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Best Balding Clippers in 2023: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

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Best Balding Clippers

Our Top Pick
Wahl Professional 5 Star
Best Budget Option
Conair Even Cut Dual Blade
Best Cordless
Ritter H.B.C
Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding Clipper with V5000+ Electromagnetic Motor and 2105 Balding Blade for Ultra Close Trimming, Outlining and for Full Head Balding for Professional Barbers - Model 8110
Conair for Men Even Cut Dual Blade Multi-Directional Cutting System Professional Cordless
Ritter Hair & Beauty Care Mini Beard Hair Trimmer, 0mm Balding Clippers and Skull Shaver, Zero-Gapped T-Blade, Work Corded/Cordless, Rechargeable.(White)
Our Top Pick
Wahl Professional 5 Star
Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding Clipper with V5000+ Electromagnetic Motor and 2105 Balding Blade for Ultra Close Trimming, Outlining and for Full Head Balding for Professional Barbers - Model 8110
Best Budget Option
Conair Even Cut Dual Blade
Conair for Men Even Cut Dual Blade Multi-Directional Cutting System Professional Cordless
Best Cordless
Ritter H.B.C
Ritter Hair & Beauty Care Mini Beard Hair Trimmer, 0mm Balding Clippers and Skull Shaver, Zero-Gapped T-Blade, Work Corded/Cordless, Rechargeable.(White)

Going bald isn’t always a decision. In fact, more often than not it comes as a result of natural hair loss, and the decision is taken out of your hands.

However, if you know you’re going to go bald, or you’re bold enough to make the decision before nature does, a pair of balding clippers could give you a great sense of control over how gracefully you transition to this new look.

With the right clippers you can maintain a smooth scalp and make yourself wonder why you ever worried about going bald.

Let’s dive into our pics for top balding clippers! Here they are…

👑 Our Pick for Best Overall

Sale
Wahl Professional 5 Star
8,704 Reviews
Wahl Professional 5 Star
Whether you’re a barber by trade looking for top balding clippers, or looking for a clean shaven head every time at home, you can’t do much better than the 5 star clippers from Wahl.

Our Other Top Balding Clipper Picks for Men

Best Balding Clippers for Men Reviews

Wahl Professional 5 Star (👑 Top Pick)

Universally agreed upon as being the best balding clippers, who are we to say otherwise?

Wahl’s professional 5 star clippers are an outstanding pair of clippers, and you’d expect nothing less from the brand that dominates the clipper market. This quality men’s grooming brand is responsible for creating many excellent clippers suited for different purposes, but it’s the 5 star balding clippers that steal the show.

If you aren’t sure whether these clippers are good enough for you, it should be comforting to know that many professional barbers use them on a daily basis. There isn’t much higher praise than that. You can be sure that if you get your hands on these clippers, you will need nothing else to achieve the cleanest shave possible.

The 5 star clippers are fitted with premium titanium blades that glide through hair and a strong electromagnetic motor. This gives you the best results every time, and a comfortable experience too provided you know how to handle it. They also come with many useful accessories like attachment combs, oil, a cleaning brush, and a blade guard.

There are two blade settings to choose from too, meaning you can achieve exactly the kind of shave you’re looking for, whether you’re going bald for the first time or you’re looking to maintain your shaved head. Shaving with these clippers just 2 or 3 times a week will keep your scalp smooth and smart. The 8-foot cord should be plenty long enough to use comfortably too, so you don’t need to worry too much about your bathroom setup and where the socket is.

Features:

  •  8-foot cord
  •  Electromagnetic motor
  •  Includes accessories

Why we chose it 

Here are the reasons we picked the Wahl 5 star clippers as our top pick:

  •  It’s an excellent, top-quality pair of clippers that will produce outstanding results every time you shave your head.
  •  Best suited for professional use, but if you know what you’re doing it can be a great choice for personal use too.
  •  It comes with many handy accessories like attachment combs and a cleaning brush.
  •  The 8-foot cord makes it easy to use these clippers in the most comfortable position.

Conair Even Cut Dual Blade (💸 Best on a Budget)

The best budget balding clippers in our view is the Conair even cut dual blade model.

This cordless pair of clippers has an interesting design and provides a simple way to keep on top of your hair, making for a clean cut every time. The stainless steel dual blade is robust, and should last a very long time.

The standout feature of these clippers though is the handy cordless design. If convenience and portability is what you’re looking for, then you could do a lot worse than this compact unit. You can expect up to an hour of use from a full 3 hour charge with these clippers. The lithium ion technology grants these small clippers extra power though, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing power for convenience.

The compact design of the Conair clippers also makes them a great ergonomic choice, if you value comfort. The device should fit into the palm of your hand easily enough, giving you a very close and precise shave. 

There are several accessories too which means these clippers are excellent value for money. As well as the 4 different comb guides, there’s also an ear taper guide, some oil, and a cleaning brush. For the affordable price tag, this is a decent amount of extras which should give you everything you need to get started.

Features:

  •  Compact design
  •  Cordless
  •  3 hour charge provides an hour of use
  •  Includes accessories
Conair Even Cut Dual Blade
335 Reviews
Conair Even Cut Dual Blade
These dual blade clippers from Conair provide great value for money, and don’t compromise on performance or features.

Ritter H.B.C (🔌 Best Cordless)

When it comes to cordless clippers, the Ritter H.B.C offers professional performance and everything you could ever need for your hair.

These clippers will last up to 65 minutes at a time, which should be more than enough to get the job done with time to spare. If you have to travel a lot for business or enjoy taking shorter trips often, then there couldn’t be a better grooming travel companion. All you’ll ever need to keep things looking clean and cool are these cordless clippers, which are easy to pack down into any bag you take with you. It even comes with an EU/US adaptor, so should you need to travel internationally, you won’t have to panic when you realise the socket is different.

Versatility is another strong suit of these clippers, since you can use them to take care of your beard just as well as your scalp hair. The different guide combs give you flexibility in how you use the clippers, so if you find that your facial hair is getting a little long you can take care of it straight after you’re done shaving. Since a lot of bald men rely on their stylish beards to shine, this is a fantastic extra feature to have. Having the 2-in-1 functionality means you’ll never get caught out again, and can always look your best, even when you’re on the road.

The only downsides to these clippers are the hefty price tag, and the lack of a changeable blade. If you don’t mind paying for premium and professional quality though, these clippers from Ritter are absolutely worth the investment. Suitable for both barber’s and home use alike, you won’t regret the investment. Plus, just in case you were worried about the cordless battery life, you have the option to attach a 10ft power cable to make it corded should you so desire.

Features:

  •  Cordless 
  •  Includes 10ft power cable
  •  Includes accessories
  •  Powerful motor
  •  100% satisfaction guarantee
Ritter H.B.C
655 Reviews
Ritter H.B.C
If you’re looking for versatile cordless clippers, then Ritter H.B.C is the way to go. Not only can you use them as either corded or cordless, but you can also expect top performance and all the accessories of a professional pair of clippers.

Oster Classic 76

The Oster classic 76 features a retro design perfectly suited for the classy, sophisticated man. 

If you have nostalgia for the barber shops of the 70s and 80s, and would like a retro-feeling piece for your bathroom, then you’ll love the Oster classic 76. Elegant aesthetic aside, the classic 76 boasts highly efficient performance to rival the best clippers on the market. While it may not have the latest ergonomic design or most compact build, the classic 76 does the simple things both effortlessly and flawlessly.

You also get a lot for your money too, this classic pair of clippers comes with a full repertoire of accessories to cater to every need. That includes a range of attachment combs for different trim lengths, a blade guard, lubricating oil, clipper grease, and a cleaning brush. It is also available in a wide range of colours too, so you can get the right retro design to match your bathroom.

One of the downsides of these clippers is the weight. This pair of clippers will feel heavy in your hand, which can feel quite satisfying as you use it, but makes it awkward for any kind of travel. However, due to its slightly bulky build, you can be sure that it will survive any drop or general wear and tear.

Features:

  •  Available in a range of colours
  •  Includes accessories 
  •  9 foot power cord
  •  Detachable blades
Sale
Oster Classic 76
5,427 Reviews
Oster Classic 76
These classic clippers from Oster can be a great conversation-starter due to their unique aesthetic. More than that though, they are extremely powerful, and more than capable of delivering incredible results.

Wahl Peanut Clipper

Another offering from the king of men’s grooming tools, Wahl, this peanut clipper is as compact as it is precise.

This is the device you need if you’re always on the move, or if cutting hair is how you make a living and you attend lots of trade shows or work from a mobile unit. These clippers are as compact as you can get, while still being perfectly ergonomic and comfortable to use. Provided you don’t have exceptionally large hands, the peanut clipper should be all you ever need to take with you.

Don’t let the compact design fool you though, since the peanut clipper is more than capable of an extremely close shave. The powerful motor gives it the juice it needs to produce outstanding results, and the different combs allow for different trim lengths. You’ve also got the 7 foot cord, which while not the longest, should be perfectly fine for use in any hotel room or small space.

Features:

  •  Compact design
  •  7 foot cord
  •  Includes combs
Sale
Wahl Peanut Clipper
8,376 Reviews
Wahl Peanut Clipper
The Wahl peanut clipper proves that great things can indeed come in small packages, as it packs a real punch. For a great shave wherever you are, it’s hard to beat these compact clippers.

Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

The prospect of going bald can be daunting, so it’s best to ensure you’re fully equipped to deal with it by getting your hands on the best balding clippers out there.

Likewise, if you’ve rocked a shaved head for a while, and need to find a way to maintain it and keep a smooth scalp, then balding clippers are the way to go.

There are more factors than you might think when it comes to investing in a balding clipper.

Not only do you have to find one that fits your budget, but there’s also the length of trim you’re looking for, the power of the motor, and the type of blade which should also be taken into consideration.

Related: Best Eye Cream for Men

When to Shave

There are two different answers for this question that often arises. The first is when to take the leap and shave off your hair for the first time, and the second is how often to shave once you’ve done so.

Should You Shave?

The first question to answer is a complicated one.

At the end of the day, nobody has the answer to this question other than you. The decision to shave your head isn’t one to take lightly as it’s a big lifestyle change, so it should be your choice and yours alone.

However, to help you make that decision, we’ve gathered some information that could be good to know before you take the leap.

If you’re in the position of struggling to stay on top of hair loss, then going bald is an inevitability. It’s something that you may or may not have come to terms with, but nature will take its course regardless of your personal preferences.

In this scenario, it can be quite empowering to take the reins and decide for yourself when you want to go bald. It can mark a transition in your life, and you can see it as something to be proud of, rather than something you reluctantly conceded to.

If however you’ve only just noticed some minor signs of hair loss, then you won’t have as much of a sense of urgency influencing your decision.

In this scenario, you will have to weigh up whether you want more time with your hair, or whether you want to give yourself more time to get accustomed to a shaved head.

One thing you can do to test the waters is go to the barber’s and get a very short haircut, and see whether it’s something you can work with. It will give you a better idea of how you will look if the rest of your hair falls out.

How Often Should You Shave?

The question of how often to shave is largely one of personal preference, but there are several factors to keep in mind if you want the best results.

How often you do so will depend on the sensitivity of your skin, how smooth you want your scalp to be, and how interested you are in maintaining a grooming routine.

The majority of men with shaved heads will take the clippers to their hair either 2 or 3 times a week. It’s less common to do so more regularly than that, and even less common to do it less than that.

Of course, this is something you’ll figure out when you’ve been rocking the shaved head look for a few days yourself, but a lot of men are comfortably doing it just a couple of times a week.

You can approach shaving your head the same way you would shaving your facial hair. Consider the frequency with which you trim your beard, and you can probably match it when it comes to your scalp hair.

It isn’t recommended to shave your head on a daily basis, purely because this can irritate or dry out the skin of the scalp.

Especially if you have sensitive skin, you’re going to want to leave at least a day between each shave to give it time to recover fully.

The Blade

When weighing up the balding clipper options, one thing you should keep in mind is the length of trim you’re looking for.

The length of the trim can be determined by the type of clippers you decide to go with.

While some will cut very close to the skin, others will leave more stubble on your scalp.

The main determinant of trim length is the type of blade the clippers are fitted with.

The blade can be characterised and differentiated between according to both its width, and the teeth it houses.

Width

The width of the blade will give you an idea of how much surface area it will cover as you shave.

The wider the blade, the easier it will be to tackle a large surface area such as the top of your head. The more narrow the blade on the other hand, the easier it will be to get to those harder to reach places like behind the ears or the neck.

1.5 inches is generally considered to be a good width for a balding clippers blade, although it will depend on what exactly you need to do to maintain a smooth scalp.

Teeth

The teeth of the blade, as you might imagine, make a big difference in the clippers’ ability to cut through hair.

When it comes to balding clippers’ teeth, you will often find that they are very close together. This is to ensure that nothing is left behind, and you are left with a clean shave.

This is also why you should invest in a pair of clippers dedicated to this purpose, since a standard blade simply won’t cut it. 

With many balding clippers you’ll have the option of buying blade attachments, so that you can vary your approach or the trim length with ease.

This also means an investment in a pair of balding clippers is future proof, since a broken blade doesn’t have to signal the end of its lifespan. You can easily replace blades, for an affordable price.

Motor Type

The type of motor your balding clippers are fitted with will determine how powerful they are, as well as how smooth a shaving experience you’ll get.

There are 3 main types of motor you can expect to find in balding clippers, and they are as follows:

Rotary 

The rotary motor operates on one speed option, and is the most basic of the 3 types.

This motor is found in many budget balding clippers, and is typically intended for personal use as opposed to professional use.

It won’t last a very long time, but is a very affordable option that will do the job well.

Electromagnetic

The electromagnetic motor is a popular choice for barbers, as it runs at a very high speed and minimises the risk of catching on hairs.

This makes for a very comfortable experience, and will more often than not lead to a very smooth cut. Due to the high speed operation, it’s best suited for professional use, but in the right hands it’s an excellent option for personal use too.

It will also last you much longer than a rotary motor-powered pair of clippers, but will cost you more.

Pivot 

The pivot motor is an interesting proposition as it runs at a low speed.

It’s best for dealing with thick and coarse hair, and isn’t generally recommended unless you have dense hair on your scalp.

Corded or Cordless

Another decision you’ll need to make is whether you want the balding clippers to come with a cord, or to be cordless.

As is normally the case with most corded and cordless devices, it’s mostly a case of personal preference.

One has to be plugged in at an outlet but can be used for as long as you need it, whereas the other relies on battery power but will give you more flexibility in how you use it.

It’s no surprise that most men prefer to use corded balding clippers, purely for the convenience of having it ready to go whenever necessary.

The corded options are often fitted with electromagnetic motors, which makes them both very efficient and able to deliver the cleanest cut every time.

However, there are instances in which a cordless pair of balding clippers would be the better choice.

For example, if you don’t have an ideal bathroom setup when it comes to outlet position, this could impede your ability to get the best shave for your head.

As a result, you might find that a cordless pair of clippers will make it easier to get comfortable as you go about your business.

Also, the cordless option is favourable if you like to travel a lot, and need to maintain a smooth scalp in a hotel room. They are light, and easy to pack, which makes them perfect for travel.

Quality

Unless you can be sure you are investing in some quality clippers, it’s best to pay a barber to do the job for you.

If you risk it and go with just any old pair of clippers, regardless of quality, then you could end up with all kinds of cuts and nicks lining your scalp. If you want to avoid this, then you need to recognise the signs of quality in a pair of clippers.

If you want the very best, and you can handle a pair of clippers well, then you’ll want to find one with an electromagnetic motor. Anything less would be frustrating to use at best, given the less-than-smooth results or suboptimal durability.

Another sign of premium quality to keep an eye out for is an ergonomic grip. A pair of clippers that are awkward to handle can lead to discomfort, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to get a close and precise shave.

The last way you can determine whether or not the clippers you’re looking at are high-quality, is by browsing the reviews left by previous customers. While it isn’t always a completely reliable way of knowing whether the clippers are good or not, anecdotal evidence can be very helpful. Especially when it comes from many people, that’s when you know you can trust it.

Before and after photos can also be useful, provided that they are coming from individual customers and not promoted by the brand – which could potentially manipulate the images to make the results seem better than they actually are.

Features

There aren’t many exciting extra features that come with balding clippers, since there isn’t much you can add to the exterior of cutting hair, but there are a few nonetheless.

Ergonomic Grip

The first feature that you might benefit from is an ergonomic grip of some description.

An ergonomic handle for your balding clippers will make them more comfortable to hold and use for a longer period of time.

There’s nothing worse than having your hand in an awkward position as you’re trying to shave your head, and this can even lead to more nicks and cuts.

The ergonomic grip should fit your hand well, and be designed to give you the most comfortable shaving experience.

Attachment Comb

An attachment comb gives you the option to do fades, and tackle other areas of hair on your body should you wish to.

Essentially a plastic guard that slots around the teeth, this accessory can improve the versatility of your clippers which can save you money in the long run.

Changeable Blades

As mentioned earlier, some balding clippers give you the option to change out blades.

This will give you a more personalised shaving experience, and also makes it easy to replace broken blades in a heartbeat.

Changeable blades can extend the longevity of your clippers and give you plenty of options to work with.

Budget

The last factor you should take into account before you go ahead and invest in some balding clippers is your budget.

Your appearance is important, so buying balding clippers is a decision that requires some thought, and perhaps a significant investment.

With that said, the average price tends to be around the $50-60 mark, which isn’t all that bad.

If you want premium electromagnetic barber-standard clippers, then you’ll have to shell out more than that, and if you want something a little bit more affordable you have that option too.

The more you pay, the more accessories you’ll get too. So it really depends on whether you need a full head-shaving kit, or whether you just need a competent pair of clippers to work with.

While cordless clippers might be on the cheaper side, it’s worth mentioning that they will require batteries to run, so in the long term you will have to make small extra payments to keep them going.

Other Considerations

The following considerations may or may not play a role in your decision-making process, but it’s worth bearing them in mind nonetheless.

Sensitive Skin

If you know that you have sensitive skin, then you want to make sure you pick clippers that won’t cause you any unnecessary irritation or harm.

While clippers are less likely to give you the bumps and redness as razors, it can still happen, so look out for sensitive skin-friendly clippers if this is a factor for you.

Weight

You might not think that the weight of clippers counts for much, and for the most part it won’t be a big deal.

However, if you have a lot of hair to take care of, or you travel a lot, then having a heavier pair of clippers isn’t an ideal scenario.

The Oster classic 76 provides plenty in the way of style and substance for example, but its heavy weight can make it awkward to use and tricky to pack.

Other models like the Wahl peanut clipper are the height of convenience, and feature lightweight designs that can come with you on any short trip.

Portability

Weight is one factor that affects portability, but there are two others to keep in mind if you plan on travelling with your clippers.

First up is the design.

Some clippers like the Wahl peanut and Conair Even Cut Dual Blade are made for travel. This is primarily due to their compact designs, which makes them easy to slot down into any spare pockets you may have in your clothes or bags.

Secondly, whether or not the clippers have a cord can have an impact on their portability.

Cordless models are indisputably better when it comes to travel, but that doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance. Some cordless clippers, like the Ritter H.B.C even come with a power cable so you can have the best of both worlds.

Personal or Professional Use

While most clippers are fine for personal use, only a select few will make the cut professionally.

Depending on your level of experience with clippers, you’ll want to find the ones which suit your needs best.

If you run a barber shop and you need efficiency, then the Wahl 5 star clippers are probably your best bet.

If you just want clippers for use at home, then you can be more flexible, and you perhaps don’t need to spend as much on the very best.

Related: Best Styling Product for Thinning Hair

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Frequently Asked Questions About Balding Clippers

What are balding hair clippers?

Balding hair clippers are a type of razor that can be used to shave off all or most of your hair.

This type of razor cuts close to the skin, which makes it ideal for maintaining a clean cut.

The specific type of trim you’re looking for will determine which balding hair clippers are best for you.

There are both personal varieties that are excellent for use at home, as well as professional ones which are used by businesses.

There are also both corded and cordless options, so you can pick the one which makes most sense for you.

Should I just shave my head?

If you’ve asked yourself this question before, it’s worth considering what the pros and cons of shaving your head would be.

Hair loss is natural, and it can start in men from as soon as the age of 18, which is both cruel but also provides an opportunity to overcome it early on.

If you’re going to go bald at some point in your life, isn’t it a good idea to start to come to terms with what it’d be like right now?

If you’re already starting to notice signs of hair loss, and you’ve tried everything from hair growth oils to laser treatments but to no avail, then it might be time you considered going the whole way and re-defining your look.

The main concern men have though – and it’s a very valid one – is how they will look with a shaved head. Especially when you worry about what your spouse, friends, and work colleagues might think of this drastic change to your appearance.

However, you won’t be alone. In fact, if you decide you do want to go bald, you’ll be in very good company. There’s a whole host of famous male icons rocking the shaved head look while crushing it. Most notably of which might be Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who makes going bald look like the most natural thing ever.

A great way to tell if you will look good bald without going all the way is to go for a very short haircut. This style, which you can pull off with a pair of balding clippers, will give you a very good idea of what you might look like if you were bald.

Should I shave my head everyday?

It isn’t recommended that you shave your head everyday, for various reasons.

Running balding clippers over your head too often can not only remove hair and dead skin cells but can affect the skin itself.

Too much shaving can lead to dry skin, and general irritation.

Then again, each man will have his own preferences when it comes to how smooth he wants the scalp to be, how interested he is in grooming, and whether or not he has sensitive skin.

All of these factors can determine how often you might want to shave your head, which could be anywhere as frequently as once every 2 or 3 days, to once a week.

The frequency with which you shave your facial hair should give you a decent idea of how often you will want to tackle the hair on your scalp.

A key thing to remember when shaving your head and wondering about how often to do it, is that ultimately it shouldn’t affect your hair growth. As a result, it really is down to personal preference.

How can I buzz my own head?

If you’ve never shaved your head before, it’s best to go to the barber’s for the first time.

Once you have a professional, clean cut, then all you’ll need to do is maintain it as frequently as necessary.

As for how you go about buzzing your own head, you’ll need a pair of balding clippers, and a soft scalp.

A lot of men prefer to shave their heads shortly after a warm shower, since it will ensure your scalp is sufficiently moisturised and easy to work with.

If you know that you have sensitive skin, then you should go out of your way to buy a shaving cream which caters to sensitive skin, to save you a lot of discomfort.

It’s also a great idea to face a mirror while you do it, if possible. This way, you can see exactly what you are doing, and you have full control over the end result. It will also help you shave your head evenly, and give you an idea of how to work with your scalp.

Bear in mind it’s normal to get a few nicks and scrapes, especially if it’s the first time you are taking the razor to your head.

Related: Best Sunscreen for Men

If you want to make sure you go bald gracefully, and in control, then investing in some balding clippers is a great decision to make.

After a while of using them, you might never need to take another trip to the barber’s, as you’ll soon get the hang of it.

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Our detailed review has been contributed to by multiple members of The Trending Man Review Team to ensure the best research and highest standard of quality. Have a good or a bad experience with one of the products? Please let us know, we love the feedback!

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