Buying Advice

Trimmers

The name trimmer can be used to describe various different types of trimming products. The name ‘trimmer’ as used in this section refers to trimmers that can be used to cut beard, moustache, sideburns and neck hair. The other type of trimmer referred to in this section is called a ‘hygienic trimmer’ and can be used to cut other various hair types including nasal, ear and eyebrows.

Before making a final decision on a trimmer the buying advise below explains the various different features that are available on trimmers, to help you to make the right decision.

Power Type
The two main types of power source for trimmers are battery powered or rechargeable, both making the trimmers portable. Battery powered trimmers are usually cheaper than the rechargeable versions.

Adjustable Trimming Guide
All trimmers for beard, moustache, side burns and neck hair have the ability to adjust the length of the haircut. This is achieved by having an adjustable trimming guide, the more positions the guide has the wider the range of cut lengths that can be achieved.

Storage Stand
Some trimmers come with a storage stand that can be used to store the trimmer and other additional items that may be included with the trimmer when it is not in use. With rechargeable trimmers the stand usually doubles up as the charging base.

Charge Indicator
Some rechargeable trimmers have a small light that indicates whether the trimmer is being charged or not.

Additional Items Included
Include with most trimmers is usually an assortment of additional items. These can include jawline blending guides, lubricating oil, cleaning brushes, barbers and moustache combs, travel pouch and scissors.

Other Features
Other useful features that some trimmers incorporate vary from the ability to be used wet 'n' dry, some trimmers also include a 1.5mm stubble setting.

Clippers

Hair clippers are a tool usually used by professional hairdressers, it is now possible to purchase clippers designed for home use that can provide a professional look to a home haircut.

Before making a final decision on a clipper the buying advise below explains the various different features that are available on clippers, to help you to make the right decision.

Power Source
The power source for most clippers is through the use of mains power. It is also possible to get rechargeable clippers; these can usually be run from mains power also.

Number of Cutting Positions
A cutting position is a set length that the hair will be cut at. More cutting positions mean the clipper is more versatile and so can be used to create more different hairstyles.

Hair Trim Length
Hair trim length is given in either grades or millimeters, with grade numbers being standard set lengths, which are used by hairdressers. Below is a conversion table for grade lengths to millimeters:

Grade No. 1 2 3 4 6 8

Hair length (mm) 3 6 9 12 19 25

Cable Length
On a mains powered clipper the length of the mains cable can obviously affect the usability of the clipper. Where possible make sure that the cable provided is sufficient for your requirement.

Storage
Clippers can come with varying storage types these can include: hard cases, pouches and on some rechargeable models stands are available which double up as charging stands.

Additional Items Included Include with most clippers is usually an assortment of additional items. These can include lubricating oil, barbers scissors, barbers combs, cleaning brushes, neck brushes, cape’s, sectioning clips, blade guard, instruction videos and ear styling guides.