Can You Bring Hair Clippers on a Plane? TSA Rules & Travel Tips

Short answer: Yes. Hair clippers are allowed in both carry‑on and checked bags under TSA rules. Electric shavers are allowed too. If you pack scissors, ensure the blades are under 4 inches (from the pivot) for carry‑on. And if your clippers are cordless with a lithium‑ion battery, follow the standard battery rules (details below). 

Below is a simple, traveler‑friendly guide that explains where to pack what, how to avoid delays, and smart packing tips—plus a quick shopping note if you want compact, budget‑friendly clippers for your trip.

TSA rules at a glance (what’s allowed)

• Hair clippers: Carry‑on—Yes. Checked—Yes. This is straight from TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page. 
• Electric shavers (foil/rotary): Carry‑on—Yes. Checked—Yes. 
• Hair cutting shears/scissors: Allowed in carry‑on only if the blades are < 4 inches from the pivot; otherwise, pack them in checked luggage. 

• Lithium batteries (for cordless clippers):

  • Installed in the device: generally allowed in carry‑on or checked. If checked, the device must be completely powered off and protected from accidental activation (e.g., packed in a rigid case). 
  • Spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries & power banks: Carry‑on only; not allowed in checked bags. Keep terminals protected. (Most consumer batteries are ≤100 Wh; special allowance up to 160 Wh requires airline approval.) 

• Liquids (clipper oil, disinfectant, etc.): Must follow the 3‑1‑1 rule in carry‑on: containers ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) inside one quart‑size bag. Larger amounts go in checked bags. Non‑aerosol oils are permitted; aerosols are more restricted. 

Quick answer card: where to pack grooming gear

Carry‑on vs. checked: what we recommend

• Carry‑on is usually easiest for cordless clippers because the lithium battery stays with you and can’t get flagged as a “spare in checked.” If an agent wants a closer look, you can quickly show it’s a grooming device. 
• Checked is fine if you prefer to keep your bag lighter at security—just power the device fully off and pack it so it can’t switch on or get damaged (a rigid case helps). 

How to pack hair clippers so security is smooth

Clean and cap the blade. Brush out hair, snap on a blade guard, and wipe the tool so it’s obviously clean. Neat items sail through.

Use a travel case. A small hard case prevents accidental activation and protects the device (especially important if you check it).

Mind the battery rules.

• If your clippers have a removable battery, keep any spares in your carry‑on, terminals taped or in sleeves.
• If the battery is built‑in and you’re checking the device, ensure it’s fully off (not in sleep mode) and protected.

Liquids go in the quart bag. Travel‑size clipper oil or disinfectant must be 3.4 oz/100 ml or less in carry‑on; bigger bottles go in checked. Non‑aerosol oils are fine; aerosols are more restricted.

Scissors under 4 inches only. If you carry shears, measure from the pivot to the tip. Anything longer belongs in checked luggage. 

Label/organize attachments. Guards, combs, and chargers in a clear pouch keep your bag from looking “cluttered” on the X‑ray. (TSA asks travelers to keep carry‑ons uncluttered to speed screening.) 

Domestic vs. international flights (and airline quirks)

TSA rules apply to U.S. airport screening. If you’re connecting abroad, local security rules might differ—especially for liquids and batteries. Some airlines also have extra guidance around power banks (e.g., where they can be used in‑flight), so it’s smart to check your carrier’s page before you fly.

Real‑world packing examples

Scenario A: Weekend trip, carry‑on only (cordless clippers):

• Pack the clippers in a small hard case with blade guard on.
• Put the charger and guards in a mesh pouch.
• 1 oz clipper oil goes in your liquids bag.
• That’s it—walk through security with confidence (TSA lists clippers as allowed).

Scenario B: Family vacation, checked bag (cordless clippers):

• Power the clipper off and pack it in a rigid case.
• Keep any spare battery in your carry‑on (if your model uses removable packs).
• Larger disinfectant or oil bottles ride in checked luggage.

Scenario C: Barber shears + tools:

• Shears with blades <4 inches may go in carry‑on; longer shears must be checked.
• Clippers/trimmers can go in either.
• Keep liquids within 3‑1‑1 in carry‑on. 

Extra tips for hassle‑free screening

• Charge at home; carry a small power bank if you need it—in your carry‑on only. 
• Use a travel lock or switch cover if your clipper has one; preventing accidental activation is part of battery safety guidance for devices in checked bags. 
• Bring travel‑size oil (0.5–1 oz) in your quart bag. Keep bigger bottles in checked. 
• Pack a universal adapter for international trips if your charger is not USB‑C. (Check voltage on the charger label.)
• Remember: an officer can always ask for a closer look, even for allowed items. Polite, organized packing speeds things up. 

Traveling soon? Compact, beginner‑friendly clippers to consider

If you want a travel‑friendly clipper that’s easy to use at home or on the road:

• BESTBOMG Premium Hair Clippers — 7000 RPM motor, up to 220 minutes cordless, taper lever + 8 guards (~1.5–19 mm) for classic short‑back‑and‑sides, buzz cuts, and basic fades. Great all‑rounder for families.
• BESTBOMG Y4 Hair Clippers — 6500 RPM motor, up to 240 minutes cordless, 0.5–2.0 mm adjustable blade for closer detailing, 6 guards for everyday trims. Quiet, 

The bottom line

If you’re wondering “can you bring hair clippers on a plane?”—yes, in both carry‑on and checked bags. Pack them clean, cap the blade, keep liquids ≤3.4 oz in your quart bag, and follow battery basics (spares in carry‑on only; installed batteries must be off and protected if checked). Bring scissors only if the blades are under 4 inches in your carry‑on; otherwise, check them. Do these and your grooming kit should glide through security. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my barber clippers on the plane?

Yes. TSA specifically allows hair clippers in both carry‑on and checked bags. If yours are cordless, standard lithium battery rules apply (spares in carry‑on only; installed batteries okay if the device is protected if checked). 

Can I bring hair-cutting shears on a plane?

Yes, with limits. Scissors in carry‑on must have blades under 4 inches measured from the pivot; longer scissors must be checked. Any sharp items in checked bags should be sheathed. 

Can you take a hair shaver in hand luggage?

Yes. Electric razors/shavers are allowed in both carry‑on and checked. If it’s battery‑powered, follow the same lithium battery basics. 

Can I pack clipper oil or disinfectant?

Yes, but in carry‑on you must follow the 3‑1‑1 liquids rule—each container ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) inside one quart bag. Larger bottles can go in checked bags. Non‑aerosol oils are acceptable; aerosols are more restricted. 

Where should I put spare batteries or a power bank?

Carry‑on only. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are not allowed in checked baggage. Protect terminals (original packaging or tape the contacts).