Best Hair Clippers for Beginners: Easy-to-Use Picks

The best hair clippers for beginners combine user-friendly features like color-coded guards, cordless convenience, complete kits with all essentials, and forgiving performance that makes learning easy.

Top beginner-friendly options include the Wahl Color Pro Cordless for foolproof guard selection, Andis ReVite for long-term versatility, and starter home haircut kits with everything needed for first DIY cuts. This guide covers the best clippers for learning at home, essential features for beginners, basic cutting techniques, and maintenance tips.

Why These Clippers Are Beginner-Friendly

Color-Coded Guards

Visual Length Selection:

• Different colors for each guard size
• No memorizing numbers (visual reference)
• Quick identification mid-cut
• Prevents mistakes (grab right guard instantly)

Example: Wahl Color Pro uses 8 colors for 8 guard sizes.

Complete Kits

Everything in One Box:

• Clipper (cordless or corded)
• 8+ guard sizes (#1 through #8 minimum)
• Cleaning brush
• Clipper oil
• Storage case
• Bonus: Scissors, comb, cape

No hunting for accessories separately.

Forgiving Performance

Beginner-Safe Features:

• Magnetic motors (quieter, less intimidating)
• Self-sharpening blades (less maintenance)
• Moderate power (4,500–6,000 RPM, not overwhelming)
• Lightweight (8–12 oz, easy handling)

Best Hair Clippers for Beginners

Best Overall for Beginners: Wahl Color Pro Cordless

Why It's Perfect for First-Timers:

• Color-coded guards (8 colors, 8 sizes)
• Cordless freedom (90-minute runtime)
• Complete 22-piece kit (guards, scissors, cape, oil, comb, brush)
• Quiet magnetic motor (not intimidating)
• Self-sharpening blades (minimal maintenance)

Best For: Complete beginners, families, simple buzz cuts, learning basics

Best Value Complete Kit: Bestbomg BS-808A

All-in-One Starter Package:

• Clipper + detail trimmer (both cordless)
• Full guard set (all standard sizes)
• Stainless steel blades
• Cleaning accessories (brush, oil)
• Storage case included

Best For: First-time buyers wanting comprehensive setup, budget-conscious learners

Best Long-Term Investment: Andis ReVite

Grow Into Professional Results:

• Durable construction (lasts years)
• Rotary motor (handles learning curve, grows with skills)
• Cordless (120-minute runtime)
• Adjustable taper lever (learn fades later)
• Professional-grade at accessible level

Best For: Serious learners, long-term use, all hair types

Best for Self-Cutting: Remington Shortcut Pro

Palm-Held Design:

• Ergonomic palm grip (easier self-cutting)
• Curved blade head (follows head shape)
• No guards needed (one-length design)
• Cordless (rechargeable)
• Unique design for buzz cuts

Best For: Self-cutting buzz cuts, head shaving, unique ergonomics

Best Budget Option: Wahl Lithium Ion Pro

Affordable Reliability:

• 180-minute runtime (longest battery)
• Self-sharpening blades
• 10-piece guard set
• Lightweight (easy handling)
• Proven performance

Best For: Budget-conscious beginners, long battery life priority

Essential Features for Beginner Clippers

Guard Variety

Minimum Needed:

• #1 (3mm) – Very short
• #2 (6mm) – Classic buzz cut
• #3 (9mm) – Medium short
• #4 (12mm) – Longer, conservative
• #5–#8 – Additional length options

Why It Matters: More options = more versatility as you learn.

Cordless vs. Corded for Beginners

Feature	Cordless	Corded
Ease of Movement	Full freedom (easier learning)	Cord can tangle while learning
Power Consistency	60–180 minutes (plan charging)	Unlimited (never dies mid-cut)
Weight	Slightly heavier (battery)	Lighter (no battery)
Best For Beginners	Self-cutting, movement learning	Stationary cuts, no battery concerns

Recommendation: Most beginners prefer cordless for easier maneuvering.

Motor Power

Beginner-Friendly Range:

• Magnetic motors: 4,500–6,000 RPM (quieter, less intimidating)
• Sufficient for: Fine to medium hair, basic cuts
• Avoid: Ultra-powerful rotary motors (can be overwhelming initially)

Weight & Ergonomics

Ideal for Learning:

• 8–12 oz (not too heavy for extended holding)
• Textured grip (prevents slipping)
• Balanced weight (reduces hand fatigue)

Basic Cutting Techniques for Beginners

Start with Simple Buzz Cuts

Why Begin Here:

• Same length all over (easiest)
• One guard size (no blending needed)
• Hard to mess up (even results)
• Build confidence before complex cuts

Recommended Start: #3 or #4 guard (can go shorter later, can't add length back).

Guard Progression Method

Step-by-Step:

1. Choose starting guard (#4 for first attempt)
2. Cut entire head with that guard
3. Evaluate results (too long? too short?)
4. Next cut: Adjust one size up or down
5. Learn your preference through experimentation

Cutting Direction

Basic Rules:

• Against the grain (opposite of hair growth) = shorter cut
• With the grain (same direction as growth) = longer, gentler cut
• For beginners: Start with the grain, progress to against

Common Beginner Mistakes

Cutting Too Short First Try:

• Problem: Can't add length back
• Solution: Start with #4 or #3, work down to shorter

Pressing Too Hard:

• Problem: Uneven results, scalp irritation
• Solution: Light pressure, let clipper do the work

Skipping Neck/Ear Areas:

• Problem: Messy, unfinished look
• Solution: Use detail trimmer or smaller guard for edges

Maintenance for Beginners

After Every Use (2 Minutes)

Simple Routine:

1. Turn off and unplug
2. Brush out hair from blades
3. Apply 2–3 drops oil across blade teeth
4. Turn on 10 seconds (distributes oil)
5. Wipe excess with cloth

Why It Matters: Extends clipper life, keeps blades sharp, prevents rust.

Weekly Cleaning (10 Minutes)

1. Remove blade (check manual for method)
2. Brush thoroughly (all debris removed)
3. Rinse guards with soap and water
4. Dry everything completely
5. Oil blade before reassembling

What You'll Need

Included in Most Kits:

• Cleaning brush
• Clipper oil
• User manual

Optional Extras:

• Blade wash/spray (professional cleaning)
• Replacement guards (if damaged)

Guard Sizes & Cutting Lengths

Guard Number	Length	Best For
#1	3mm (1/8")	Very short buzz, military cut
#2	6mm (1/4")	Classic short buzz cut
#3	9mm (3/8")	Medium short, good starter length
#4	12mm (1/2")	Longer, conservative, safest first try
#5	15mm (5/8")	Noticeably longer
#6	18mm (3/4")	Longer styling
#7	22mm (7/8")	Very long
#8	25mm (1")	Longest standard guard

Beginner Tip: Start with #3 or #4 on your first cut. You can always go shorter on the next cut, but can't add length back if you cut too short initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hair clippers for beginners?

The Wahl Color Pro Cordless (color-coded guards, complete kit, beginner-friendly), Andis ReVite (durable, grows with skills), and Bestbomg BS-808A (complete clipper + trimmer kit) are top beginner choices. Color-coded guards make guard selection foolproof, while complete kits include everything needed without buying accessories separately.

Should beginners use cordless or corded clippers?

Cordless clippers are better for most beginners because they offer easier movement and positioning, especially important when learning technique. Corded clippers provide unlimited power but the cord can tangle and restrict movement while learning. Choose cordless for first cuts, self-cutting, and general convenience.

What guard size should beginners start with?

Start with #3 (9mm) or #4 (12mm) guard for your first haircut. These lengths are forgiving—if the result is too long, you can easily cut shorter on the next attempt. If you start with #1 or #2 and cut too short, you cannot add length back and must wait weeks for regrowth.

How often should beginners oil clippers?

After every single use—this is the most important maintenance step. Apply 2–3 drops of clipper oil across blade teeth, turn on for 10 seconds to distribute, then wipe excess. Oiling takes 30 seconds but extends clipper life significantly and keeps blades cutting smoothly. Skipping oiling causes blades to dull quickly.

Can beginners cut their own hair with clippers?

Yes, buzz cuts and simple all-over lengths are easy for beginners to self-cut. Use a handheld mirror to see the back of your head, start with a longer guard (#3 or #4), and work slowly. The Remington Shortcut Pro has an ergonomic design specifically for self-cutting. Complex fades and detailed cuts require more practice or assistance.

Do beginners need a taper lever?

Not initially—taper levers are for advanced fading techniques. Beginners should focus on mastering guard sizes and even cutting first. As skills develop, clippers with taper levers (like Andis ReVite or Wahl Magic Clip) allow learning fade techniques. Start simple, add complexity gradually.

Conclusion

The best hair clippers for beginners feature color-coded guards for easy length selection, complete kits with all essentials, cordless convenience for easier maneuvering, and forgiving performance that makes learning simple. Models like the Wahl Color Pro Cordless, Andis ReVite, and complete starter kits provide everything needed to master basic buzz cuts before progressing to advanced techniques.

Ready to start cutting at home? Explore beginner-friendly hair cutting kits with complete guard sets, cleaning accessories, and everything needed for successful first haircuts.