Hair clippers and trimmers are vastly similar styling tools to the untrained eye. However, while it's true they both cut hair, these barber essentials are designed with different tasks in mind – and choosing the wrong electric devices for the job can quickly lead to an emergency trip to the barber. Whether trimming your hair between appointments, reshaping your beard, or tackling a total restyle, choosing the right hair tools is essential. That's why we've covered everything you need to know about hair clippers and trimmers, including what they are and which is best for your hairstyle.
At Justmylook, we offer a fantastic range of hair clippers for men, including corded and uncorded Wahl clippers and designs by Remington and Babyliss. Not sure which clippers are for you? Check out our guide on the best hair clippers for men, including recommendations and reviews on our favourite clipper brands.
Designed with precision in mind, trimmers are the perfect tools for cutting areas which require finesse and close attention to detail, including shaping around the ears, neckline, sideburns, and moustaches.
Beard trimmers are smaller than clippers, allowing you to easily trim and maintain the hair around your nose, mouth and neckline. They feature thinner blades than other stylers, making it much easier to work with greater detail on short hair and stubble.
Table of contents
- What is a hair clipper?
- What is a hair trimmer?
- What is a foil shaver?
- Is there a difference between a clipper and a trimmer?
- When to use hair clippers and trimmers?
- Which is the best trimmer for beard cutting?
- Hair clippers and trimmers: Do I need to buy both?
- Shop hair clippers & hair trimmers at Justmylook
What is a hair clipper?
Hair clippers are specialist hair-cutting tools for cutting long hair or full beards. Their blades cut through thick hair easily, allowing you to achieve a perfect, level cut, even when cutting your own hair. Most hair clippers come with multiple attachments and guard combs, allowing you to achieve various styling options. If you're a beginner, we recommend starting with a longer guide comb to prevent taking too much length off. Then, you can follow up with a shorter comb as you become more confident, gradually achieving your desired length and look.At Justmylook, we offer a fantastic range of hair clippers for men, including corded and uncorded Wahl clippers and designs by Remington and Babyliss. Not sure which clippers are for you? Check out our guide on the best hair clippers for men, including recommendations and reviews on our favourite clipper brands.
What is a hair trimmer?
A hair trimmer is designed for styling shorter hair, including facial and body hair. They feature smaller blades than clippers, allowing them to cut closer to the skin. They can also double up as a shaver, ideal for sensitive skin.Designed with precision in mind, trimmers are the perfect tools for cutting areas which require finesse and close attention to detail, including shaping around the ears, neckline, sideburns, and moustaches.
What is a foil shaver?
Foil shavers are an electric alternative to razors. They offer a closer shave than other hair tools and completely remove any trace of hair, unlike trimmers. So, if this is not your intention, a trimmer is your best option. Unlike razors, foil shavers are ideal for dry shaving, allowing the user to shave really close to the skin without applying oils or creams first. They are quick and easy to use and do not leave harsh razor bumps like traditional razors, making them great for sensitive skin.
A foil shaver is a great choice if you shave daily or want to completely remove the hair on your head. However, a trimmer is more suitable if you prefer to leave stubble, trim your beard or style your edges.
Is there a difference between a clipper and a trimmer?
The main difference between hair clippers and trimmers is how close they cut to the skin. Clippers are designed for use on longer hair, whilst trimmers have shorter blades and are intended for use on areas with shorter hair, including facial and body hair. Though similar in appearance, clippers tend to be bulkier and heavier than trimmers, which feature a lightweight design. Moreover, unlike trimmers, clippers do not cut extremely close to the skin and are much better suited for longer hairstyles.When to use hair clippers and trimmers?
Which hair tool is best for you depends on your hair length. A hair clipper is the best choice if you have long hair and want to maintain your hairstyle between barber visits. Clippers allow you to cut a few inches off easily, maintaining a clean, sharp look with little effort. However, hair trimmers are more suitable if you have short hair or want to achieve a close shave. They are also perfect for reshaping your edges or defining your neckline, beard, or moustache.Which is the best trimmer for beard cutting?
Many people use hair clippers to cut longer beards. However, if this is a regular occurrence or your beard is not long, we recommend investing in a beard trimmer instead.Beard trimmers are smaller than clippers, allowing you to easily trim and maintain the hair around your nose, mouth and neckline. They feature thinner blades than other stylers, making it much easier to work with greater detail on short hair and stubble.