Everything You Need to Know About the Best Clippers for Fades 2021

It’s a fact:

If you want the best fade haircuts, you have to use the best fading clippers.

Yes! It’s that simple.

Now:

When shopping for the best clippers for fades 2021, you should always ask yourself this question…

“Does the clipper’s features, functionalities, and merits guarantee a near-perfect fade?”

If not, you are better off spending your money on something else.

Basically, fades have been there for as long as I can remember.

And if you are wondering; why?

Well:

Aside from being simple and stylish, fades also look stunning on just about anyone regardless of their hair type and head shape.

That’s why, nowadays, you’ll see a large number of men (even women) rocking a fade.

Fun fact:

Fades can be done either by a professional barber or by you as a DIY at home. And the most important aspect of getting this type of haircut is often the clipper.

Finding the right clipper for fades not only simplifies your work but also improves the overall outcome of the haircut.

So, if you’ve been looking for the best clippers for fades 2021, congratulations, you are in the right place.

But first:

Here’s our best recommendation for you.

Brief Overview

In this post:

I’ve compiled a list of the best fade clippers available today.

And that’s not all. I will also look at:

Exciting stuff, right?

So, without further ado, let’s get down to the interesting bits…

Quick Summary

Rating Summary

Quick Specifications Comparisons

And that’s just about everything you need to know about these clippers’ specifications.

Now:

Let’s get into each one to find out how they earned their spot on this list.

The Top 10 Best Clippers for Fades 2021

The main question we are answering here is:

Which are the best clippers for fades?

Basically:

I’ve used clipper merits, features, functionality, and price to determine which of the fading clippers available on the market deserves a spot on our list.

Here’s what I came up with:

Aside from being one of the best clippers from Wahl (aka “America’s clipper company”), the 5-star Magic Clip is also exemplary when it comes to fade haircuts.

How?

Well, in short, it is very dependable, flexible, easy to use, and convenient.

So, what gives it all the qualities above?

For starters, it’s designed for professional clipping; from its shape to its weight.

Its impressive design makes it easy to grip and use over long periods.

Now:

Both the Wahl Magic Clip Cordless Black and Gold come with a powerful lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 90 minutes of service when fully charged. 

The fact that this clipper is cordless means that you get the flexibility you need to fade hair from any angle.

And even if the battery runs out before you complete your fade, you can connect this clipper to a wall socket using its power cord.

Convenient, right?

The Wahl Magic Clip Cordless Limited Edition isn’t just about flexibility and a long-lasting battery.

It also features a powerful motor and high-precision 2161 blades that make fading hair a walk in the park.

And that also begs the question; how much value do you get when you buy this clipper?

Well:

It’s all about the accessories, and in your Magic Clip packaging, you’ll find:

All the right ingredients for awesome and effortless fades.

Anyway:

To get a better and clearer understanding, let’s summarize this…

In summary

Final Verdict

Well, it’s not perfect.

However, the Wahl Cord/Cordless Magic Clip does have more upsides than downsides; also, great for fades and blending.

I believe that it is well worth its price tag and a clipper you’ll enjoy using professionally.

But, I’ll let you decide on that.

Moving on…

Now, here’s the thing:

If you walk into any barbershop nowadays, you will likely find a BaBylissPRO clipper or trimmer lying around.

How come?

Well, the brand provides reliable, powerful, and impeccably designed clippers that work long and hard to make sure you get the right cut every time.

And their BaBylissPRO GoldFX is a true testament to this.

Being a premium clipper, the GoldFX is also among the best fading clippers in the market.

So:

What exactly makes this clipper so great?

For starters, its motor; this clipper comes equipped with a brushless high-torque motor. Its motor’s design ensures it is robust enough to tackle most hair types with ease.

Now:

Do you hate having to do multiple passes to get an even cut?

If so, the GoldFX is exactly what you’re looking for.

Moreover:

It comes fitted with a DLC Titanium-Coated blade, which complements the motor’s power.

DLC?

Well:

DLC is the abbreviation of the words “Diamond-Like Coating.” This design ensures that blades are durable, corrosion-resistant, and have a low friction coefficient.

Therefore, you’ll get to enjoy cutting efficiency without having to worry about snagging, stalling, or pulling hair during a trim.

What’s more, the GoldFX comes fitted with a 5-dent taper lever for making blade adjustments. The dents ensure you get exact blade adjustments and give you more power over your haircuts.

Plus, it is metal going over metal – unlike other dented clippers; therefore, its dents don’t wear down as easily. All these features work harmoniously to give you get the ultimate level of precision while clipping hair.

Now:

Considering that this is a cordless clipper, I know what you are itching to find out; its runtime, right?

If so, you should note:

It comes with a Li-Ion battery and you can expect to get two whole hours of runtime once fully charged.

However:

Two hours isn’t a lot (compared to the Supra ZR II or the .50 Cal), but it’s still more than most of the cordless clippers on this list.

What’s more, you can use it as a corded clipper as well.

Amazing right?

Another design perk you’ll get with the GoldFX is its all-metal housing and elegant gold finish.

However:

With all that said, the GoldFX does have some shortcomings as well:

Well:

I don’t know about you, but for me, these flaws are quite negligible.

Now:

Let’s see what kind of accessories you’ll be getting when you buy it (apart from the clipper):

Too much? Too little?

Well, it’s your call.

Now, to summarize:

In summary

Final Verdict

It goes without saying:

I like this clipper; from its high-torque motor to its DLC blade and reliable battery.

And sure, it does have some faults, but they pale compared to everything else it has to offer.

As such, I would recommend it to professionals – looking to meet a tight schedule – and even home users.

For those who love Andis merchandise, the Andis Cordless Master Adjustable Blade Hair Clipper is exactly what you need.

Any professional barber will tell you:

This clipper is indeed a “Master” at what it does.

Why?

For one, it is fitted with a powerful motor capable of delivering up to 7,200 strokes per minute with precision and efficiency.

I know it’s half of what you get from the corded Master, but it is still enough to do a proper fade.

Amazing, right?

And much like the Oster Fast Feed, this clipper is quiet, lightweight, impressively durable, and made using strong, high-quality materials.

Not forgetting the fact that it comes with its own blade adjusting lever; making it ideal for all kinds of fades.

Basically, this clipper is tailored for heavy-duty work; which is why it is often a barber’s top choice.

Plus:

The fact that this clipper is cordless means that you get to enjoy a great deal of freedom when working.

Plus, the Cordless Master offers up to 90 minutes of uninterrupted runtime; which is enough to squeeze several cuts in.

Sadly, it does have its shortcomings too.

Speaking of which; what do you get in the package?

Well, the Andis Cordless Master comes with:

Not much, right?

Well, Andis doesn’t always go big in terms of accessories. And even the Corded Master clipper can attest to this fact.

Anyway:

To summarize this…

In summary

Final Verdict

Is it worth it? Well, it mainly depends on your preferences.

That’s because most of the qualities that make Andis Master Cordless clipper great can be found in other (more affordable) fading clippers; such as the Oster Fast Feed and the 5-Star Magic Clip.

It is only fair that – in any Andis fade clippers review post – I mention the Andis Professional Cordless Fade Combo Envy Li Clipper Set.

Note:

This is the only cordless clipper on this list that I can comfortably say gives the 5-Star Magic Clip a run for its money.

Why?

Well, for one, it only takes 90 minutes to fully charge its lithium-ion battery and delivers a whopping 120 minutes of run time after that.

Impressive, right?

You’ll also be surprised at how close it cuts since it comes with adjustable surgical fade blades (00000 to 000). That means that you get to enjoy more precision and ease when trying to cut a perfect fade.

Moreover, it’s lightweight and designed to fit perfectly into your hands providing an easy and comfortable grip.

And if that’s not good enough…

Unlike other Andis clippers, it also comes with 11 guide combs among other necessary accessories.

And the best part is that you can still use it as a corded clipper when the battery runs out of juice.

But:

But:

You do get a lot of value from this kit in terms of accessories.

Here’s what you’ll find in the kit:

Impressive, right?

In summary

Final Verdict

The Andis Professional Cordless Fade Combo Kit is advantageous in many ways.

For example:

It is, however, expensive than most fading clippers. With all that in mind, you get to decide whether or not it is worth it.

Three fading clippers down the line and you still haven’t found one that fits your budget?

Well, the Wahl Elite Pro might just be the one.

Aside from being one of the best professional hair clippers for fades, this clipper is also one of the most affordable ones today.

Now:

In my Wahl fade pro review, I highlight several perks and features that make the Elite Pro a force to be reckoned with.

For example:

It comes fitted with robust, self-sharpening blades that are 40% faster than any other clipping blades available.

That means that you’ll always finish your fades in good time regardless of how complicated they are.

Cool, right?

And if that isn’t good enough, its heavy-duty motor offers up to 15% more power than standard clipper motors.

Therefore, you’ll be able to cut through even the toughest of hair without breaking a single sweat.

You’ll also enjoy an 8-foot long power cord and 10 high-quality guide combs.

Yes!

Despite its low price tag of around $50, the Elite Pro is a reliable, efficient, and value-packed fading clipper ideal for first-time barbers and those who prefer clipping their own hair.

You don’t need to know how to fade hair to use the Wahl Elite Pro.

But:

Anyway:

Enough of that. You might be asking; what do you get when you buy this clipper?

Well, the Elite Pro hair clipper kit comes packed with accessories including:

Impressive, right?

In summary

Final Verdict

Let’s face it…

The Wahl Elite Pro might just be the only clipper on this list that offers you great value for your money.

And it is mainly due to its affordability, functionality, ease of use, and features.

If you’re not a fan of Wahl skin fade clippers, the Oster Fast Feed hair clipper might just be the perfect alternative.

In fact:

It’s one of the best Oster fade clippers available on the market today

Why?

Well, for starters, this awesome clipper is quite lightweight and does not heat up; not to mention the fact that it fits easily into your hands making it ideal for long fades.

The Fast Feed clipper is well known for its ergonomic design, powerful motor, durability, flexibility, and Cryogen-X blades; all tailored to make fading hair fast and easy.

Amazing, right?

That is also why it is regarded as one of the best clippers for military haircuts.

Now:

An Oster Fast Feed fade is always easy to cut, convenient (for both the barber and the client due to minimal noise and vibrations), and always close-cut.

That makes it even easier to bring out the contrast in the fades.

What’s more?

It comes fitted with a smooth taper lever; allowing you to effortlessly make adjustments to the blades while clipping or fading hair.

Sadly:

And to help you paint a clearer picture of what I’m talking about, here’s what you get in this clipper’s box:

From a professional point of view, these accessories aren’t enough to guarantee proper and easy fades. You might have to shop for more.

Anyway:

To summarize this…

In summary

Final Verdict

Is it worth it…? Yes!

Not only because it is one of the best clippers for fades 2021 but also because it offers you great value for your money in terms of service and durability.

Let’s face it:

In a fast-paced world that sees new haircuts pop up every now and then, you need top-class clipping tools that give you the versatility, flexibility, and simplicity to match new trends in the industry.

So, how can we describe a top-class clipper?

• It offers fast, clean cuts.
• Is user-friendly, smooth, and quiet running.
• Works with all kinds of hair.
• It should be ergonomic and accessory-rich.

And:

Without a flicker of doubt, the Wahl Cordless Senior is a top-class clipper.

Why?

Well, of course, it meets the above-mentioned conditions. And, on top of thatit:

• Delivers high-end performance,
• Offers professional fade results,
• And is always ready for heavy-duty work.

The question is:

What’s behind its impeccable reputation?

A lot. 

To begin with, its powerful rotary motor delivers sufficient power and high amounts of torque. And this puts the Cordless Senior 8504 at the top of the list when it comes to cutting power and performance.

Also, this clipper is durable and offers high blade speeds.

Still talking of the blades, this clipper is equipped with a 2191 adjustable #0000 Wahl Senior Fade blade.

Interesting enough:

This clipper is also cordless; meaning you get a lot of freedom and flexibility to cut/design any part of your client’s hair with ease.

What’s more?

The Senior 8504 features a handy taper lever. This allows you to effortlessly adjust the blade size as you work.

Sounds awesome, right?

Well, that’s not even the best part yet. This clipper is also very easy to use.

Why?

Well, it’s due to its ergonomic, lightweight design. To be specific, this cordless hair clipper is 5.25 inches long and weighs only 13 oz.

Feather-light indeed! This is a guarantee that you can use it all day long without hand strains or fatigues.

As for battery power, the Wahl 5-Star Senior packs a decently powerful, lithium-ion battery. And offers 70 minutes of runtime; hence, letting you work continuously and consistently.

Now:

One thing that should never worry you is the battery running out. It takes 70 minutes to fully charge!

And if waiting for 70 minutes sounds like an inconvenience to you, there’s some good news…

You can still use this cordless hair clipper with a cord!

Super-convenient, right?

However:

All the same:

This clipper has a stylish design.

The motor and all internal components are housed inside a sturdy casing for longevity. Also, for similar purposes (longevity), the power cord is heavy-duty and chemical resistant.

Anyway:

Here’s what you’ll find inside the box:

To recap…

In summary

Final Verdict

The question is: Should you buy it or not?

Well, in my opinion, you should. This is a high-quality fade hair clipper that has been thoroughly tested and its cutting standards are professional.

When discussing the best of Wahl fade clippers, it’s often pretty hard not to mention the Super Taper II.

In fact:

Its name – Taper – alone will tell you what this robust hair clipper is all about.

And while Professional 5-Star Magic Clippers may be the best cordless fade clippers on the market today, the Professional Super Taper II has proven to be a decent contender for the corded clippers throne.

So, what makes it so amazing?

The Super Taper is well-known for its professional precision thanks to its #1006 commercial-grade blades and powerful V5000 motor.

It cuts through all kinds of hair including thick, long hair effortlessly.

Also, the fact that it comes with numerous accessories (like eight color-coded guide combs, blade oil, cleaning brush, and a blade guard) makes it a complete Wahl clipper fade cut haircutting kit.

Other awesome features about the Super Taper II is that it is light, has an intuitive design – comfortable to grip – and a smooth taper lever.

Not forgetting its 8-feet long power cord that maximizes your flexibility during usage.

Plus, it is quite easy to maintain.

However, it is not all roses and bliss with this one.

For example:

All in all, there isn’t much to complain about.

Anyway:

What’s in the box?

You’ll get:

So, to summarize this…

In summary

Final Verdict

Is it worth your money?

Yes, but only if you are looking for a commercial fading clipper that works great and comes with color-coded Wahl fade guards.

The Oster Classic 76 is yet another awesome fading clipper.

If I was to describe it in three words, I’d say; durable, efficient, and expensive.

In fact, compared to other clippers, the Oster Classic 76 is the Bugatti Chiron of clippers; both expensive and high-performance.

Now:

What can I say about this amazing clipper?

For starters, it is built for durability. From the type of materials used to the quality of components fitted, everything about the Oster 76 spells “long lifespan.”

Awesome, right?

And yes:

If you are not a fan of the boring brown base color, you have the option to choose your favorite out of the remaining 10 different limited-edition colors and styles.

Who said Oster clippers must look boring?

And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, maybe its detachable 000 size blade will. Actually, it is one of the best skin fade clippers on the market today.

That aside:

You will also relish the fact that it comes with a 9-foot long heavy-duty power cord that makes it easier for you to move your clipper with ease when trying to get the right fading angles.

Obviously, it doesn’t give you the same freedom and flexibility you’d get from cordless fade hair clippers; but as far as corded clippers go, the Oster Classic 76 is the best you’ll get.

And that’s not the best part…

You don’t need any training to know how to fade with Oster 76 because it’s quite easy to use.

Its rugged body makes it easy to grip and use for a long time.

And that’s why it is regarded as one of the best hair clippers for fades today.

Any drawbacks?

Yes. For example:

Now:

For some people, these issues may be a deal-breaker.

However, I believe that the service and performance you get is often worth it.

What about value?

In the packaging, you’ll get:

Yes! You read that right.

No Guide Combs.

In summary

Final Verdict

The Oster 76 is a Classic well worth its price. It gets the job done perfectly and effortlessly.

And while cost and weight may be drawbacks, you’ll get to enjoy more perks with this amazing fading clipper.

When it comes to fading clippers, what’s not to like about the Andis Fade Gold?

It is strong, effective, designed specifically for fades, and has an elegant gold finish.

Now, you might be wondering; what makes it so special?

Well, for starters, it has a nice, ergonomic design that makes long term usage convenient and less tiresome.

What’s more?

It comes equipped with high-quality carbon steel blades that are easily adjustable thanks to its smooth taper lever.

That means that you won’t have to pause to fit guide combs or detach blades while fading hair.

Convenient, right?

Well, there’s more…

Andis Fade clippers boast of powerful single-speed, magnetic motors that cut through all kinds of hair (dry or wet) with ease and precision.

Also:

This clipper weighs just below average making it ideal for professionals and busy barbershops.

And unlike the Andis Fade Master above, you’ll get two guide combs (1/16″ and 1/8″) with the Andis Fade clipper among other cool accessories.

But:

That said, what do you get in the packaging?

Well, the Andis Fade Gold comes with:

In summary

Final Verdict

While operating at a lower speed and power than the flexible and potent Andis Cordless Master (above), it becomes difficult to see why you should buy the Andis Gold Fade.

However, its lower price tag, ergonomic design, powerful motor, and high-precision blades definitely earn it a spot on the list of best clippers for fades and tapers.

Bonus Fading Tool:

Get this:

To survive the stiff competition in the barbering business, you’ll need the backing of quality, high-performance haircutting tools.

Unfortunately:

Sometimes, even a specialized fading clipper is never enough. And when that happens, you have to come up with a creative approach.

And that’s why I’ve included this trimmer right here.

It might seem out of place, but believe me, it will come in handy for anyone who feels that none of the clippers above resonates with their needs.

Now:

Owing to its ergonomics, impeccable cutting power, and superb performance, the Andis Slimline Pro Li is a trimmer guaranteed to deliver near-perfect fades.

So, what makes this trimmer worth your consideration?

First:

It has a decently powerful rotary motor that’s better and even stronger than some hair clippers.

Note:

Rotary motors are known for their massive torque and, for this stylish trimmer, the outcome is an impressive 6000 SPM.

Yes, you read that right.

That means you can do fades faster and with much ease.

What’s more?

The Andis Slimline Pro Li comes equipped with strikingly powerful D8 T-blades. These blades, coupled with the compelling rotary motors, allow this hair trimmer to perform exceptionally.

Moreover:

T-shape blades are always effective when it comes to cutting tight corners. You can, therefore, maneuver around your client’s head without making them feel uncomfortable.

That’s not all, this impressive trimmer comes with 4 blade guards which will come in handy for fades and beard shaves.

Therefore, beginners won’t find it hard to maintain a uniform hair length thanks to its blade guards.

Another cool feature about the Slimline Pro is the robust lithium-ion battery. We have seen hair clippers with impressive batteries but a whopping 2-hour runtime isn’t an every-clipper thing.

On top of that, the battery only takes 15 minutes to charge, and the charging system is stylish and convenient.

You might be wondering; what about its usability and handling?

Well, this cordless hair clipper is 6.13 inches long and weighs only 4.8 oz.

While 6.13” might appear a bit long, it is compensated well by this clipper’s compact, ergonomic design. It fits comfortably in any hand and, considering that it is lightweight, hand strains and cramps will be kept at bay.

Generally:

The Slimline Pro Li boasts of a nice, classy and modern look. This is a result of the nickel finish and the tough ABS polymer. Also, the ABS is impact resistant; keeping the internal components intact and enhancing its longevity.

However:

Anyway:

These few demerits don’t rule out all the awesome features this trimmer comes with.

Moving on…

This is what you will find inside the box:

So:

Do you think the clipper is worth buying?

I think it is; you get value for every coin you spend.

Now:

In summary

Final Verdict

Long story short – I’d advise you to get this trimmer.

To be honest, you don’t get to bump into a fading or hair clipping tool that combines an exceptional battery life, impeccable performance, and an elegant look every day. The Andis Slimline Pro Li is surely an outstanding hair clipper.

Whether you want it for your barbershop or home use, it will certainly get the job done.

And that’s a wrap.

Now:

Before I end this post, here are a few awesome and useful buying tips for you.

5 Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Fading Clippers

1. Ease of Use: The clipper has to be user-friendly. Note that there are no clippers that automatically fade. Therefore, most of the work will be done by you. And that’s why you need a clipper that will simplify your work.
2. Price: The price tag matters a lot. Ensure you go for clippers that offer you great value for your money. And remember that not all expensive clippers are of high-quality and vice-versa.
3. Motor Power: Strong motors provide the energy needed to cut through all kinds of hairs with ease.
4. Blades: good, quality blades offer you precision and a lot of conveniences. For example, self-sharpening blades don’t need a lot of maintenance.
5. Recharge and Run Times for Cordless Clippers: If you are more interested in buying a cordless clipper, then you need to make sure that you get as much run time as you can get with a very short recharging period; especially if you run a busy barbershop.

How To Fade Hair With Clippers

If you are new to the whole fade haircuts concept, here’s how to do a fade haircut with clippers step by step:

Step 1: Wash and comb the hair to remove tangles.

Step 2: Trim the top-side of the head to the desired length. It will make it easier for you to know how and where to cut your fade.

Step 3: Fit a high-number guide comb on your clipper e.g. #4 and the start trimming your way downwards – to the sides and back – away from the top of the head. The lower you move the lower the guide comb number should be e.g. #3 then #2.

Step 4: Once you’ve created the fade, carefully blend away layer lines to end up with an even, smooth, and continuous transition between each layer.

Step 5: Use a trimmer or a razor to do the finishing touches on the neckline and around the ears.

And just like that, you’ll have learned how to do a fade haircut step by step. It’s an easy guide on how to fade hair for beginners.

Once you master the process, fading hair will become even easier for you.

The same process applies when you want to learn how to do a fade haircut by yourself.

The only major difference is that you’ll need to find a good fading hair clipper, combs, a handheld mirror, and a razor/pair of scissors.

Also, for maximum traction, always cut against the direction of your hair’s growth.

And that’s just about everything you need to know about the best clippers for fades 2021. Remember that your ideal fading clipper will be highly dependent on your budget and preferences.

Do you have any questions?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Post them in the comments section below and I’ll help you find answers.