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Black hair is coarse and difficult to cut. This makes the quest to find the best hair clippers for black men even more challenging.
After so many years working in barbershops, we know what it takes to get through a hard-to-manage mane and achieve an excellent style. Clippers are probably the best choice as they are motorized to provide optimal strength and have sharp blades that cut through hair easily. However, it’s important to use clippers you can trust.
The main features you should look out for are quality blades that will get through hair quickly, a strong electromagnetic or rotary motor to fuel the blades, and a technology that’s gentle on the scalp. And because finding all the aforementioned in a clipper is really hard, we decided to compose this list.
There are several great products on the list, but the best one is probably the Andis Fade Master. It is recommended for its powerful motor, its precision blades, and its durable yet ergonomic design. It is a great overall clipper that can meet a variety of grooming needs.
However, it might not be the best option for everyone. Based on their grooming needs and the type of style they are trying to achieve, another clipper might be a better fit. They may also be looking out for certain features.
For example, some people may not like a clipper because it’s loud, while volume may not bother others. Some guys may be looking for a specific price point, a certain type of blade, etc.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This is why we have included many different clippers that cover different needs and budgets. We encourage you to review all the clippers for black men in this article to determine the one that’s best for you. Which one will you choose?
Our Top Picks Overview
7 Best Clippers for Black Men
Best Overall: Andis Fade Master
The Fade Master is the best hair clipper for black hair overall (and also the top choice in our best clipper for fades article), thanks to its silky-cutting carbon steel blades. Carbon steel is preferable to stainless steel because it is easier to sharpen and hone and also the most durable blade material.
The blades are adjustable from 00000 to 000 (but if you want an ultra-close trim for crisper and shaper lines, they can also be zero-gapped). The fact that the blades can be adjusted makes the trimmer ideal for fades, a popular black man’s hairstyle which features shorter and longer hair lengths on the side and back of the head.
But it’s not only the blades that make the Andis Fade Master great. It’s also the motor behind it. The magnetic motor produces a powerful 14,000 SPM (strokes per minute), allowing it to work effortlessly with all hair types.
The blade and motor are contained in an ultra-durable housing made of indestructible aluminum that has a sleek and attractive design made in the U.S.A.
It is 6” in length and weighs one pound which is about average. It thins out at the bottom, providing an ergonomic design for easy gripping. The power switch on the side can easily be flicked up and down. It also has a taper lever that allows you to adjust the blades as you are using it easily.
The Andis Fade Master comes with a blade guard for added safety. It also includes blade oil which reduces friction that can wear down the blades. Finally, it features a hanger loop which ensures easy and safe storage.
But there are some downsides to the clipper. For example, the aluminum body tends to cause the razor to overheat. And because the motor is powerful, it can be loud, and it vibrates a lot when it’s being used.
While you will find the clipper at different price points, it is generally available for around $100. This makes it an affordable choice considering its quality.
Pros
- Sharp blades
- Powerful motor
- Durable design
- Ergonomic
Cons
- Overheating issues
- Loud
Best for Balding: Wahl 5-Star Balding Clipper
The Wahl 5-Star Balding Clipper is a must-have for balding men everywhere. It is made for professional use, but you can use it at home as well.
The clipper stands out for its robust V5000 motor (electromagnetic) that allows the clipper to provide a close cut that is ideal for balding men who like to wear their hair very short; this is why it is the number one choice in our best balding clippers list.
Although the motor is strong, the clipper is relatively quiet and does not vibrate much.
It comes with a #2105 stainless steel, super sharp blade that cuts down to 0.1mm – 0.2 mm. This is basically as close as you can get with a #000000 blade. It has zero overlap blades guaranteeing a surgically close cut, and runs at a speedy clip of 14,400 SPM (strokes per minute).
The Wahl 5-Star Balding comes with a variety of accessories, including 2 attachment combs, oil, a cleaning brush, instructions, and a red blade guard, which matches the attractive burgundy body.
The brush can be used to remove stray hairs from the clipper to ensure a cleaner shave, and the oil keeps rust from forming to extend the life of the blades. The 3/16” and 1/16” styling combs are ideal for cutting all kinds of hair.
It is a corded clipper with an 8-foot professional-grade chemical-resistant chord that will withstand the test of time.
While the handle tapers off to create an ergonomic design, the clipper is a bit bulkier than most. However, the grip is very strong, offering optimal control.
The biggest con of this clipper is its very sharp blades. You can easily cut yourself or your client if you are not paying much attention, so be very careful when using it.
Pros
- Strong motor
- Super sharp blades
- Quiet
- Minimal vibrations
Cons
- Bulky design
- Very sharp blades can cause injuries
Related Article: Best Wahl Hair Clippers
Best for Lineups: Andis T-Outliner
The Andis T-Outliner is an optimal choice if you want a lineup trimmer. These trimmers have curved edges that offer easy handling and better access around the ears and back of the neck. They are ideal for creating lineups that feature very defined hairlines along the face and neck.
The T-Outliner made it to our list thanks to its sensitive skin friendly, ultra-sharp carbon steel blades that provide a close and exact shave. They are zero-overlapped and designed with bump-free technology, making them ideal for dry trimming and producing crisp, clean lines whether you are clipping your hair, beard, sideburns, or mustache. For even closer results, you can zero-gap the blades without worrying about irritating your skin.
The clipper features a magnetic motor that runs at 7200 SPM. This allows it to run quickly and smoothly.
The blades and motor are housed in a glossy gun-metal body. It is designed with a ribbed contoured grip that is recommended for professionals who spend hours behind the chair.
The dimensions of the clipper are 5.50” in length, 1.75” in width, and 1.63” in depth, and weighs 0.7 lbs.
The biggest downside to the Andis T-outliner is its potential to overheat. The blades get easily hot (about after 10 to 15 minutes of use) and will need to cool down before you can continue using the clipper. The powerful motor also makes the clippers louder than most. To learn more, read our complete Andis T-Outliner review here.
Pros
- Precise carbon steel blades
- Powerful magnetic motor
- Recommended for sensitive skin
- Ergonomic grip
Cons
- Blades tend to overheat
- Loud
Best Professional: Oster Classic 76
The Oster Classic 76 is the best clipper for black men when it comes to professional use. This is largely due to its powerful single-speed universal motor that’s ideal for heavy use and all hair types.
The Oster Classic comes with detachable, cryogenically-tested blades in sizes #000 and #1 that can easily cut through wet or dry hair.
The housing is extra durable and features an ergonomic, vintage-inspired design that is textured for an easy grip. It comes with a long, 9’ cord that makes it easy to move around the home or barber shop.
When you buy the Classic 76, you will also get a variety of accessories, including a blade guard for safety, lubricating oil, a cleaning brush, and blade grease to keep them in top shape. It also has a hanging loop that makes it easy to store.
While the clippers offer high quality, they come with some disadvantages. For example, they are a bit larger than your average model. The dimensions are 1.8 x 2 x 8.1”. And at 2 lbs., the larger size could cause fatigue after a long day of use.
The next thing to consider is the blades. While #000 and #1 blades are nothing to sneeze at, they do not provide as close a cut as the #000000 blades some of the other products in this article offer. However, Oster’s blades are so high quality and precise you will barely notice a difference (you always have the option of replacing the existing blades with Oster’s #000000 variety).
Finally, because the razor is so powerful, it is a bit noisy, and it tends to overheat. You can read a detailed review of the Andis T-Outliner here.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Comes with a variety of accessories
- Precision blades
- Attractive vintage design
Cons
- Doesn’t have the closest blades
- May be a bit heavy
Best Premium: Babyliss Pro Gold FX
The Babyliss Pro Gold FX is a premium product that comes with a high price tag. So, is it worth the added expense?
The first thing to consider is its high-torque Ferrari-designed quiet engine that guarantees a quick and precise cut.
The blade is DLC titanium-coated and ultra-thin. The titanium adds strength and protects against corrosion, and its beveled shape gives hair a softer look. It is also quite sharp, so use extreme caution while clipping.
You can’t really talk about this clipper without giving a nod to the exceptional design. The gold-plated all-metal housing makes it stand out from the competition and also makes it a terrific gift.
Other benefits include its lithium-ion battery that will run up to 2 hours when fully charged, which is a lot longer than most razors.
Gold FX comes with 5-detent taper control, so you always know where you’re at when you’re trimming hair. It also features a zero-gap tool and 8 comb attachments. Finally, it has a hanging hook that folds out from the bottom for easy storage.
The power button is located in the middle of the clipper, making it easy for both right-handed and left-handed people to turn it on and off.
The cons are that it is on the bulkier side as its dimensions are 11.5 x 11.5 x 11.5”, and it weighs 10.65 ounces, but the biggest con is that it is thicker than most clippers and not so ergonomic. Therefore, it can be a bit uncomfortable after using it for long periods of time (especially when it comes to professional use).
Pros
- Great looking product
- Quiet yet powerful engine
- Precision titanium-plated blades
Cons
- Thick design
- Expensive
Best Cordless: Wahl Magic Clip Cordless
The Wahl Magic Clip Cordless makes this list due to its convenient cordless design. But how do its other features measure up?
The product comes with a powerful rotary motor. Although it’s not as powerful as the V9000 electromagnetic motor featured in some Wahl clippers, it is less likely to cause vibration and overheat. It also creates a smooth blade motion.
But it’s the stagger-tooth 2161 stainless steel blade that truly set these clippers apart. The stagger tooth design means it alternates between long and short blade teeth, which allows you to add texture and create seamless blends quickly.
It comes with 8 guards ranging in size from 1/8” to 1”, a cleaning brush, clipper blade oil, a recharging transformer, a red blade guard, a wall plug charger, a styling comb, and operating instructions.
The Magic Clip Cordless runs on a high-quality lithium-ion battery that provides 100 minutes of run time and charges in just 90 minutes. It is 6.25” long and weighs just 10 ounces, and its lightweight and hand-friendly fit make it easy to operate.
The Magic Clip comes in a sturdy, attractive plastic casing that won’t break easily. And because it’s plastic, it’s less prone to overheating than metal casings. It also has ergonomic indents that improve grip for greater control.
If you have fades in mind, the Magic Clip, with its taper lever, got you covered. When you move the level up, you will get a closer cut. When you move the lever down, it adjusts the blade for a longer cut. This allows you to get greater precision at various cutting lengths.
One disadvantage of this clipper is that the blade is very sharp, and beginners should use caution. You can read our Wahl Magic Clip Review and unboxing by clicking here.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Crunches when it cuts
- Stagger-tooth blade for optimal precision at any length
- Runs on a lithium-ion battery for long charge times
Cons
- The blade is very sharp
Best For Home Use: Wahl Clipper Color Pro Complete Haircutting Kit
This kit has everything you need and is very affordable, especially considering all that’s included.
Let’s start by talking about the clipper itself. It has a Powerdrive heavy-duty engine that allows you to use a constant speed that equals consistent torque control. This means it can get through coarse, curly black hair with ease.
It has self-sharpening precision blades that stay sharper longer and an adjustable taper level so you can taper with optimal precision.
Another handy feature the clipper offers is its color-coded guide combs. The face of the razor has a color-coded key for cut lengths ranging from 1/16” to 1”. Just remember what color each member of your family uses, and you’ll get it right every time.
Wahl color pro also has a great ergonomic design. It tapers at the bottom for easy grip and has a thumb holder so you can achieve the perfect position and comfort level when cutting hair. Finally, the power button is on the side, within easy reach.
And the clipper is not all you get in the package. The kit includes a total of 26 pieces, including:
- 14 guide combs ranging from 1/16” to 1” for various cutting lengths
- 2 hair clips for styling assistance
- Blade oil and a cleaning brush to keep the blade in top shape
- A storage case
- A blade guard
- Trimming scissors
- A neck duster
- A top comb, a styling comb, and a pocket comb
Did we leave anything out?
Wahl kit provides users with the option to cut hair, eyebrows, facial hair, and so much more, and its no-pull technology makes it an ideal option for men, women, and children.
Some disadvantages to point out include the fact that the clipper only works with a cord. This can be limiting, especially since the cord is not very long. Also, although the kit is inexpensive, you must consider that you get what you pay for. This means that some of the accessories aren’t the highest quality.
Pros
- Affordable
- It comes with a wide variety of accessories
- Clipper has a powerful motor
- Convenience of color-coded keys
Cons
- Only works with a cord that isn’t very long
- Parts are affordable but may not be high quality
Buying Guide
Black men have different needs than Caucasian men when it comes to hair care. Black hair is very coarse and dense, and it requires tools that will work well with the unruly texture.
So what are the features you should look for when you try to find the best hair clippers for black men? Here are a few things to look out for.
- Power: It’s important that clippers have a powerful motor. This will allow them to get through coarse black hair quickly and easily.
- Sharp Blades: A powerful motor won’t do much if it is not accompanied by sharp blades. The blades will aid the clipper in effortless haircutting.
- Precision: Thick, coarse hair can be difficult to cut with precision. You might compare it to riding a bike over a bumpy road. The more bumps you deal with, the harder it is to stay steady. Features like taper levels and many guards will ensure you are cutting at the right length and will provide more precision.
- Ergonomic Design: An ergonomic design keeps your hand from tiring out when you are cutting hair. In addition to providing more comfort, it will also help you keep your hand steady, so you cut more accurately as you go.
- Additional Accessories: Clippers may come with additional accessories that make them ideal for cutting black hair. For instance, the clipper may come with combs that attach to the device so you can cut hair at certain lengths. This helps you achieve the precision required. It’s also smart to buy a clipper that comes with oil and a cleaning comb. These small things will keep the hair clipper blades from wearing down, so they last longer and continue cutting with precision.
Other Features
But there are more features to look for in clippers. While these are not specific to black hair, they will make the clippers a more attractive buying option. They include:
- Cord/Cordless Clipper Design: Clippers that work with and without cords give the user more freedom. If the clipper has a cordless option, it’s best to get one with a strong battery. This will ensure it will stay charged for a long time.
- Attractive/Durable Housing: A durable housing means your clipper will withstand the test of time. If the housing is also attractive, so much the better!
- Convenient Storage: Convenient storage options such as a carrying case and a hanging hook will keep both you and your clipper safe from damage.
- Affordability: It’s wise to set a budget for your clippers before you start shopping. This will keep you from overspending. However, it’s not always advisable to buy the cheapest clippers available. Remember, you get what you pay for.
- Won’t Overheat: While most men want clippers that are powerful, strong motors come with their share of issues. For example, they are likely to overheat. Fortunately, clippers can be made with materials that reduce the chances of overheating. It is advisable to find clippers that are designed to stay cool.
- Not Noisy, Minimal Vibrations: Another issue with powerful clippers is that they tend to be noisy and vibrate when they run. If these features bother you, it’s best to find clippers that run cleanly and quietly.
Clippers For Black Men FAQ Section
Clippers are ideal for black men’s hair because they have the power to get through the coarse texture efficiently and precisely. They are also great for creating traditional black men’s styles, such as tapers and fades.
They also make a great black men’s shave tool. They don’t shave as close as a razor which is okay because stubble doesn’t show up as much on black faces. The fact that they don’t cut as close also makes them less likely to produce razor bumps.
The most popular clipper brands for barbers are Andis, Babyliss, and Wahl. Top professionals have various clipper types and brands on hand to produce different hairstyles.
Fades are haircuts that are super short around the ears and neck and longer on the top. The number you set your clippers will determine how short you want to go.
For completely bald, go for a zero setting. You can also choose numbers like .5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 if you want some length.
If you are unsure of the setting you require, start at 2. You can always go lower or higher as you see fit. Keep in mind that a fade involves different lengths of hair. That means you will have to request different adjustments depending on what part of your hair the barber is cutting.
Oiling your clippers will reduce friction on your blades which can cause them to wear down or overheat. It is recommended that you oil them every 2 uses.
Clippers must be cleaned regularly to maintain sharpness and work without pulling. There are three types of cleaning you can do as follows:
Brushing the cleaner to remove excess hair- should be done after every use.
Oiling the blade to maintain sharpness- should be done every use or two.
Disassembling the clipper to clean the inside- this process involves taking the clipper apart, using an air compressor, and cleaning the inside with a vinegar solution. It should be performed once a week on average. But this will vary depending on how often the clipper is used and what type of hair it’s used on.
Which One is the Best?
All the clippers on the list are recommended, but the Andis Fade Master is a top choice. While the other clippers are good for specific needs, i.e., best clippers for balding men, best clippers for certain styles, the Fade Master is the best clipper overall. It is affordably priced, and it will get the job done.
Like the other clippers on our list, the Andis has a strong motor and sharp blades. However, its blades are carbon. This makes them easier to work with and more durable than stainless steel blades. We also liked the fact that the Fade Master had a lot of room for adjustability.
Other features to appreciate include the clippers’ strong housing, ergonomic design, and added accessories.
Conclusion
Black men have special haircare needs and need specific tools if they want to stay on top of their game. The Andis Fade Master is the ultimate choice when it comes to strength, quality, and precision. Will you be adding it to your cosmetic routine? Let us know in the comment section.
Russell is the founder of themensattitude.com. He is a barber a beard enthusiast and he is obsessed with trying men’s lifestyle products and blog about them. If you have any questions you can hit him up via the contact page.
