If you are looking for the best fade…
You need to best clippers for the job.
‘An artist is only as good as his tools’, this famous quote speaks volumes on how important it is that every professional has the best tools in order to sculpt art.
Top 3 Hair Clippers at a Glance
Looking for the best clippers for fades in 2022 can be challenging.
Fades are tapered, precise, and never out of style as it provides an eye-catching aesthetic facet that is un-parallel in comparison.
In this article, we compiled the list of the top-rated and reviewed hair clippers for fades.
Keep on reading…
10 Top Rated Hair Clippers for Fades
In order to help people choose the best barber clips for fades, we have articulated a list of clippers that have combined style and functionality in a seamless fashion.
These top rated hair clippers are mentioned below.
Now that you have seen what is available, let us take a quick look at the reviews of the best hair clippers for fades.
Wahl Professional Super Taper II Hair Clipper
When it comes to professional grade barber clippers nothing can compare to the Wahl Professional Super Taper II Hair Clipper.
It has been designed to provide a quick and smooth cut that is compatible with any hair type.
It includes over eight attachments combs.
It is powered by a v500 motor that ensures efficiency and conveniences like never before, this machine also makes it perfect for tapering, fades, blends, and heavy-duty cutting.
Featured Customer Review
Best clippers I’ve ever owned. I’ve been through so many clippers. I’ve tried cordless, waterproof, adjustable size clippers and everything in between over the years.Local Man From Local City – Amazon Customer
This clipper has been also been designed to provide a sublime convenience as it fits perfectly in the palm and also includes oil, cleaning brush, and a Red Guard blade.
What People Like about this clipper?
- Powerful motor
- Many comb size options
- Cuts your hair with fewer repetitions
Common Dislikes Mentioned:
- Clipper get rusty over time
- Plastic body
Wahl Professional 5-Star Cord/Cordless Magic Clip
This versatile hair clipper is the ideal choice for professionals and for people who want to maintain their fades to perfection by themselves.
This versatile hair clip includes a five-star magic clip that provides the precision that professional barbers demand.
This hair clipper is powered by a V900 motor which is the underlining reason why it provides the most precise cut ever.
Featured Customer Review
The battery is very powerful and it lasts around 2 hours on one single charge. The fact that these blades can be zero gapped is incredible especially for getting that first line out from bald fades etc. without having to wear out your trimmers.I love these clippers and they just look premium…Amazon Customer
What really makes this clipper stand out from the rest of the pack is the variable thumb lever.
This variable thumb level allows the user to adjust the texture and taper without ever changing blades, which empowers barbers to craft the most intricate fade ever.
OSTER Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper
Oster is renowned for its impeccable vision of creating clippers that priorities functionality and efficiency above all.
This is what the universal motor clipper is all about as it has a contemporary facet but the efficiency and precision that this clipper provides would even put the best barber clippers for fades to shame.
It uses a powerful single-speed universal motor that is ideal for commercial use and also has multiple detachable blades.
Features ultra-durable break-resistant housing.
Featured Customer Review
You cannot even tell they’re taking hair off your head, because the cut is so smooth. Only “con” would be these are quite heavy, and the angle is different than Wahl clippers. You have to get used to the difference in guard sizes and how to hold it, but that is far from difficult. 5/5 stars, recommending to everyone I know that cuts their own hair.Amazon Customer
So for all of the professionals out there who are looking for heavy-duty performance all day long, the Oster classic 76 universal motor clipper should be your foremost choice.
What People Like about this clipper?
- Smooth precise cuts
- Reliable, long-lasting clippers
- Fast cutting
Common Dislikes Mentioned:
- Heavy clippers
- Higher price point
Sminiker Professional Rechargeable Hair Clippers
This is a heavy duty hair clipper that has been designed to reduce the amount of dexterity involved in creating the best fade cut ever.
The shape of the Sminiker professional clipper ensures stable and steady control, which is a core feature that many high grade hair clippers lack.
It has combined ceramic moveable parts and a titanium blade in a seamless fashion as this hair clipper has the capacity of resisting normal wear and tear with ease.
Featured Customer Review
It is super easy to go around the ears (which is so important for us because that was always the hardest part for me). Finally, the overall cut of his hair is the best ever. It is a noticeable difference between the other clippers and these ones in how the hair looks! Although, we have only tried these once, I am so impressed. For the price, you can’t beat it!LMS –Amazon Customer
Multiple guide combs are included in each set.
These guide combs are completely leveled in order to make sure that each cut is performed with precision and with meticulous attention to detail.
The Sminiker professional hair clipper is powered by a precision motor. This motor is not only ultra-quiet but also reduces the amount of vibration during operation.
OSTER Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper
Another product of Oster that has made our list of the top ten hair clippers for fades is the OSTER Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper 76023-510.
One of the most profound features of this hair clipper is the fact that it can provide the same efficiency and precision in ultra silence.
This unique hair clipper uses a pivot motor that provides long lasting performance and combined with the fast feeder clip this sublime motor clipper keeps noise levels down to a bare minimum.
The design of the Oster fast feed adjustable pivot motor clipper has been designed with superior craftsmanship as it can perfectly fit in your palms and since it does not use standard a motor the amount of vibration is also reduced by a substantial margin.
The steel blades adjust between 000 and 1, which makes it the perfect choice for commercial purposes as these adjustable blades produce immaculate precision and can easily be interchanged in a matter of seconds.
Durable and cost-effective is exactly what the Oster Fast feed adjustable Pivot motor clipper is all about.
Conair Lithium Ion Professional Clipper
This professional grade hair clipper has been around for quite some time now and is renowned for its efficiency and ease of use.
The design pays tribute to its predecessors but still manages to bring something new as it has a sleek aesthetic facet that is really hard to find in professional clippers these days.
Featured Customer Review
An outstanding Haircut Kit, containing all the accessories you’ll need for a well done trimming job. The Power Head is relatively light and its Lithium battery has plenty of juice for several haircut sessions… I used it already four times from its first, original full charge and still going strong (your mileage may vary)…mikyd –Amazon Customer
It includes a convenient adjustable blade that ensures fast and accurate cutting, which is a prerequisite for any professional barber.
This superlative hair clipper uses a pivot motor to reduce noise and vibration as well.
What People Like about this clipper?
- Lightweight
- Low cost overall
- Good battery life
Common Dislikes Mentioned:
- Common complaints with the design of the on/off switch
- Above-average noise
Panasonic ER-1611-K Professional Hair Clipper
This professional clipper includes precision blades that are sharpened to a 45-degree angle which delivers unparalleled cutting speed.
This blade allows barbers to cover a larger surface in less time and the ultra-fast 10,000 rpm linear motor drive ensures a powerful cut.
The height-adjustable control dial can easily be adjusted and does not require a comb attachment, which makes life so much easier for barbers who have to constantly adjust the height of the blades.
Each package includes a convenient charging stand and option to choose from cord/cordless operation.
So for all the barbers out there who are looking for a light and easy to handle hair clipper, consider purchasing the Panasonic ER-1611-K Professional Hair Clipper as a solution to all your fade related problems.
Wahl Professional Senior Clipper
Wahl has introduced many different hair clippers that have become a huge success in the market. However, out all of them, the Wahl Professional Senior Clipper #8500 is by far the epitome of style and function.
This electromagnet clipper is equipped with a V900 motor that makes this hair clipper much faster and precise than standard hair clippers.
This V900 motor has been designed to operate on a continuous basis without the threat of overheating, making it the ideal choice for barbers who require high performance at all times.
This hair clipper actually feels good in your hands and the durable metal housing ensures that it will stand the test of time.
The combination of its sharp performance and sublime design is the primary reason why the Wahl professional senior clipper is the foremost choice for professional barbers all around the world.
Oster Professional Deep Vibes Clipper
The Oster Professional 76080-10 Deep Vibes Professional Adjustable Vibrating Clipper is without a doubt one of the most powerful and versatile hair clippers out there.
Although it does come with a heavy price tag that should not deter professionals out there as Oster has justified this price tag with the versatile features included in each clipper.
It has been designed to provide convenience levels that were previously conceived as impossible and the precision that this hair clipper provides can put most professional grade trimmers to shame.
It is powered by a magnetic motor that has the capacity of operating for hours without ever overheating and the textured housing ensures optimum grip no matter how long you use this device.
Each unit includes a 7-inch shear, cleaning brush, tapers, and oil which is used to periodically maintain high grade hair clipper.
Andis Fade Master with Fade Blade Hair Clipper
Last but definitely not the least is the Andis Fade master that includes a unique fade blade hair clipper.
As the name implies this clipper has specifically been designed to produce the most precise and intricate fades ever.
It is considered to be a complete tool for barbering and styling as it includes a fully adjustable clipper blade, which removes the need for multiple blades.
Andis boasts that this hair clipper is unbreakable with its aluminum housing which guarantees years of reliable service.
How to Use a Hair Clipper for a Fade?
Everyone barber knows how difficult it can be creating the perfect fade as there are so many different factors that come in to play.
1. Damp the hair
The very first step and unarguably one of the most important are damping the hair. Before you begin cutting the hair, we would recommend using a water spray on the hair.
Once the hair is wet, molding and cutting the hair will become significantly easier, this will alleviate the dexterity involved by a substantial margin. Once the hair is dry use a comb to part the hair and makes sure you part the hair in the right position.
2. Choose the appropriate guard size for the fade
Once you have parted the hair using the comb, the next step is choosing the right guard size for the fade.
Generally speaking, a lower guard size provides a shorter cut while a higher guard number will produce a longer cut. We would recommend using a higher number around the back of the head and the sides in order to get an even shave.
You will then have to switch to shorter guards when you move down, with every shave the fade will start getting more prominent. Starting with a higher guard will reduce the complexity involved in switching guards as it will become easier to craft the fade with the hair at their highest length.
Finally, you will shave the back of the head and the sides using the lowest guard and will leave the top part of the head untouched.
3. Determine where the fade lines should be included
This might be a little tricky as each fade is unique but determining the fade line can easily be done by taking the stature of the hair into perspective.
The fade line is basically where the hair transitions from one length and will start from the back of the head and go from ear to ear.
Where the fade line is positioned is a matter of taste as these lines vary in nature, some people prefer dipping fade lines while other people might prefer multiple fade lines.
4. Fine-tune the top portion of the hair
Once you have crafted the fade line, the next step is to section the top portion of the hair.
We would recommend taking a comb and try tracing a rectangular above the top of the skull.
This will require experience and skill in order to be crafted with perfection but if done properly, it will separate the top hair from the shorter hair. Another tip that will help you in determining the size of the rectangular portion is by using the eyebrows as a guide.
The outer lines of the rectangle should align perfectly with the corners of the eyebrows.
5. Vertically cut the hair with your clippers
Before you start using your clippers, we would recommend using a hairband in order to separate the top portion of the hair from the sides. Once you have separated the hair you can now use the trimmer to cut the hair but make sure you move the clippers vertically as you begin to shave the hair.
Start by shaving the sideburns and slowly make your way towards the back of the head and maintain an arch with each movement. Please do not cut the top part of the hair while shaving as this could prove to be fatal and ruin the entire aesthetic facet of the hair cut.
6. Move in small sections
The momentum you maintain while trimming the hair plays an integral role in the end result. Therefore, make sure you move in small sections and keep a steady hand while doing so.
We understand that the clipper vibration makes this difficult, but choosing the best barber clippers for fades will make things much easier.
While trimming the hair try pushing the trimmer forwards in order to make sure that the blades are catching all of the hair, this will do wonders on uneven spots. Make sure you trim the hair in small sections but in a vertical motion.
7. Keep switching the guards
As mentioned before the secret behind the fade is switching guards while trimming the hair.
Once you have completed the entire surface using a specific guard, you should then change the guard to a lower length. We would recommend repeating the same shaving technique and please do not go all the way to the top while shaving.
If you are looking for a more detailed fade then shave the lower portion of the hair with a #1 guard.
8. Final touches
Once you have created the fade you or your customer was looking for, the next step is cleaning up the fade by using a comb. We would recommend angling the comb at a 45-degree angle and then running the clippers over the hair. Repeat this process multiple times and the hair should eventually get shorter with each shave. Remember to use a comb or this will ruin the fade.
Tips on Shaving for Fades
With time each barber develops certain skills and tricks that help them to create the perfect fade.
These barbers instill their personal experience and craftsmanship into every haircut and their skill ensures perfection. This is exactly why new barbers have trouble cutting a fade hair cut to perfection as they do not know the different tips that help alleviate the complexity.
This is exactly why we have created a list of the top tips on shaving for fades, these tips are mentioned below
- Make sure you have the right clippers and prepare your equipment before you begin
- Shave the bottom part of the hair using unguarded clippers
- Cut the top part of the hair using scissors and make sure that keep the hair a little long
- Do not rush a fade hair cut as art takes time
- You can also use a thinning shear to trim the hair back
- While creating the fade line try using a comb to make sure it is even
What to Look for When Buying the Best Barber Clippers for Fades?
As mentioned before, choosing the best barber clippers for fades can be quite difficult due to the sheer amount of options available in the market.
However, there are certain factors that you should take into consideration before making your final purchase. These factors will help streamline your search and will ensure that you end buying the best barber clippers for fades.
The factors you should take into consideration are mentioned below:
- Design: The design of the trimmer plays an integral role in the ease of use. So choose a design that fits perfectly in your hands.
- Portable: If you are planning on carrying your clipper with you on a daily basis, choosing a compact portable model would be more appropriate
- Cordless or with a cord: Check the sockets where you plan on using the device, if they are not accessible then a cordless clipper would be more appropriate.
- Time spent on clipping: As a barber you should determine how much time you spend using the trimmer and choose a model that will reduce the amount of time spent on clipping.
- Accessories: There are many products out there that include accessories, so instead of purchasing them separately you can easily choose a product that includes accessories.
- Ease to clean after use: Cleaning a trimmer can be very time consuming and difficult, therefore choose one that clearly states the time spent on cleaning the unit after use.
- Warranty: Another factor you should consider in order to further streamline your search is the warrant period. If you are looking for a permanent fix, choose a product with a five year manufacture warranty.
- Price: Finally the last factor you should consider is the price. There are many different devices out there so you can easily find one that encompasses your budget
How to Care For Hair Clippers?
Buying the best hair clippers for fades is not enough as you have to regularly maintain your device in order to ensure it lasts a long time.
Generally speaking, there are a few steps that you can follow in order to make sure your device is maintained to perfection. These steps are mentioned below:
- Clean the blade every time it is used
- Regularly wash the blades and shields using lukewarm water
- Align the blades after cleaning them
- Oil the blades (oil is included with most products)
- Change the blades (the instruction manual will mention the life span of the included blades)
Here is a short video on how to care for your hair clippers.
Improve Your Looks with the Ideal Clippers
So if you want to take your barbershop to a whole different level, consider one of the best barber clips for fades.
If you take all of the information mentioned above, there is no doubt you will end up with a barber clipper that personifies efficiency and provides precision which will ensure each fade is completed with excellence.
So get the fade you want with your hair clippers and don’t forget to remove unwanted facial hair with facial epilators as needed.