Your questions about hair clippers answeredWhat are the best hair clippers?For overall value-for-money, performance, and reliability, I couldn’t fault Wahl’s colour pro lithium ion hair clipper. Built to last, easy to use, and bundled with a host of useful accessories, it’s perfect for beginners or experienced users alike.A fraction of a grade behind was BaByliss Men’s Japanese steel digital hair clipper, which looks great and delivers superb, precision results, while the company’s equally stylish Super-X metal series cordless hair clipper is the one to watch, fusing both style and substance in a grooming tool that looks as sharp as the cuts it delivers. For shorter styles (and head shaving), the Wahl bald and buzz cut DIY hair clipper was the biz.How I tested hair clippersWhen trimming my hair, I looked at many different key factors to really get a handle on how well each set of clippers performed. I tested each hair clipper by trimming my own hair over the course of six months, so I became really well aquatinted with how each set held up. You can read more more about my testing criteria at the end of this review. Ease of use: I assessed each model for how easy it was to use, both for first-timers and experienced at-home barbers. Battery life: It would be incredibly annoying to be mid-way through a hair cutting session and for your clippers to run flat, so I kept an eye out for any models that had particularly impressive battery life in them, and didn’t require charging all the time.Design: Although there’s not too much that hair clippers can do in terms of design, some look better on your bathroom shelf than others. So, any models that had an attractive design, had an ergonomic appeal, or came with accessories included scored extra points.Performance: I paid close attention to each model for blade sharpness, motor power, noise level, ease of cleaning and build quality, making sure that each model that made its way into my round-up had top-tier functionality and would ensure a sleek cut every time.Which hair clippers do barbers use?Wahl is a popular brand among hairdressers and barbers when it comes to hair clippers, but in the end, it’s all about what fits your personal needs best. Hair clippers will come with guards that slip over the blades, allowing you to adjust the cutting length to suit your style.When you get your hair cut at a barber, you’ll have noticed that the clippers they use often have little taper levers on the side. These levers allow you to adjust the cutting length incrementally, enabling you to alter the cutting length without switching guards. Finally, a T-blade trimmer (one with blades shaped like the letter T when the guards are removed) will help you with the finishing touches around the ears and neck.How much should I spend on hair clippers?How much you spend on our hair clippers will probably depend on how important a piece of grooming kit you consider them to be. If you cut your own hair all the time, it’s obviously worth investing in something built to last (Wahl models tend to have the longest warranties if you’re looking for something you’ll use for years).What length is a number 2 haircut?One of the most popular cutting lengths, a number 2 leaves hair 6mm (1/4 inch) long. A number one is 3mm (1/8 inch) while a 0 (called 0.5 on some clippers) is a mere 1.5mm (1/16 inch) in length. The attachment combs on clippers are generally marked by grade to make choosing the correct cutting easier.How often should I clean hair clippers?Cleaning your clippers is important, firstly to prevent any build-up, which may be harmful to the device, but also as it’s the hygienic thing to do. Like any good tool, they need to be maintained if they’re to perform at their best.To get the most out of yours, clean them after every use with the brush provided (or rinse them, if they’re waterproof) and finish off by oiling the blades if the instructions state they require oiling. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Lee Kynaston is an award-winning style and grooming journalist. He has been writing for IndyBest since 2021, with product reviews covering everything from the best anti-aging creams for men to the best men’s fragrances. Lee casts a no-nonsense critical eye over the very best in men’s grooming, gadgetry, and fragrance, always in search of products that under-promise but over-deliver.Looking for more inspiration? These are the best men’s gym bags