss PRO FX660SE

Such a machine is designed for constant loads. It can be operated from the mains and the battery. Its price starts at 7,000 rubles.

The machine has several advantages:

• low weight;
• 4 attachments suitable for different lengths of haircuts;
• operating time is 45 minutes on the battery;
• there is a charge indicator;
• low cost;
• compact size.

There are also disadvantages:

• special care of the battery is required;
• high price for home use;
• stainless steel knives need to be sharpened periodically.

Andis DBLC

The machine is intended for professional use. Like any professional unit, it can be operated from the mains and the battery. Works autonomously up to 2 hours. The device is also charged for two hours. In addition, the speed can be adjusted in five operating modes. The cost is 29,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• long battery life;
• Ceramic knives;
• excellent ergonomics;
• stand for charging and storing the device;
• 5 speeds.

Flaws:

• too high a price.

Andis MV-PA

Has a variety of attachments and adjustable cutting levels. The minimum haircut length is 0.2 mm. Price - 22,000 rubles.

Pros:

• wide functionality;
• reliability;
• suitable for all hair types;
• a large number of attachments.

Minuses:

• works only from the network;
• no wet cleaning.

How fast the blades move

The speed of the blades has a significant impact on the time it takes to cut: the lower the speed, the longer it will take to cut. If you do not have enough experience, it is recommended to start using models that develop an average speed.

How to determine the speed of movement of the cutting part of the device? Quite simply - in terms of power, which is measured in watts.

Medium-speed models will include models with a power of no more than 8-12 watts. If the power is less, such a machine may not cope with coarse and thick hair. Auxiliary devices (trimmers, etc.) are low-power. If you already have experience using a hair clipper, then you can not limit yourself in terms of performance.

The optimal solution would be a 15-20 W device. With such a device, it will be possible to cut your hair a little faster.

It is best to choose models that have the ability to switch speeds. This is much more productive, since not all areas of the head require high power, and leveling dangerous places at high power is unproductive.

Modern models have two speed modes - high and low.

But there are also devices with the "turbo" option, designed for cutting the occipital region, where it is necessary to treat a large amount of hair in a short time. Typically, pressing this button will increase the speed of the blades up to 30%.

With experience, you can afford to experiment. But it's equally important to stick to basic principles:

• high speed of knives on bulky areas with thick hair;
• reduced speed in hazardous and delicate areas to avoid injury.

Additional benefits

In addition to basic functions, hair clippers often have a number of nice additions that will help improve the quality of work.

Nozzles

First of all, such additions include removable sets of nozzles.

It should be noted right away that they can only be used in professional models. In cheaper products, this function is rarely provided.

There are 2 types of attachments.

• Committed. Such devices allow you to fix the length of the haircut only up to a certain limit. The lack of mobility leads to some limitations in use.
• Adjustable. The movable parts allow you to set the required length of the haircut, which significantly increases the capabilities of the machine itself and allows you to make more complex haircuts.

Also accessories are divided into:

• removable nozzles;
• non-removable nozzles.

The detachable option looks preferable because it allows you to perform a wider range of work. In general, most experts do not recommend choosing a model with many different attachments as the first device.

It may well be that three or five will be enough.

Many users have enough and one with the ability to adjust. After all, every day a person does not need to perform complex manipulations with his hairstyle. Most often, the machine either trims the stubble or beard, or trims the hair on the head.

Ease of use

In addition to the attachments and their functionality, there are a few more points to consider before buying a typewriter. To begin with, you should take the device in hand and see how comfortable it is to hold it. If it fits well in the palm of your hand, this is already a great advantage, if not, then it might be worth looking at a model with other dimensions.

It is also important that the surface of the case is not glossy or slippery. It is best if it has rubberized inserts or soft-touch coating.

The next thing to pay attention to is the location of the buttons. The more comfortable it is for you to reach them with your fingers, the less effort you will have to make during operation. First impressions in this case are the most truthful. Is it inconvenient to turn the device on and off? See other.

Hold the machine in your hands and feel its weight. If she seems too weighty and is uncomfortable with, say, reaching the back of her head, this is not the best sign. Heavy implements make it difficult to self-trim difficult areas. In addition, the hand will be trite to get tired, constantly holding the heavy body in weight.

There are models equipped with a retractor.

It works like a vacuum cleaner, absorbing small stubble and short hairs that have been clipped by the blade. The downside of these add-ons is that they usually have a small reservoir, but overall they are very convenient. There will be much less garbage after a haircut.

The best models are equipped with the ability to wash the blades directly under the tap. It is very convenient and practical, but you will have to pay extra for such an option. Of course, its presence is not required, since In most cases, cleaning the device is straightforward: all parts can be easily removed or blown out.

In the case of wired models, pay attention to the power cord. If it is short, it can cause many operational problems. With such a device, it will be very inconvenient to perform complex manipulations, there is a high probability of pulling the plug out of the socket.

By following simple guidelines, you can find the optimal solution that meets all your requirements.

A hair clipper is a personal item and the same model may not be suitable for two different professionals.Individual aspects (weight, dimensions) are very important, without which it will be difficult to make the right choice.

How to take care of your instrument so that it lasts a long time?

It is necessary to regularly disassemble, clean and lubricate the blades of the machine. If this is home use, then once a month and a half is enough. If you use it professionally, cleaning should be done every 1-2 days.