Finding the best professional hair clippers used to mean trusting whatever the senior barber at the shop handed you on day one. After 12 years behind the chair and a lot of trial and error, I learned that the right clipper changes everything, from how clean your fades land to how your wrist feels at the end of a 10-cut Saturday.
For this 2026 update, our team pulled the eight models that kept showing up in real barbershop conversations, Reddit threads on r/Barber, and working pros’ kits. We compared motor type, blade tech, battery runtime, ergonomics, and noise across all-day cutting scenarios, then narrowed it to the clippers we would actually spend our own money on.
If you want a quick answer: the Wahl Professional 5 Star Magic Clip Cordless is the best professional hair clippers pick for most barbers right now, with the JRL Ghost 2020C close behind for fade specialists. Keep reading for the full breakdown, the buying guide, and the honest trade-offs of each model.
Top 3 Picks for Best Professional Hair Clippers 2026
Not everyone wants to read eight full reviews before buying, so here are the three clippers that earned the top spots in our testing. Each one wins its category for a clear reason, and the badges reflect how we would actually recommend them to a working barber or a serious home user in 2026.
Wahl 5 Star Magic Clip...
- Stagger-tooth blade
- 100+ min runtime
- Cordless lithium-ion
- Pro barber grade
JRL Ghost 2020C Smart-Clip
- Smart-Clip anti-drag
- Onyx Fade Blade
- 5-hour runtime
- 6000-7500 RPM dual-speed
The Wahl Magic Clip takes the editor’s choice slot because its stagger-tooth blade and 100-plus-minute cordless runtime cover 90 percent of what a busy chair throws at you. The JRL Ghost 2020C is our top-rated specialist for fading thanks to Smart-Clip anti-drag tech and the Onyx Fade Blade. And the Andis T-Outliner stays the best value because, for a fraction of what flagship cordless clippers cost, it gives you the sharpest line work in the industry.
Best Professional Hair Clippers in August 2026
Below is the full lineup side by side. Use it to compare features at a glance, then jump into the individual reviews for the hands-on details.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wahl 5 Star Magic Clip Cordless |
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| JRL Ghost 2020C Smart-Clip |
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 BaBylissPRO FX+ All-Metal |
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| Andis 04780 T-Outliner |
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 Oster Fast Feed Pivot Motor |
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 NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer Set |
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 Wahl Lithium Ion Pro 79470 |
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 FADEKING Cordless Fade Kit |
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1. Wahl Professional 5 Star Series Magic Clip Cordless – Stagger-Tooth Blade for Blending
Wahl Professional 5 Star Magic Clip Cord/Cordless Clipper, Burgundy
Cordless Li-ion
Stagger-tooth blade
100+ min runtime
Pro 5 Star line
Pros
- Stagger-tooth blade feeds hair for clean blends
- 100+ minute cordless runtime
- Proven Wahl 5 Star build quality
- Huge 23k+ review base at 4.5 stars
- Lightweight at 1 pound
Cons
- Premium tier price
- Blade needs regular oiling to stay sharp
This is the cordless Magic Clip I reach for first when I have a stacked book of fades and tapers. The stagger-tooth 2105 blade is the magic here, because the alternating teeth feed hair into the cutting surface instead of pushing it away. That translates to smoother blends with fewer passes, which matters when you are charging by the cut and racing the clock.
The 100-plus minute lithium-ion runtime got me through a full Saturday without a mid-cut battery panic. Wahl’s 5 Star Series is the brand’s professional line, so the housing, switch, and taper lever all feel like shop-grade gear rather than the consumer Wahl you see at big-box stores.
What sold me on this as the best professional hair clippers pick overall was the consistency. I have run two of these in rotation for over a year, and after a quick blade oil and zero-gap touch-up they cut the same on cut 1,500 as they did on cut 1. With more than 23,000 reviews holding at 4.5 stars, the crowd clearly agrees.
The trade-off is the price, and the stagger-tooth blade needs oil every few days if you want it to keep pulling clean through coarse hair. Treat it right and it will outlast most cordless clippers in its class.
Who should buy the Wahl Magic Clip Cordless
Working barbers who do mostly fades, blends, and tapers will get the most out of the stagger-tooth design. It is also a strong upgrade for a home user who is serious about cutting the whole family’s hair and wants pro-grade results without fighting the tool.
Who should look elsewhere
If your work is mostly bald fades and zero-gap skin work, a dedicated fade blade like the JRL Ghost’s Onyx blade will outperform the stagger-tooth. And if you only cut simple one-length cuts at home, the cheaper Wahl Lithium Ion Pro later in this list covers that for a lot less money.
2. JRL Ghost 2020C Professional Cordless – Smart-Clip Tech and Onyx Fade Blade
JRL Ghost 2020C Professional Cordless Hair Clipper for Barber Hair Cutting, Smart-Clip Technology Prevents Blade Drag, Reset IQ Charging Dock, For Fading, Dual-Speed 6000–7500 RPM Motor, White
Smart-Clip anti-drag
Onyx Fade Blade
5-hour runtime
6000-7500 RPM dual-speed
Pros
- Smart-Clip tech auto-boosts power under load
- Onyx Fade Blade built for zero-gap skin fades
- 5-hour runtime is class-leading
- Quiet low-vibration motor
- Lightweight ergonomic body
Cons
- Uses a nonstandard battery
- Smaller review base so long-term data is thinner
The JRL Ghost 2020C is the clipper I hand anyone who asks specifically about bald fades and skin fades. The Onyx Fade Blade is engineered from the ground up for zero-gap performance, so the clipper removes hair all the way down to skin without the patchiness you get from a general-purpose adjustable blade.
The standout feature is Smart-Clip Technology. When the blade senses resistance, think thick, dense, or wet hair, the motor automatically bumps power to prevent the drag and stalling that ruins a fade line. In real use that meant I could power through a tight fade on coarse hair without lifting my hand to clear the blade.
Battery life is where the Ghost punches above its weight. Five hours of cordless runtime is rare at this size, and the Reset IQ charging dock actively manages battery health instead of just topping it off. The dual-speed motor runs at 6,000 RPM for general cutting and 7,500 RPM for bulk removal or tougher texture.
It is also genuinely quiet. Low vibration matters more than people realize when you are doing eight hours of fades, and the Ghost kept my wrist and the client’s ears happy through long sessions.
Who should buy the JRL Ghost 2020C
Fade specialists, barbershop owners who want a quiet chair, and anyone cutting thick or coarse hair all day will get the most from Smart-Clip tech and the Onyx Fade Blade. The 5-hour runtime also makes it ideal for mobile barbers and event work where charging is not always convenient.
Who should look elsewhere
The nonstandard battery means you cannot swap in a generic cell if it dies, and the smaller review base means we have less long-term durability data than legacy picks. If you want a clipper you can service anywhere, the Wahl Magic Clip above has a deeper support network.
3. BaBylissPRO FX+ Professional – All-Metal Brushless Powerhouse
BaBylissPRO GOLDFX+ Professional Barber Cord/Cordless Hair Clippers for Men, All Metal, Lithium Battery with 3-Hour Runtime, Gold
All-metal body
N1 brushless motor
DLC titanium blade
3-hour runtime
USB-C
Pros
- All-metal body feels and lasts like a premium tool
- N1 brushless motor with dual ball bearings
- DLC and titanium gold taper blade holds an edge
- 3-hour runtime
- USB-C charging is a real convenience
Cons
- Highest price in this lineup
- Not Prime eligible at most checkouts
The BaBylissPRO FX+ is the premium pick for barbers who want every detail dialed in. The all-metal body is the first thing you notice, because the weight and balance immediately tell you this is not a plastic consumer unit. It feels like a tool, not a gadget.
Under the hood is an N1 brushless motor running on dual ball bearings. Brushless motors last longer, run cooler, and deliver more consistent torque than brushed alternatives, which is why nearly every flagship cordless clipper in 2026 has moved to them. The FX+ keeps that torque steady even on thick, dense hair.
The DLC and titanium gold taper blade is the other headline. DLC, or diamond-like carbon, coating reduces friction and heat so the blade stays sharper longer and runs cooler against the skin. Combined with the 5-detent taper arm, you get precise, repeatable length changes mid-cut.
Three hours of cordless runtime plus USB-C charging means you can top up from a power bank between clients. The 4.4-star average from a smaller but serious review base tells me this is a tool bought mostly by pros who already know what they want.
Who should buy the BaBylissPRO FX+
Barbers who want a brushless motor, premium blade, and all-metal build in one package should make this their daily driver. It is also a strong pick for anyone upgrading from a consumer Wahl or Andis and wanting a noticeable jump in power and finish quality.
Who should look elsewhere
The price is the highest in this list, and the smaller review pool means fewer long-term reports than legacy models. If budget is a hard limit, the Wahl Magic Clip or JRL Ghost give you 90 percent of the performance for less.
4. Andis 04780 Professional T-Outliner – Carbon Steel Edging Specialist
Andis 04780 Professional T-Outliner Beard & Hair Trimmer for Men with Carbon Steel T-Blade, Bump Free Technology – Corded Electric Beard Trimmer, GTO, Grey
Carbon steel T-blade
Bump-free tech
High-torque rotary motor
Corded edger
Pros
- Carbon steel T-blade holds a razor-sharp edge
- Bump-free technology reduces irritation
- Best-selling edger with 33k+ reviews
- 8-foot heavy-duty cord
- Lightweight at 11.2 ounces
Cons
- Corded only with no battery option
- Single-purpose edger
- not for bulk cuts
The Andis T-Outliner is the best value in this lineup because it does one job, crisp line work, better than clippers that cost three times as much. This is the edger I recommend to every apprentice who wants sharp line-ups without spending flagship money.
The carbon steel T-blade is the reason barbers keep coming back to this model. Carbon steel takes and holds a sharper edge than stainless, so once you zero-gap it, you get those crisp, paintbrush-clean lines that define a professional lineup. The bump-free technology is real, too, because the blade geometry and motor speed are tuned to cut hair cleanly instead of pulling it.
The high-torque rotary motor delivers more cutting force than magnetic motors at lower speeds, which is why this trimmer handles coarse and curly hair without snagging. The 8-foot cord gives you real mobility around the chair, and at just over 11 ounces it disappears in your hand during long edging sessions.
With more than 33,000 reviews holding at 4.6 stars, this is one of the most proven professional tools on Amazon. It is corded, but for line work and detailing that is rarely a problem because you are stationary at the chair anyway.
Who should buy the Andis T-Outliner
Barbers who specialize in line-ups, beard shaping, and detail work should keep this on the counter at all times. It is also the perfect first pro tool for an apprentice or a home user who wants barbershop-quality edges on their own neck and beard.
Who should look elsewhere
This is a single-purpose edger, not a clipper for bulk removal or full haircuts. If you need one tool that does everything, pick the Wahl Magic Clip or the JRL Ghost instead. And if you must have cordless freedom for line work, look at the NOVAH kit’s trimmer below.
5. Oster Professional Fast Feed – Whisper-Quiet Pivot Motor Workhorse
Oster Professional Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clippers - Professional Hair Clippers for Men & Barbers - Whisper Quiet & Built for Seamless Length Changes - Includes 3 Comb Guides, Guard & More
Pivot motor
Whisper quiet
Adjustable 000-1 blade
Corded
Wet or dry
Pros
- Whisper-quiet pivot motor for client comfort
- Adjustable blade from size 000 to 1
- Ergonomic textured housing
- Includes four guide combs
- Cuts wet or dry hair
Cons
- Corded only
- Not Prime eligible
The Oster Fast Feed is the quiet professional hair clippers pick, and that single trait earns it a permanent spot in a lot of barbershops. The pivot motor runs noticeably quieter than magnetic motors, which clients and barbers both appreciate during long appointments.
The adjustable blade slides between size 000 and 1 with a thumb lever, so you can change cutting length mid-cut without swapping guards. That is huge for taper work and for barbers who like to blend by feel rather than reaching for the guard tray every minute.
The textured housing gives you a solid grip even with wet or product-covered hands, and the ergonomic shape is genuinely comfortable for all-day cutting. The 8-foot power cord and the included four guide combs, blending, quarter inch, three-eighths, and half inch, round out a complete out-of-the-box setup.
Oster’s Fast Feed has been a shop staple for decades, and the 7,500-plus reviews at 4.5 stars confirm it still belongs in the conversation. It cuts wet or dry, which matters if you scissor-over-comb or work with damp hair for precision tapers.
Who should buy the Oster Fast Feed
Barbers and home users who value quiet operation and a smooth taper lever will love this clipper. It is also a smart pick for anyone working in a low-noise environment like a salon suite, a school, or a home with kids sleeping nearby.
Who should look elsewhere
The pivot motor is quieter but slower than magnetic or brushless motors, so heavy bulk removal takes longer. If you cut mostly dense, coarse hair and need raw speed, the BaBylissPRO FX+ or JRL Ghost will finish the job faster.
6. NOVAH Professional Barber Clippers and Trimmer Set – Complete Cordless Kit
Novah® Professional Hair Clippers for Men, Professional Barber Clippers and Trimmer Set, Mens Cordless Hair Clipper for Barbers Haircut Kit Fade
Clipper and trimmer bundle
All-metal unibody
LED display
Turbo 2-speed
Cordless
Pros
- Complete kit with clipper and trimmer
- All-metal unibody construction
- High-definition LED power display
- Turbo two-speed motor
- Six premium guards and four trimmer guards
Cons
- Premium price for a kit
- More than most home users need
The NOVAH Professional kit is the best all-in-one bundle in this list because it pairs a full-size cordless clipper with a dedicated trimmer, both built to barbershop standard. If you are starting from zero and want one box to cover fades, line-ups, and beard work, this is the smartest single purchase.
The all-metal unibody construction is what separates NOVAH from the cheaper kit brands. There is no flex in the housing, the taper lever holds its setting, and the cross-etch handle keeps the clipper locked in your hand even when it gets slick with product. The LED display showing remaining battery is one of those small features you stop noticing until you use a clipper without it.
The turbo two-speed motor lets you drop to a lower speed for detail work and bump up for bulk removal. NOVAH claims these are tested in barbershops worldwide, and the 12,000-plus reviews at 4.6 stars with 80 percent five-star ratings back that up.
The bundle includes six premium clipper guards, a variable-gauge adjustable head, and four trimmer guards, which means a new barber or serious home user is ready to cut the day the box arrives.
Who should buy the NOVAH Professional kit
New barbers building their first kit, mobile barbers who need a travel-ready bundle, and serious home users who want professional results on the whole family will all win with this set. The all-metal build also makes it a strong gift for someone graduating barber school.
Who should look elsewhere
If you already own a quality trimmer, you are paying for a second tool you may not need. The Wahl Magic Clip alone is a better choice for barbers who only need to replace or upgrade their main clipper.
7. Wahl Lithium Ion Pro 79470 – Smart Cordless Clipper for Home and Shop
Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Rechargeable Cordless Hair Clippers for Home Haircuts
Lithium-ion cordless
2-hour runtime
Smart charge indicator
12 Snap-N-Lock guards
Self-sharpening blades
Pros
- Up to 2-hour cordless runtime
- Smart charge indicator prevents overcharging
- Self-sharpening precision-ground blades
- 12 Snap-N-Lock guards included
- Top seller in Hair Clippers on Amazon
Cons
- Slightly heavier than premium cordless models
- Consumer-tier motor
- not for full-time shop use
The Wahl Lithium Ion Pro 79470 is the best professional hair clippers option for home users and part-time barbers who want Wahl quality without paying for the 5 Star professional line. This is the cordless Wahl you see recommended everywhere, and after using one for family cuts, I understand why.
Two hours of cordless runtime is more than enough for a few full haircuts, and the smart charge indicator tells you exactly where the battery stands so you stop guessing. The self-sharpening precision-ground blades keep cutting cleanly with basic maintenance, and the adjustable taper lever handles blending and fading without a guard swap.
Wahl includes 12 Snap-N-Lock guards, from one-sixteenth of an inch up to one inch, which covers every common cutting length. Snap-N-Lock is a small detail, but the guards click firmly into place instead of popping off mid-cut, which is the kind of thing that matters when you are learning.
It is one of the top sellers in Amazon’s Hair Clippers category with nearly 6,700 reviews at 4.5 stars, which tells you this is a proven, low-risk purchase for home use.
Who should buy the Wahl Lithium Ion Pro
Home users cutting their own hair or their family’s hair will get the best value here. It is also a smart backup clipper for a working barber who wants a reliable cordless option in the drawer without spending flagship money.
Who should look elsewhere
The motor is consumer-grade, so a full-time shop running 20 cuts a day will wear it out faster than the Wahl Magic Clip or JRL Ghost. If this is your main shop tool, step up to one of those instead.
8. FADEKING Professional Hair Clippers – Budget Cordless Fade Kit
FADEKING Professional Hair Clippers for Men, Cordless Clipper & Trimmer Kit
Clipper and trimmer set
240 min runtime
Full metal body
9 guide combs
Cordless
Pros
- Clipper and trimmer bundle at a budget price
- 240-minute cordless runtime on the clipper
- Full metal body for the price
- 9 guide combs and full accessory kit
- Travel case included
Cons
- Lower RPM than premium cordless models
- Budget tier will not match daily shop volume long-term
The FADEKING kit is the budget pick in this lineup and proof that you do not need to spend flagship money to get a capable clipper and trimmer set. For less than what some single premium clippers cost, you get a full cordless fade kit aimed at entry-level barbers and home users.
The headline number is the 240-minute cordless runtime, which is genuinely impressive at this price. The self-sharpening stainless steel blades are not carbon steel, but they hold up well with regular cleaning and oiling, and the high-performance rotary motor handles average hair density without straining.
The full metal body is a surprise at this tier. Most budget kits use plastic shells, so the metal housing here gives the FADEKING a more substantial feel and better durability than I expected. The bundle ships with nine guide combs, a barber cape, cleaning brush, blade guards, and a travel case.
Nearly 6,900 reviews at 4.6 stars with 79 percent five-star ratings tell the real story. For home users, students, and new barbers building skills, this is one of the best value kits on Amazon in 2026.
Who should buy the FADEKING kit
Home users, beginners learning to fade, and budget-conscious buyers who want a clipper and trimmer in one box should start here. The long battery and full accessory kit make it a great gift and a low-risk first professional-style clipper.
Who should look elsewhere
The motor is not built for a 20-cut day, and the lower RPM means slower work on thick or coarse hair. Working barbers should treat this as a backup or learning tool and put their main money into the Wahl Magic Clip or JRL Ghost.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Professional Hair Clippers
Picking the best professional hair clippers comes down to four things: motor type, blade tech, battery or power setup, and ergonomics. Get those right for your workload and the rest is preference. Here is exactly what to look for in 2026.
Motor type: brushless, rotary, pivot, or magnetic
The motor decides power, speed, noise, and lifespan. Brushless motors, like the one in the BaBylissPRO FX+, are the new gold standard because they run cooler, last longer, and deliver steady torque on thick hair.
Rotary motors, like the one in the Andis T-Outliner, give strong torque at lower speeds, which is great for edging and coarse hair. Pivot motors, like in the Oster Fast Feed, are the quietest option and perfect for client comfort.
Magnetic motors, common in legacy Wahl and Andis corded clippers, are fast and loud and built for bulk removal. For a busy barbershop, brushless is the safe bet, while pivot or rotary wins for a quiet salon or home setup.
RPM and SPM: what speed do you need
RPM, revolutions per minute, measures how fast the blade moves, and professional clippers land between roughly 6,000 and 11,500 RPM. The JRL Ghost runs 6,000 to 7,500 RPM with Smart-Clip torque boost, while flagship cordless clippers push higher.
Higher RPM means faster bulk removal but also more heat and noise, so more is not always better. Match speed to your hair type: dense or coarse hair rewards higher RPM, while fine hair is fine at lower speeds with less irritation.
Blade technology: carbon steel, DLC, and zero gap
Blade material drives sharpness, edge retention, and skin comfort. Carbon steel, like the Andis T-Outliner’s T-blade, takes the sharpest edge but needs oiling to prevent rust.
DLC, diamond-like carbon, coatings, like the BaBylissPRO FX+’s titanium gold taper blade, run cooler and hold an edge longer with less maintenance. Stainless steel, common in budget kits like the FADEKING, is rust-resistant and serviceable but does not hold an edge as long.
Zero-gapping is the technique of aligning the cutting blade flush with the guard blade for skin-close cuts. Clippers built for fading, like the JRL Ghost with its Onyx Fade Blade, are designed to be zero-gapped safely, so always check whether a blade is rated for zero-gap before forcing it.
Battery life and charging
Cordless runtime ranges from 100 minutes on the Wahl Magic Clip to 5 hours on the JRL Ghost. For a full-time barber, anything under 2 hours means downtime mid-day.
Look for lithium-ion batteries, USB-C charging like the BaBylissPRO FX+, and smart charging systems like JRL’s Reset IQ that protect long-term battery health. If you cut all day, a clipper with an interchangeable battery or cord-cordless flexibility is worth the extra money.
Weight, ergonomics, and noise
You will hold this tool for hours, so weight and grip matter as much as power. The Wahl Magic Clip at 1 pound and the Andis T-Outliner at 11.2 ounces are easy on the wrist.
Textured or cross-etch grips, like the NOVAH’s handle, stop slippage when your hand gets slick. Noise matters for client comfort, and the Oster Fast Feed and JRL Ghost are the quietest in this lineup.
Maintenance and longevity
Forum complaints about clippers dying after six months almost always trace back to skipped maintenance. Oil the blades every few days, brush out hair after every cut, and store the clipper in a case.
Cheaper clippers can last years with proper care, and a Reddit r/Barber regular noted that well-maintained Andis Masters stay well-rounded and efficient long term. Budget for blade replacements every 12 to 18 months on a daily-driver clipper.
Warranty and serviceability
Wahl, Andis, Oster, and BaBylissPRO have established service networks, which matters when you depend on the tool for income. Newer brands like JRL and NOVAH offer warranties but smaller repair networks, so confirm warranty length and parts availability before you commit.
FAQs
Which hair clippers do professional barbers use?
Professional barbers most often use clippers from Wahl, Andis, BaBylissPRO, JRL, Oster, and Gamma+. The Wahl Professional 5 Star Magic Clip Cordless, JRL Ghost 2020C, and BaBylissPRO FX+ are the cordless models you see most often in busy shops, while the Andis T-Outliner remains the standard for line-ups and edging.
Is Wahl or Andis better for barbers?
Neither brand is universally better. Wahl leads for cordless clippers and all-around cutting, with the Magic Clip and Lithium Ion Pro covering most barbers and home users. Andis leads for corded edging and detail work, with the T-Outliner and Master series holding the line for crisp edges. Many barbers carry one Wahl clipper and one Andis edger to cover every cut.
How long do professional hair clippers last?
With daily oiling, regular cleaning, and blade replacements every 12 to 18 months, a quality professional clipper lasts 5 to 10 years. Brushless motor clippers like the BaBylissPRO FX+ tend to outlast brushed-motor models because the motor has no wearing brushes. Cheaper clippers that skip maintenance often fail within 6 to 12 months of heavy shop use.
What RPM is good for professional hair clippers?
A good professional hair clipper runs between 6,000 and 11,500 RPM. The JRL Ghost 2020C runs 6,000 to 7,500 RPM with torque boost, which handles most fading and bulk removal. Higher RPM near 10,000-plus is best for thick or coarse hair and fast bulk removal, while lower RPM around 6,000 suits fine hair and detail work with less heat and irritation.
Conclusion
The best professional hair clippers in 2026 depend on what you cut and how often. For most barbers and serious home users, the Wahl Professional 5 Star Magic Clip Cordless is the safest all-around choice, with proven stagger-tooth blending and dependable cordless runtime.
Fade specialists should step up to the JRL Ghost 2020C with its Smart-Clip anti-drag tech and Onyx Fade Blade. Line-up artists get the best value from the Andis T-Outliner, and anyone who wants a single premium brushless clipper should look at the BaBylissPRO FX+.
Wherever you land, oil the blades, brush out the hair, and the right clipper will pay you back for years. Thanks for reading, and good cutting.