Best Men's Hair Trimmers / Personal Groomers

Difference between clippers and trimmers

What’s the difference between trimmers, shavers, groomers and clippers? In terms of hair removal products for men, there is a wide range to choose from.

The main difference comes down to the blade size. Clippers have larger blades and are designed to cut long hair whilst trimmers have thin blades which effectively cut and style short hair.

If you have long hair and want to chop off a few inches, then a hair clipper will work best. If you have short hair and want to get a closer shave, then a trimmer is your best bet. If you have long hair and want to get a buzz cut, then you’ll benefit from using both. Firstly, a clipper to cut off the majority of your hair and then a trimmer to get a closer shave.

In conclusion, a clipper is intended for bulk hair cutting on larger areas, whereas a trimmer is designed for edging, outlining, dry shaving and light shaping on smaller areas such as the back of the neck, around the ears and the sideburns.

Clippers and trimmers come with attachments called guards or combs, which are made in different sizes. The combs attach on top of the blade and the size dictates how much hair it cuts.

Whether you’re wanting a buzz cut, to trim your beard or other areas of the body, a trimmer is a great choice for getting a closer and neat cut.

Types of hair trimmers

Before you decide on the perfect trimmer for you, it's important to consider where you’ll be using it and how often.

Beard trimmer

Are you looking to get a clean shave, define your jawline or simply maintain a long beard? You can benefit from purchasing a beard trimmer.

They usually come with two power sources, some can run on a rechargeable battery and others are powered by mains and need to be plugged in. Some have the option of either, making them versatile tools.

Depending on how often you’ll be trimming your beard or if you need to take it on the go whilst travelling will depend on how much you should splash out for a cordless, rechargeable model.

You also have to consider whether you'll need guides and attachments for your trimmer to maintain your desired look and length.

Some of the most popular brands for men’s grooming products include Philips, VS Sassoon, Remington, Wahl and Braun Grooming.

Ear and nose trimmers

The skin inside the nostrils and ears are very sensitive which is why you’ll need trimmers specifically designed for these areas.

While you can buy a separate trimmer for each area, you could save money by buying a trimmer with interchangeable heads instead.

Groomers

Groomers are similar to hair clippers but are designed to cut hair on the body. For men, they can be used to trim or shave the hair on the chest, abdomen, armpits or groin.

Groomers usually have non-adjustable heads and use a single head to trim the hair. Many groomers also come with adjustable length settings so you can maintain hair length on your body instead of shaving.

Multi groom kits

Since most men need a combination of trimmers, shavers and groomers, some companies have started to bundle grooming and personal care products into a single product called a multi-groom kit.

These kits contain an electrical product with a single motor that comes with multiple changeable heads. Each head tackles body-removal on a different area of the body.

Multi-groom kits cost less, are easy to carry and easy to maintain since you only have to manage a single device instead of multiple devices. The downside is that they may be less effective at the functionalities they offer, since a jack of all trades is a master of none.

Grooming kits may also contain a variety of grooming additions including brushes, scissors, oils and combs of adjustable cutting length combs to give you a range of cutting lengths.

Trimmer blades

When choosing a durable trimmer, you’ll want to check out what the blades are made of. Good quality materials include stainless steel, titanium and chromium. Blades can also be hypoallergenic, making them a wise choice for those with sensitive skin.

Self-sharpening blades can save you valuable maintenance time since they can give you a closer shave for longer.

Cord or cordless trimmers

When choosing which power-source to go for, bear in mind that traditional wired trimmers provide endless power so you won’t have to worry about keeping your trimming time to a minimum. However, wireless trimmers are more convenient to use and provide a great degree of flexibility and portability.

Combs

Trimmers usually come with different combs to achieve different lengths. You can adjust the combs for short, medium or long hair. Combs let you choose between a long beard or a light stubble. Make sure that the trimmer you choose has the length options that you want.

When choosing guide combs, you should make sure they are not fragile and are stay in place whilst being used - you can find out this information by reading user reviews on various trimmers.

Maintenance

A good quality pair of hair clippers will not only save you a lot of money and time, but can also last many years if you look after them properly.

You can use a clipper cleaning brush to remove any remaining hair and small deposits between the blades and blade teeth, which if not removed, will eventually blunt the blades.

You can sterilise the blades after use with white vinegar or an alcohol rub. A liquid solution can also be helpful in removing hairs that brushes can’t reach. They prevent hair from clogging up in the first place as well.

These cleaning liquids are designed to cool, deodorize, lubricate, clean, prevent rust and decontaminate the blades.

Features you should consider

Price

Trimmers vary in price based on the features they offer, the brand and the quality. They can range anywhere between $30-200. Those in the upper range may include better-quality blades, a host of attachments and come with warranties. For the most part, you can find an affordable and good quality trimmer for you that covers everything you need.

Grip and convenience

Many parts of the body can be sensitive - that’s why comfort and convenience is something worth paying more for. You should consider investing in hypoallergenic and sharp, durable blades to avoid any skin irritation or cuts. You should also purchase a trimmer with a comfortable grip which makes it easier to maneuver and less likely to drop.

Dry or wet trimming

Some trimmers are made of waterproof material that allows them to be used in the water. This ensures you can shave or trim your beard and body hair while showering. This saves you time and cleaning since you won’t clog the sink with your hair.

Depending on whether you like to trim before, during a shower or after, you should consider whether to go for a trimmer that’s for wet or dry styling. If you switch between both, there are beard trimmers that can accommodate both wet and dry trims.

Portability

How easily can you transport your trimmer? If you’re always travelling for work or you’re just a jet setter, you’ll want something you can easily pack in your carry on. You might want to opt for a grooming kit with detachable heads and universal voltage to keep yourself well-groomed no matter where in the world you are.

You can read reviews on our website to see what kind of experience people had with the best trimmers on the market.