Best Barber Tools for Fades -Tips & Secrets from a Barber

What are the best barber-reviewed tools for men’s cuts and fades and why?

In this article we will talk about these tools and why they are barber preferred tools when doing short haircuts.

Clippers
Trimmers
Shears
Combs
Foil Trimmer
Clipper Guards

Best Professional Electric Grooming Tools

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What qualifies as a ‘Barber Tool’?

The best barber tools are used by Barbers and Cosmetologists for the best results when practicing and perfecting the fade. When using these tools correctly, you’ll learn that they are treasures for polishing off your fade for that glorious and beautiful insta-worthy photo!

☑️ Clippers

☑️ Trimmers

☑️ Shears

☑️ Combs

☑️ Foil Trimmer

☑️ Clipper Guards

As a barber myself for years I have a few recommendations for those seeking out quality tools that won’t break after the first 2 haircuts. Honestly, I purchase my professional barber tools at Sally Beauty Supply.

But sometimes Amazon has better deals or has what I need in stock. Though during COVID times the warehouses have been struggling to keep up with orders. So the sooner you order your tools the better.

How much do Barber Tools cost?

The best barber tools’ price range on average is anywhere between $60-200. The barber tools I have used at the shop cost $120 or less generally. We’ll get into that shortly.

First, let’s define the tools themselves. Sometimes the layman’s terms are not what the actual tool is called.

The difference between Clippers and Trimmers

Clippers

Clippers are the larger tool used for short haircuts.

Most commonly used for men’s haircuts, lady’s undercuts, boy’s cuts, etc.

Lots of people call these ‘buzzers’, though this is an incorrect term. Clippers are the larger of the ‘buzzer’ tools.

Clippers generally use clipper guards on the original clipper blade. But we’ll get to those in a minute.

Barber Reviewed Top 4 Best Professional Clippers -Pros & Cons

Andis Master Cordless Clipper with Adjustable Blade for $165

Oster 76 Classic Clipper 7 Piece Set – Including 000 & #1 Blades, Oil & Grease for $143.54

Classic 76 Oster Clippers 17 Piece Set – Including #00000 (skin level), #000, #1 Blades – 10 Piece Clipper Guards, Grease & Oil for $198.95

Andis BGrC Clippers for $152.99

Wahl Professional Magic Clip Cordless Clipper for $114.99

BabylissPRO Barberology Clippers for $229.99

Trimmers

Trimmers are the smaller of the ‘buzzer’ tools. Generally, trimmers are used to get the tiny hairs around the ears and the back of the neck. I have 6 recommended best brands and choices to choose from.

Outliner Trimmers have a blade that is not wider than the tool itself. Still excellent for use around the ears and outlining the hairline, it is not as good for designs.

T-trimmers are better for designs if this is the purpose that you want them.

If you want trimmers for just beard trims or cleaning up the nape in-between haircuts T-trimmers or Outliners will do the same.

Barber Reviewed Best Professional Trimmers 2024 – Pros & Cons

Andis Corded/Cordless Professional T Trimmer for $101.04

Wahl Cordless Detailer T- Trimmers for $199.20

Oster T- Finisher Trimmers for $68.83

Andis Outliner Trimmers for $58.03

Wahl Professional Cordless Baret Trimmers for $75.05

BabylissPRO Barberology Outlining Trimmer for $184.99

Clipper Guards

Guards come in sizes 0-9. Guards clip onto the top of the clippers so that you can freely cut the hair shorter without cutting it down to the length of the naked blade.

Clipper guard lengths are measured in millimeters and fractions of inches, both.

As a professional, or pro-in-training you should memorize clipper guards and the measurements that go with them.

0=1/16”

1=1/8”

2=¼”

3=⅗”

4=½”

5=⅝”

6=¾”

To be quite straightforward, any guard larger than the #6 is impractical and will not cut the hair evenly. If the haircut desired is longer than a #6, I recommend a scissor cut.

Miaco Brand 10 Size Universal Clipper Guards for $21.49

The Best Kept Secret Barber Tool for Fades

Foil trimmer

A foil trimmer is used for gently shaving the face without a straight razor to make the cheeks smooth.

It does not scratch or scrape the skin and is the perfect tool that I strongly recommend (personally and professionally) for those with extremely sensitive skin.

I personally and professionally recommend this tool for the clean-shaven professional and military personnel that are required to stay smooth-faced. Especially those with sensitive skin who can’t shave every day without breaking out or causing skin irritation.

Be aware that the hair must be trimmed to a 5’oclock shadow length for the foil trimmer to work at its best. Which is perfect for the two-a-dayer shavers that must stay clean-shaven.

I use the foil shaver for razor fades and on the face and neck in the shop on those with sensitive skin. A razor can be rough on the neck and face every day. You can check it out or purchase a foil of your own.

Andis Foil Shaver for $52.98

Why is the Foil Shaver the Best Barber Tool for Fades?

Perhaps you are a hairstylist, cosmetologist, or a student in training that just haven’t been able to get rid of that tiny line at the bottom but not-quite-the-shortest length of the fade.

The foil shaver is PERFECT to get rid of that line if you use the foil diagonally and go down with the grain instead of against the grain of the fade.

I also recommend the foil shaver for cosmetologists and hairstylists who legally are not allowed to shave with a straight razor around the front of the neck. The foil shaver gets just as close, if not closer (I’m not kidding!) than a straight razor.

Give it a try and tell me how it works for you.