It’s a fact:
If you want the best fade haircuts, you have to use the best fading clippers.
Yes! It’s that simple.
Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip
- Powerful motor
- Light-weight
- Easy fading and blending
- It can be a bit noisy
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.
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 a few tips for choosing the right fading clipper as well as how to do a fade haircut both professionally and at home.
So, without further ado, let’s get down to the interesting bits…
Quick Summary
Contents
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:
Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip
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.
Check price on AmazonHow?
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.
Arguably, the biggest setback to using the Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip is its price. You should expect it to set you back at least $85 per unit.
So, what’s there to love about this clipper?
- It is one of the best Wahl clippers for fades.
- It has a powerful motor.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Corded and cordless options.
- Impressive design and light-weight.
- It comes fitted with a taper lever that makes fading and blending easy.
Any downsides?
- It’s expensive.
- It can be a bit noisy.
- Dangerously sharp blades.
Well, it’s not perfect. However, it does have more upsides than downsides; also, great for fades and blending.
But, I’ll let you decide on that.
Moving on…
Oster Fast Feed
If you’re not a fan of Wahl skin fade clippers, the Oster Fast Feed hair clipper might just be the perfect alternative.
It’s one of the best Oster fade clippers available on the market today.
Check price on AmazonWhy?
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 haircut.
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.
In summary…
What’s there to love about this fading clipper?
- It’s very quiet with very little vibrations.
- It comes with high-quality blades and a powerful motor.
- The Oster Fast Feed is well-known for its durability and reliability.
- It is lightweight and doesn’t heat up when in use.
- Very compact and easy to hold for long periods.
Any downsides?
- It’s also expensive; but not as much as the Wahl Professional
5-Star Cordless Magic Clip. - You may have to buy third-partyguide combs.
Andis Professional Master
For those who love Andis merchandise, the Andis Fade Master Adjustable Blade Hair Clipper is exactly what you need.
Check price on AmazonAny 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 14,000 strokes per minute with precision and efficiency.
Staggering, right?
And much like the Oster Fast Feed, this clipper is quiet, lightweight, impressively durable, and made using 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’s often a barber’s top choice.
Sadly, it does have its shortcomings too.
For example:
It’s quite expensive (slightly more than the Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic clip) and you’ll never find Andis Master clippers with guards.
To summarize this…
What’s there to love about it?
- Tough, durable exterior housing.
- Stylish design.
- Very powerful and efficient motor.
- Silent operation.
- Adjustable blades.
- Minimal heating issues.
- Lightweight.
Any downsides?
- It is pricey – pricier than the 5-Star Magic Clip.
- It does not come with guide combs (more expenses).
Andis Fade Gold
When it comes to fading clippers, what’s not to like about the Andis Fade Gold?
It’s strong, effective, designed specifically for fades and has an elegant gold finish.
Check price on AmazonNow, 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:
Like most clippers, there are downsides; with the biggest one here being that the Andis Fade has an extremely fragile taper lever.
So, in summary…
What’s there to love about this clipper?
- Elegant, ergonomic, and comfortable design.
- Powered by a strong magnetic motor.
- Has adjustable blades.
- Cuts through all hair lengths and types.
- Has accessories.
- Designed for fade and taper cuts.
Any downsides?
- Its taper lever is quite fragile.
- It’s expensive.
- It is also quite noisy.
However, its slightly lower price tag, elegant design, powerful motor, and high-precision blades definitely earn it a spot on the list of best clippers for fades and tapers.
Wahl Professional Super Taper
When discussing the best of Wahl fade clippers, it’s often pretty hard not to mention the Super Taper II.
Check price on AmazonIn 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’s quite easy to maintain.
So, to summarize this…
What’s there to love about it?
- It has sharp, high-precision blades that cut through thick hair with ease.
- Powered by a strong V5000 motor.
- Comfortable to use.
- Easy to maintain.
- Added flexibility due to its 8-feet long power cord.
- Memorable color-coded guide combs
Any downsides?
- It’s expensive. In fact, it is the most expensive hair clipper on this list so far with prices ranging between $99 and $140.
- The plastic body is not high-quality and does not match the clipper’s price tag.
Is it worth your money?
If not, then you are better off with the other clippers at the top of this list.
Oster Classic 76
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.
Check price on AmazonIn 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 ragged body makes it easy to grip and use for a long time.
And that’s why it’s regarded as one of the best hair clippers for fades today.
So, in summary…
What’s there to love about this fading clipper?
- It has a longer power cord.
- Ragged exterior for a firm and comfortable grip.
- Very durable.
- Impressive blades and a powerful motor.
- Makes fading and blending hair easy.
- Comes with accessories.
- It’s a professional-grade clipper.
Any downsides?
- Price is its biggest demerit. You should be ready to cough up at least $130 per unit.
- It is also a bit heavy. Weigh around 2lbs –almost twice as heavy as the Oster Fast Feed.
And while cost and weight may be drawbacks, you’ll get to enjoy more perks with this amazing fading clipper.
Wahl Elite Pro
Six 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.
Check price on AmazonAside 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 $40, 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.
So, in summary…
What’s there to love about it?
- It’s very affordable.
- Comes with all the accessories you need to do professional fades.
- It is very durable.
- Has a robust, heavy-duty motor.
- Faster, self-sharpening blades.
- Doesn’t heat up when used for long.
- Silent operation.
- Long power cord for added flexibility.
Any downsides?
- It’s heavy.
- The adjustment lever needs improvement.
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’s mainly due to its affordability, ease of use, and features.
Andis Cordless Combo Envy Li
It’s only fair that – in any Andis fade clippers review post – I mention the Andis Professional Cordless Fade Combo Envy Li Clipper Set.
Check price on AmazonNote:
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:
You should also note that the Andis Cordless Fade Combo does not fall on the best price Andis clippers list. Mainly because it does not come cheap.
You should prepare to cough up at least $110 for this clipper set. However, in its packaging, you’ll also find an equally robust cordless hair trimmer.
In summary…
What’s there to love about this fading clipper?
- It comes with a complementary cordless trimmer.
- Close-cutting blades ideal for those looking for bald fade clippers
- Ergonomic design and lightweight.
- Up to 2 hours of runtime.
- Takes 90 minutes to fully charge.
- Can be used as a corded clipper.
- Comes with guide combs and accessories, unlike other Andis fade haircut clippers.
Any Downsides
- It’s expensive.
- Quality and durability are not guaranteed.
The Andis Professional Cordless Clipper is advantageous in many ways.
For example:
- It offers you more freedom and flexibility than the Oster Fast Feed.
- It delivers 30 more minutes of run time than the Wahl 5-Star Magic Clipper.
- Plus, it comes with guide combs; unlike the Andis Master Adjustable Blades.
It is, however, expensive than all three of these fading clippers.
With all that in mind, you get to decide whether or not it is worth it.
Wahl Professional 5-Star Legend
Before we wrap up our list of the best professional clippers for fades, I have to talk about the Wahl Professional 5-Star Legend.
Check price on AmazonYes:
If you’ve been asking; what clippers do barbers use for fades?
The 5-Star Legend clipper is one solid example.
So, why is it so popular?
Well, for starters, it’s affordable; it will only cost you around $50 to $60 to own one of these bad boys.
And yes, it is costlier than the Elite Pro. However, there is some justification for that.
How?
The 5-Star Legend boasts of a powerful V9000 electromagnetic motor that makes it stronger and faster than standard clippers.
When you couple that with its sharp, adjustable fade/taper blades, you get a fading monster that will cut through any type of hair without difficulty.
To summarize this…
What’s there to love about this clipper?
- It’s lightweight (weighs 1lb)
- Due to its intuitive design, this clipper is quieter and can run for long hours without heating up.
- It’s powered by a powerful V9000 electromagnetic motor.
- It is affordable.
- It has a taper lever to adjust blades during fading and blending.
- Has an 8-foot long power cord for added flexibility during usage.
Any downsides?
- The lever gets loose easily.
- Can pull on hair at times.
It would be a decent purchase; seeing as it’s not expensive and comes with all the essentials you’ll need to form a complete fade clipper set.
Liberex Cordless Clipper
Last on our list of the best clippers for fading is the Liberex Professional Cordless Electric Fade Hair Clipper.
Check price on AmazonYou may or may not have heard of it, but it’s a clipper worth your consideration.
Why?
Well, it’s very cheap. You can get it on Amazon for as little as $27.
I know what you’re thinking – cheap is an indicator of inferiority…? In this case, that is far from the truth.
From it’s elaborate and comfortable design to its lightweight qualities, this Liberex clipper was made for fading.
Note:
It’s not only easy to hold and handle but also very effective when it comes to making close-cut fades, trims, and blends.
This impressive clipper comes with T-shape, self-sharpening blades than deliver smooth and even cuts.
It’s simple and quite easy to use; plus, it has a power indicator to show you how much percentage you have at any given time.
And:
The best part is that it only takes an hour to fully charge while delivering up to 90 minutes of run time.
It’s, basically, the best option for anyone looking for a low budget cordless fading clipper today.
In summary…
What’s there to like about this clipper?
- It comes with T-shaped, self-sharpening blades.
- Very affordable.
- Ideal for close cutting.
- Comfortable, ergonomic design.
- Lightweight.
- Fast recharge with up to 90 minutes of runtime.
- Very easy to handle and use.
Any downsides?
- Limited guide combs.
- A lot of doubts about the durability of its battery.
- Its motor isn’t as powerful as most of the other clippers on this list.
You won’t get most of the perks and features on this Liberex clipper like you would from the other clippers on the list.
However, if you are shopping on a really tight budget, this might be your best shot at getting a professional-grade fading clipper.
And that’s a wrap on the top ten best clippers for fades 2021…
Now, let’s look at a few useful shopping and usage tips.
5 Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Fading Clippers
- 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.
- 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.
- Motor Power: Strong motors provide the energy needed to cut through all kinds of hairs with ease.
- Blades: good, quality blades offer you precision and a lot of conveniences. For example, self-sharpening blades don’t need a lot of maintenance.
- 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.
People reacted to this story.
Show comments Hide commentsDo you have a first pick?
Hi, Michael.
My first pick would be the Wahl 5-Star Magic Clipper. That’s because it’s strong, well-designed, very flexible due to its cordless nature, and it has awesome blades. Plus, I can comfortably use it to cut several hairstyles and hair types without any difficulty. Despite costing a pretty penny, you will surely get great value for your money with the 5-Star Magic Clip.
But:
In case, you are not a fan of cordless clippers, I’d recommend that you get yourself the Oster Fast Feed. I believe it is the next best clipper on the list. Despite having a powerful motor, the fast feed operates very silently. And thanks to its Cryogen-X blades, you’ll get to enjoy seamless haircutting and an extended working lifespan. Not forgetting the fact that it’s lightweight and free of heating issues.