10 Best Hair Trimmers

Buying guide

Not sure which hair trimmer to choose? With the help of our buying guide, you can find out which one suits you best.

There are two main types of hair trimmers: Corded and cordless.

Corded hair trimmer

Advantages

Generally more powerful

No time limit on usage

Cheaper

Disadvantages

Requires an electrical outlet to operate

Limited mobility due to cord

Small selection

Price

£14-55 (Avg.: £24)

Battery hair trimmer

Advantages

Can move freely during use

Large selection

Disadvantages

More expensive

Limited operating time

The battery’s operating time decreases with use

Price

£20-255 (Avg.: £78)

Most people choose a battery-powered hair trimmer, the most common type.

These are some of the things you should pay attention to when choosing a battery-powered hair trimmer:

Type of battery

These are the most common types of batteries used in hair trimmers:

Lithium-ion batteries are the best but most expensive choice for cordless hair trimmers. They offer several advantages, including high energy density, which means they can store a significant amount of power in a compact size, have a longer lifespan compared to NiMH batteries, and tend to hold their charge well over time. Further, these batteries also typically have shorter charging times.

NiMH batteries are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries. However, they hold their charge less over extended periods compared to Li-ion batteries. This means that if you leave your trimmer unused for a while, you might need to recharge it before use.

Runtime

Look for hair trimmers with a battery life that meets your needs. Battery life can vary widely among different models, ranging from 40 to 160 minutes.

The following chart shows how the runtime varies across the hair trimmers:

These are the five hair trimmers with the longest runtime:

Charging time

Consider the trimmer’s charging time, which is the duration it takes to charge the battery fully.

Faster charging times can be advantageous if you use the trimmer frequently and don’t want to wait for an extended period before it’s ready for use.

Most hair trimmers come with a set of guide combs that you can adjust to your desired cutting length. The numbers on each comb show how much hair it will cut. You can move the lever up for a closer cut and down for a longer cut.

The maximum cutting length for hair trimmers varies from 3 – 44 mm.

The distribution in maximum cutting length among the hair trimmers in our comparison is shown in the chart below.

These are the five hair trimmers with the greatest maximum cutting length.

Having the right accessories is essential when choosing the right hair trimmer. Some models come with a wide range of accessories, while others only have a few basic ones. In general, the more expensive hair trimmers will have more accessories. Common add-ons include guide combs, smaller trimmer attachments, blade oil/grease, a hair comb, and a cleaning brush.

The blades of hair trimmers come in different sizes, materials, and degrees of durability and sharpness.
It might be a good idea to pick a device with removable blades so that you can replace them when they expire. Choosing blades made of stainless steel, aluminum, or any other rust-free material is best.

You can also opt for self-sharpening blades because they last much longer. This feature sharpens the blades by rubbing them against an interior piece of metal when the trimmer is on – like a knife with a grinding stone. Because it keeps your blades sharp, you won’t have to replace them as often.

A hair trimmer with a narrow cutting width is typically better for details, while a hair trimmer with a wide cutting width generally is more efficient.

Every hair trimmer needs regular maintenance. The maintenance consists of the following:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the trimmer to remove hair and debris that can accumulate in and around the blades. This prevents clogs and ensures efficient cutting.
• Blade lubrication: Apply lubricating oil to the trimmer blades to keep them in good shape and maintain their sharpness. This prevents friction and wear. After lubricating the blades, wipe off any excess oil to prevent mess and ensure clean trimming.
• Hair removal: Remove hair that gets stuck in the trimmer during use, as it can impede its performance and cause clogs.
• Replacement parts: Consider replacing blades or other components if they become dull or damaged, as this can significantly extend the trimmer’s lifespan.

As expected, the more expensive models have a more powerful motor, come with more accessories, and perform better overall. They typically offer more advanced features like self-sharpening blades and water resistance. If you want a simple, functional model, you can choose from a wide range of affordable hair trimmers.

The average price for a hair trimmer is £68. The cheapest model is the Philips QC5115/15 at just £14, while the most expensive is the BaByliss FX895E at £255.

This chart shows the price distribution among the hair trimmers on our list.

The Philips HC5612/15 is the best budget hair trimmer, priced at £35.

If you’re looking for a cheap hair trimmer, check out the five cheapest hair trimmers on our list:

• Multitrimmer: Multitrimmers are designed to handle various grooming tasks. These trimmers often come with various attachments and comb lengths, allowing you to precisely trim your beard, hair, body hair, and even facial hair.

  Multitrimmers are versatile and convenient, making them a great choice for individuals who want a single tool for multiple grooming needs.

• Beard trimmer: Beard trimmers are designed primarily for maintaining facial hair, such as beards and mustaches. They typically have a narrower trimming width and smaller size than hair trimmers, providing them with better precision. You can find the best beard trimmers here.