Fades have been in trend for as long as most of us can track the time and they are not going away anytime soon.
A well-cut fade is the quickest fix to improve the looks of men of all ages. While the fade cut looks effortless, it is not the easiest to design and takes the best clippers for fades to achieve the perfect look. You would also need to learn some techniques if you are looking for DIY solutions.
We will enlist some of the best clippers in the market for the task that will not just provide a charming haircut but make the whole process super-easy as well. Let’s get right to it.
The Top 10 Best Clippers For Fades In 2022
1. Oster Fast Feed
Oster Fast Feed is a professional-grade clipper that uses a quiet pivot motor and steel blades. The power of its motor is enough to cut through both wet and dry hair.
Furthermore, it offers adjustable blades which enable you to quickly adjust the length and do not require you to purchase extra blades. The lightweight and ergonomic design of the clipper provides complete control and precision that is needed to create perfect fades.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Comes with all accessories
- Adjustable blades
Cons
- Sub-par material in the adjustment lever
2. Andis Fade Gold
Andis Fade Gold features a very ergonomic design that provides complete control and precision to the users. With the pattern on the handle and its well-designed grip, men can fade their hair without needing a helping hand.
Furthermore, the clipper is also equipped with a powerful motor that offers 7,200 cutting strokes in a minute. You would not have to make second passes over the same areas again and again.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Adjustable blades
- Durable construction
Cons
- The motor can be noisy on coarse hair
3. Oster Classic 76
Oster 76 is a rugged clipper designed for professional barbers that have to cut all sorts of hair. It is powered by a powerful motor that can cut through the thickest of hair with ease.
Furthermore, the clipper also comes with detachable blades which are generally more precise when it comes to designing fades. Also, the power cord is long enough to allow barbers to move freely while making the cut.
Pros
- Capable motor
- Precise and sharp blades
- Ergonomic grip
Cons
- A little inconvenient compared to clippers with adjustable blades
4. Wahl Magic Clip Cordless
Wahl Magic Clip is for professionals who cannot stand the restrictions owing to an electric cord. With this rechargeable clipper, you would not have to mind the steps while moving from one side to the other.
Furthermore, the clipper comes with 8 attachment comb guides so you do not have to purchase extra accessories. The motor of the clipper is also quite powerful and can cut through the thickest of hairs.
Pros
- Excellent battery backup
- Sharp blades
- Comes with 8 comb guides
Cons
- Does not cut as close
5. Andis Master Cordless
Andis Master is a premium clipper that features metallic construction and carbon steel blades. Best bit? Despite the metallic construction, it is one of the most lightweight clippers that does not cramp the hand even after a busy day.
The motor can deliver 7,200 strokes in a minute and can cut hair quickly. Furthermore, the blades are sharp and adjustable which makes them convenient to operate.
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Decent battery backup
- Versatile product
Cons
- Design is not ergonomic
6. Wahl 5-Star Senior Cordless
Wahl 5-Star Senior is an affordable premium clipper that is designed exclusively for professionals. It features metallic construction to provide barbers with the durability they look for and blades that remain sharp even after years.
Furthermore, it is very lightweight that along with its ergonomic design makes it very easy to operate and provides complete control.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Sturdy construction
- Adjustable blades
Cons
- Can be noisy
7. Andis Cordless Fade Combo
Andis’ Combo makes an excellent DIY kit for men who do not want to spend time and money at barbers. You get a capable trimmer and a powerful clipper in the package which is all one needs to cut hair at home.
Furthermore, the design of both products is ergonomic and lightweight which makes them easier to handle while cutting the hair yourself. Battery backups of the products are also remarkable.
Pros
- Remarkable battery backups
- Affordable package
- Lightweight products
Cons
- Not as durable
8. Wahl Super Taper 2
Wahl Super Taper 2 is one of the best clippers for beginners and men that want a clipper to get their hair done at home. It features an electromagnetic motor which is a bit slower than its other counterparts but it also reduces the risks of errors. Furthermore, the package includes all accessories including guides and styling combs.
Pros
- Excellent for beginners
- Cheaper price tag
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Not suitable for established professionals
9. Wahl Elite Pro
Wahl Elite Pro is a complete home haircut and grooming kit for men. This inexpensive kit includes a decent clipper that comes with a limited lifetime warranty, scissors, styling combs, and capes. The motor is not as powerful as some of the clippers that are earlier mentioned but it gets the job done.
Pros
- Inexpensive price tag
- Complete accessories
- Low noise
Cons
- Not too durable
10. BaBylissPRO GoldFX Clipper
BabylissPRO is the most exotic-looking clipper on the market that comes with a powerful, high-torque engine. In addition to sturdy construction, the clippers can cut through the thickest of growths. You also get a premium 2 hours runtime in addition to 5-detent taper control and 8 comb attachments.
Pros
- Exotic design
- Remarkable battery backup
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Expensive
5 Things To Consider When Shopping For The Best Fading Clippers
Motor Power
Motor power determines the performance, speed, clipping comfort, and convenience of the clipper. It should be the first thing to look for while browsing the market for a clipper. A highly-powered motor enables the clippers to cut through the thickest of hair. Furthermore, it works faster and provides a quicker haircut.
That said, the increased power and speed comes at the cost of heating and noise. You should look for a motor that strikes a balance between all the aspects. A motor that can provide 10,000-12,000 cuts would be good enough for most men.
Ease Of Use
Designing the fades requires precision which is determined by the control one has over the clipper. The ergonomics define the control one would have over the clippers which makes it a crucial feature as well. You should look for clippers that have a handle size suitable for your hands and have some type of anti-slippery mechanism built into them.
Blades
Ultimately, it is the blades that have to make the cut, and unsurprisingly, blades that cannot sustain the sharpness for a long time would render the clipper useless. You would find a variety of blades on the market but the best of them are made up of titanium followed by stainless steel.
Recharge And Run Times For Cordless Clippers
Battery backup is extremely important for rechargeable clippers because if the battery runs out you would be stuck in the middle of a haircut. Try to look for clippers that at least offer 40 minutes of battery backup. Anything less will amount to inviting trouble and inconvenience.
Price
Modern clippers are equipped with a number of features that increases their prices as well. But if you are looking for something for fades only, the basic clipper would also get the job done. You do not have to push the budget because some affordable clippers provide better value when it comes to designing fades.
How To Fade Hair With Clippers
You can get a well-designed fade haircut at home by just following these steps.
- Damp the hair to make it easier to mold and cut. Use the comb and expose the part where fades are to be designed.
- Pick the lower guard number to shave and even the hair a little above the ear and back of the head. Switch to a higher guard length as you move above the line. Change the guards again to even higher lengths if you want to create steps.
- Decide the height of the fade line and use an appropriate guard to make one. Be mindful that it does not go straight around the back of the head. The line dips down a bit at the back and comes back to its original shape when it reaches the other ear. You can design multiple fade lines using the same technique.
- Trace a rectangle above the head to separate the long hair from the shorter ones. The lines of the rectangle should perfectly be in line with the height of the eyebrows.
- Move the clipper against the grain and protect the top portion of the hair. Make upward motions and create an arc with every movement.
- Move the clipper sideways while maintaining the clipper in the vertical position. This will help you disappear the fade lines and create a smooth transition between different lengths. Just the bottom third part of the blade should touch the head during this step to create the right angles for fades.
- Follow the same technique for other fade lines if they are multiple. Once done, use the scissors to trim the top portion of the hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Barbers Use For Fades?
Barbers use clippers to create fades, the size of guards varies based on personal preferences but the most commonly used ones include #3, #2, #2, and O.
What Clippers Are Good For Fades?
Clippers that have powerful motors and sharp blades are excellent for the fades. Some of these include Wahl Magic Clip, Andis Master, and Wahl Elite Pro
What Blade Is Best For Fading?
Blades that are made up of materials like Titanium and stainless steel will help you crunch fade lines. These blades are not just durable but also offer a blunter cut and an overall smoother finish.
What Tools Do You Need For A Fade Haircut?
You would need a clipper, a set of combs, and hair bands to get yourself a faded haircut.
What Clippers Do Most Professional Barbers Use?
Professionals use a variety of clippers but the most common of them include Wahl Super Taper, Andis Fade Gold, and Wahl 5-star senior cordless.
What Number Of Blades Do You Use For A Fade?
You should use longer blades first to fade or taper instead of shorter ones. The shorter blades create fine and a harsh line which is difficult to remove later.
