Whether you’re a barber specializing in Black hair or a Black guy trying to give yourself a trim at home, finding the best clippers for Black men’s hair is both essential, and a little tricky.
Black and Afro-textured hair tends to be curlier and has a tighter coil than many other hair types, which requires not only a deft touch while trimming, but the right tool for the job.
Some hair clippers can work perfectly well for all hair types, but if you use a unit that doesn’t have enough power or sharp enough blades, you increase the likelihood of painfully tugging at the hair instead of smoothly clipping it off.
To help make trimming as easy (not to mention pain-free!) as possible, in this post we’ve rounded up more than a dozen of the best hair clippers for Black men that offer the right mix of power, performance and precision.
The (Absolute) Best Hair Clippers for Black Men
Breaking Down the Best Clippers for Black Men’s Hair
Overall Best Clippers for Black Men ↓
Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 14,590 Reviews
Advantages:
The Wahl 5-star Magic Clip is not only the best cordless clipper for handling Black hair, but one of the best hair clippers (cordless or corded) for any hair type.
With a cordless trimmer the big fear is that it won’t have enough power to properly move through curly hair, or enough battery life to keep at it long enough.
But with both a lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to two hours on a single charge, and the ability to plug it in and use it as a corded clipper, the cordless Magic Clip combines both power and versatility, which is one reason why it’s a favorite among professional barbers.
In addition to great power, the Magic Clip has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold, and comes with all the accessories you need, including:
A blade guard, cleaning brush, eight attachment combs for various lengths and blade oil to keep its adjustable, sharp blades moving smoothly.
Promising Review:
These are perfect so I give them a full 5 stars… plus they come with the 1/2 and 1 1/2 guards along with the others to execute that perfect fade.
I love these clippers and they just look premium and are very well made, and feels great in your hands.
Andis 01577 Professional Master Adjustable Blade Hair Clipper
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 4,089 Reviews
Advantages:
Another professional clipper often used by Black barbers, the Andis Master Hair Clipper is a corded clipper that comes with a size 0000-1 blade, which can cut hair between 0.5 to 2.4 mm (1/50″ to 3/32″) in length.
Adjusting the blade length is easy thanks to the taper lever on the side, allowing you to quickly switch back and forth between different lengths and do some pretty high quality fading.
Promising Review:
This genuinely is a professional grade trimmer. Every barber I’ve gone to in the past uses one of these, which made me search for it.
I’ve cut my own hair for many years, and have used rather cheap clippers in the 40-dollar range, but this thing is a beast and works incredibly well, and is worth every penny.
– DrewSP
Oster Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 4,373 Reviews
Advantages:
A staple of barber shops everywhere, the Oster Classic is another professional hair clipper that works well for African American men.
Its powerful, single-speed motor is designed to handle heavy-duty use, while the long cord makes it easy to maneuver.
It comes with two detachable blades, in addition to a brush and blade oil that make regular maintenance easy.
Promising Review:
Purchased my Oster Classic 76 approximately five (5) years ago, and this trimmer is still getting the job done.
I cut my hair at least once-a-week since I’ve had these clippers, and not one problem have I experienced with them.
BaBylissPRO Barberology Clippers
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 5,404 Reviews
Advantages:
BaByliss isn’t as big a name as Oster or Wahl, but their Barberology MetalFX is a high quality clipper that’s powerful enough to plow through thick hair.
In addition to carbon steel blades sharp enough to deliver detailed and precise cuts, it’s got a lithium ion battery that allows you to switch between corded or cordless use.
Promising Review:
IT JUST WORKS. I am definitely biased since my previous clipper I used for self-haircut was a trash $40 beard trimmer thing.
Regardless, the overall ease of use of this clipper is basically perfect as far as I’m concerned.
Philips Norelco HC 7452 Hair Clipper
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 1,905 Reviews
Advantages:
From one of the more anonymous brands of hair and beard trimmers to one of the more famous, Philips Noreclo’s HC7452 model is a good clipper that consistently delivers a clean, close shave.
The unit sports Norelco’s famous adjustable dial, which allows you to easily switch between blade lengths without requiring a lot of extra comb attachments.
Plus, its titanium blades are self-sharpening, so they can last for long periods of time with very little maintenance.
Promising Review:
I’ve personally found that Philips Norelco is my favorite brand of the bunch I’ve tried. They cut great, are easy to clean, and they are reliable.
I am really happy with the two that I own (wide and narrow (7100 and 3500 models), and I will be a future customer when/if these things fail.
– Mike
Panasonic ER1611
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 559 Reviews
Advantages:
Another famous brand that shows up on just about every list of best clippers, Panasonic’s ER1611 is a powerful clipper that can handle regular use, no matter how much hair you throw at it.
In addition to power – it boasts a blade speed of 10,000 rpm – it comes with three different guide combs, and has sharp, high precision blades that can handle both head and facial hair.
Promising Review:
Over the years I have owned many electric razors, this one is by far the best. It cuts great, and holds the battery for a long time.
– anega
StyleCraft Protege Clippers
Rating:
- 4 Stars
- 29 Reviews
Advantages:
Stylecraft’s Japanese-made clipper and trimmer combo makes for a great self-haircut kit because it basically provides everything you need for a smooth cut in one sleek (and if I may say, rather sexy) package.
In addition to a click lever that lets you easily change blade lengths, it comes with three magnetic guards, giving you plenty of length options for at home use.
(And while this has absolutely nothing to do with performance, I feel compelled to mention that the matte Black finish and distinct power button make the unit look masculine, powerful and stylish as hell.)
Promising Review:
I think it’s a great value for money and the customer service is great.
– Justin
Remington HC4250 Shortcut
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 15,826 Reviews
Advantages:
Remington’s HC4250 model isn’t made for professsional use, but is a good choice if you’re a Black man looking to give yourself a simple buzz cut at home.
In addition to a unique shape that makes it easy to hold and maneuver around your own head, it has an extra wide, curved blade that helps you get a clean shave all the way around.
If your preferred style is super simple and you don’t want to shell out for a professional cut every couple weeks, this might just be your best choice.
Promising Review:
I’m African American and I’ve been spending $20 a week to have my barber give me a close head shave (not bald)…
I don’t see why this shaver isn’t in every man’s home. Yes, it works that well! Just buy it, you’ll be a believer too.
– Keith
Oster Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 6,695 Reviews
Advantages:
Another Oster model, the Fast Feed is the perfect clipper for those who want a reliable, no-nonsense trimmer that doesn’t make much noise.
In addition to an adjustable blade and three guide combs, it features what Oster calls their Whisper Quiet pivot motor, making significantly less noise than the rotary motors found on many other trimmers.
Promising Review:
When my old clippers went to the great barbershop in the sky, I spent some time researching carefully before buying the replacement. This Oster set is the result of that search…
These clippers are solid, quiet, and excellent at cutting–no snags or misses. The cord is heavier than on many other brands and so does not snarl like so many do.
– Rodger
Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Cordless Senior Clipper
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 2,321 Reviews
Advantages:
Don’t let the word Senior fool you:
This clipper can be used by young and old men alike, though it’s worth noting that this one is intended for professional use, so might not be the best at-home option.
Specifically designed for tapering and fading, it has a powerful electromagnetic motor, adjustable blades with zero overlap capabilities and comes with three attachment comb cutting guides, along with all the regular maintenance tools you’d expect from a professional model.
Promising Review:
I’ve been using these 3-4 times per week for 4 years to keep my buzz cut and beard trimmed and neat.
I’ve also used it a few times per month to trim all the hair on my chest. These clippers are very powerful and have worked perfectly the entire time.
– Brad
Andis Professional T-Outliner Beard & Hair Trimmer
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 28,600 Reviews
Advantages:
As its name implies, the Andis T-Outliner is great for detail work like outlining and fading.
In addition to handling nuanced detail on the top of your head, it can also be used to trim down beard hair, and even remove it entirely, providing a pretty close dry shave that leaves less stubble than other electric trimmers.
Promising Review:
These trimmers are definitely professional grade, in my opinion.
I’ve owned lots of Wahl and Osters that were the cheaper ones you can find at Target or Walmart (I’m a lifelong cheapskate), and they don’t come close to these, in terms of providing a clean trim and a sharp, well-defined lineup.
– Reggie H
Wahl Color Pro Cordless Rechargeable Hair Clipper
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 51,388 Reviews
Advantages:
Wahl Color Pro is a cordless trimmer that might not have the professional pedigree of some of the other Wahl models listed above, but can provide a cheap and cheerful alternative for at home use.
It can be used cordless thanks to a rechargeable battery that provides about 60 minutes of battery power on a single charge, but can also be used when plugged in if you need to keep clipping while it charges.
Promising Review:
After 2 decades of using a Wahl Clipper plug in (just one) I’m very pleased with these Clippers and was very surprised that the motor is strong with a full charge.
I use them to shave my head bald and works really well and comfortable since there is no more cords to deal with.
– Mike P
Kemei Professional Cordless Clippers
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 2,289 Reviews
Advantages:
Kemei isn’t quite as highly regarded as brands like Wahl and Oster, but their professional trimmer is a good option for Black guys who want a professional-style clipper that doesn’t cost a fortune.
It has a lithium ion battery and comes with four guard attachments, in addition to a small comb.
(But most Black men will probably want to ditch the comb it comes with in favor of a heavier brush or comb that can handle thick, coarse and curly hair.)
Promising Review:
This is the best clippers I ever used as an black person.
It is very hard for a black person to find decent clippers that get the job done for our hair type. I used it to shave my entire body.
Wahl 5-Star Balding Clipper 8110
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 7,860 Reviews
Advantages:
Many Black men swear by the bald head look, and this is a great clipper for taking your hair all the way down to the skull.
Promising Review:
Over a decade of use and they’re still the best clippers I’ve ever had. I picked this particular product by asking my barber what she liked for durability and value, and she suggested these.
Wahl Elite Pro 79602
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 12,649 Reviews
Advantages:
Whereas many Wahl clippers are specifically designed for professional use in barber shops, the Wahl Elite Pro is intended to give DIY barbers a professional level of performance at home.
In addition to the trimmer and a wide range of different guards, it essentially comes with everything you need for a self-haircut kit, including a cape/bib to keep your clothes clean and a pair of premium scissors.
Promising Review:
Absolutely the best deal you’ll find for a home hair cutting kit. I’m a barber and I totally recommend the Wahl Pro kit if you buzz your hair or cut your kid/husband’s hair.
– Lucas P.
Hatteker Mens Cordless Hair Trimmer
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 13,286 Reviews
Advantages:
This is a multi-purpose trimmer from Hatteker that can be used for both beard and hair trimming.
It comes with two different blade sizes and seven detachable guards, along with a cleaning brush for the trimmer and a plastic comb for your hair.
(But again, you’ll probably want to ditch it and just use your own comb. Most of the ones included with these trimmers are cheap add-ons that can’t handle Black hair.)
Promising Review:
SUPER GLAD I took the chance on these by Hatteker. You get so many things for the price including a powerful motor, ease of use, clipper oil & a spare battery.
It was easy to use with a full charge fresh out of the box. I have 4c type natural/coarse hair.
– R Mack
Genwei Electric Pro T-Blade Hair Clippers
Rating:
- 4.2 Stars
- 572 Reviews
Advantages:
Another t-blade outliner, this model from Genwei is a small, simple and easy-to-use trimmer that can handle small details, or be used to shave intricate patterns into a fade.
Promising Review:
I’ve tried a few different trimmers and these are by far the best ones. Easy to use, everything you need comes in the box. My lineup was clean so I’m happy. It’s a good buy.
Philips Norelco MG7750
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 46,006 Reviews
Advantages:
This multi-groom tool from Norelco is more of a full body trimmer than a dedicated hair clipper.
But it comes with damn near everything you need to trim your hair as well, including three different blades (plus a nose and ear trimmer), and a whopping fourteen different guards of varying lengths.
Promising Review:
Superb build quality, very easy to use and clean, plenty of attachments and this thing is super quiet.
My old shaver used to wake up my wife in the morning with the loud buzzing sound. Not this one. I love it.
Surker Mens Hair Clippers
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 25 Reviews
Advantages:
Last but not lease, Surker’s cordless USB-rechargeable clipper is great for at-home haircuts.
It’s got alloy blades that can be adjusted by a taper lever, and comes with eight guard combs that vary in both length and color, which makes it easy to tell them apart.
Promising Review:
I have no complaints with this clipper, I’m a full time barber with experience using brand clippers and I have to say this machine is solid.
More Resources ↓
More Men’s Grooming Advice From Irreverent Gent:
- The 21 Best Beard Products for Black Men
- The Absolute Best Electric Shavers for Black Men
- Taper vs Fade vs Taper Fade – The Ultimate Guide
- In-Depth Lumin Skincare Review
- The Best Face Wash for Men
- The Best Shaving Soaps for Men
- How to Shave Your Pubic Hair with an Electric Razor
- The Absolute Best Men’s Deodorants & Antiperspirants
- In-Depth Dr. Squatch Review
- The 32 Most Handsome Men’s Haircuts & Hairstyles
- The 12 Best Trimmers for Shaving Your Balls
- The 11 Best Electric Shavers & Razors for Sensitive Skin
- In-Depth Dr. Squatch Deodorant Review
The Recap ↓
Summary
The Wahl 5-star Magic Clip is not only the best cordless clipper for handling Black hair, but one of the best hair clippers (cordless or corded) for any hair type.
Michael Berman
Michael Berman is a writer, editor and style enthusiast by day, but by night he’s a TV binger, Wordle enthusiast and connoisseur of a good Old Fashioned.
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Banner Image: Shutterstock / Kwame Amo