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Everything You Need to Know About Hair Clipper Guard Sizes
And that’s why, whenever you buy clippers, they often come with some accessories.
Normally, you’ll find things like clipper oil, a cleaning brush, a styling comb, and several guard combs. All these items are clipper maintenance and clipping necessities.
For a first-time user, things can be a bit confusing.
So, if you’ve been wondering; what do clipper guards do?
You are in the right place.
In this post, you’ll learn about things like:
- What clipper guards are?
- Hair clipper guide sizes
- Types of guard combs
- And hair clipper blade sizes too
Here’s what you need to know… (click here to see the infographic)
What are Hair Clipper Guards?
Clipper Guards or Attachment Combs or Guide Combs are simply tools that help measure the length of hair you are cutting.
They are designed to fit onto a clipper’s blades.
That way the user can cut precise lengths of hair around the head with ease.
Basically, without clipper guards, some hairstyles (like fades) would be quite hard to pull off.
There are different clipper guard lengths; some longer and some shorter.
And in terms of measurement, hair clipper guard sizes are determined in millimeters (mm) or inches (“).
All clipper guard sizes are graded in numbers and not their actual sizes.
Usually, it’s a number between 0 and 12.
The number 8 (or #8) of Remington HC 8017 guide combs is 25mm or 1 inch in size.
The #1, #2, and #3 clipper guards are the most common ones in a barbershop; you’ve probably heard of them somewhere.
This clipper guard size chart shows all the known clipper numbers today:
| Number 0 (or 1/2 for Wahl Clippers) | 1.5 | 1/16 |
| Number 1 | 3 | 1/8 |
| Number 2 | 6 | 1/4 |
| Number 3 | 10 | 3/8 |
| Number 4 | 13 | 1/2 |
| Number 5 | 16 | 5/8 |
| Number 6 | 19 | 3/4 |
| Number 7 | 22 | 7/8 |
| Number 8 | 25 | 1 |
| Number 10 | 32 | 1.25 |
| Number 12 | 37.5 | 1.5 |
Anyway, since most clipper brands come with different guide comb sizes, I’ll FOCUS on five of the most popular brands today.
Here are guide comb sizes from different hair clipper brands:
Wahl Hair Clipper Guard Size Chart
| # 1/2 | 1.5 | 1/16 |
| #1 | 3 | 1/8 |
| #1-1/2 | 4.8 | 3/16 |
| #2 | 6 | 1/4 |
| #3 | 10 | 3/8 |
| #4 | 13 | 1/2 |
| #5 | 16 | 5/8 |
| #6 | 19 | 3/4 |
| #7 | 22 | 7/8 |
| #8 | 25 | 1 |
| #10 | 32 | 1-1/4 |
| #12 | 38 | 1-1/2 |
Wahl Premium Clipper Guards
This clipper tray has 8 premium black metal cutting guards that are compatible with most Wahl full-size clippers except detachable blade clippers. The sizes of the 8 secure-fitting guards are; 1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8”, and 1”.
Wahl Color Guards
This is a pack of 8 color-coded cutting guides that fit most vibrating professional barber clippers. Each guide snaps to clipper blades securely and easily glides through the hair. The sizes included are 1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8”, and 1”.
Andis Hair Clipper Guard Size Chart
| #0 | 1.5 | 1/16 |
| #0.5 | 2.4 | 3/32 |
| #1 | 3 | 1/8 |
| #1-1/2 | 4.5 | 3/16 |
| #2 | 6 | 1/4 |
| #3 | 10 | 3/8 |
| #4 | 13 | 1/2 |
| #5 | 16 | 5/8 |
| #6 | 19 | 3/4 |
| #7 | 22 | 7/8 |
| #8 | 25 | 1 |
Andis Magnetic Guards
Here is a set of 5 magnetic guards with secure snap-on designs. The guard sizes include 1/16”, 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″. They are a fit for clippers in model MBA, MC-2, ML, PM-1, and PM-4. Note: they do not work with Andis AGC2 and Oster 76 clippers.
Oster Hair Clipper Guard Size Chart
| #0 | 1.5 | 1/16 |
| #1 | 3 | 1/8 |
| #2 | 6 | 1/4 |
| #3 | 10 | 3/8 |
| #4 | 13 | 1/2 |
| #5 | 16 | 5/8 |
| #6 | 19 | 3/4 |
| #7 | 22 | 7/8 |
| #8 | 25 | 1 |
| #10 | 32 | 1-1/4 |
Oster Universal Comb Attachments
This Oster Universal guard set is compatible with Wahl, Babyliss, Andis, and other major clipper brands. The 10 pieces of black guides are in sizes 1/16”, 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1”, and 1 1/4″. A soft storage pouch is included.
Remington Hair Clipper Guard Size Chart
| #0 | 1.5 | 1/16 |
| #1 | 3 | 1/8 |
| #2 | 6 | 1/4 |
| #3 | 9 | 3/8 |
| #4 | 12 | 1/2 |
| #5 | 16 | 5/8 |
| #6 | 19 | 3/4 |
| #7 | 22 | 7/8 |
| #8 | 25 | 1 |
BaByliss PRO Hair Clipper Guard Size Chart
| #0.5 | 1.5 | 1/16 |
| #1 | 3 | 1/8 |
| #1.5 | 4.8 | 3/16 |
| #2 | 6 | 1/4 |
| #3 | 10 | 3/8 |
| #4 | 13 | 1/2 |
| #5 | 16 | 5/8 |
| #6 | 19 | 3/4 |
BabylissPRO Comb Set
These are 8 Babyliss Pro clipper guards in sizes 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″. They come with metal clips (better than the plastic ones) and are compatible with Babyliss FX870, FX880, FX825, and FX673 clippers.
With that in mind, you should note:
- Different clipper brands have different hair clipper sizes. For example, Wahl’s hair clippers 0.5 grade guard is the same as Oster’s #0 blade guard. Also, Wahl clippers guard sizes run up to #12 while Oster only has up to #8.
- Hair clipper guard sizes differ from blade sizes. Yes, clipper blades also cut different lengths depending on blade/taper lever positions.
Therefore, if you come across different hair clipper lengths pictures, the information above will help you allay any confusion that may arise.
You are probably wondering; what do each of these numbers mean in terms of haircut lengths?
If so, here’s what you should know:
Common Hair Clipper Guard Sizes
Number 0 or 0.5 Guard Combs
The #0 haircut – or 1/2 for Wahl clipper users – is, basically, the shortest there is.
In fact, this number doesn’t have a guide comb; it uses the clippers blades to deliver clean, even, and extremely close cuts.
In a #0 haircut, the hair will be at most 1.5mm or 1/16” long.
It’s the number you ask for when you want any of the following haircuts:
All #0 haircuts often leave the scalp exposed. Also, this haircut is quite easy to clean and maintain.
Number 1 and 1.5 Guard Combs
#1 haircuts guards are often about 1/8 th of an inch or 3mm long while the #1.5 are 3/16” or 4.8mm.
These are the numbers you ask for when you’re looking for a perfect buzz cut.
They are slightly longer than the Number 0.
But when used interchangeably, the resulting side fade is always one for the books.
To do a fade, you’ll need to use other guard numbers on the top of the head; the number value will decrease gradually as you move from the top to the back and sides of the head e.g. #3 then #2 then #1.
Also, just like the #0 haircut, there will be a degree of scalp exposure with #1 haircuts.
Number 2 Guard Combs
As far as fades are concerned, the #2 guard comb is always the first choice.
It’s quite popular; mainly because it cuts the hair short but with minimal scalp exposure.
That makes it more comfortable to wear for any occasion or space; casual or official.
The #2 guard comb measures 6mm or 1/4 inch; which is, basically, not too long or short.
A number two haircut will leave your hair looking short and fuller.
And the best part is that it works great for people with thinning hair as well as those with thick, bushy hair.
Number 3 Guard Combs
The #3 is also a great guard for fades.
In fact, most barbers often use number 3 haircut sides as the longest guard size for fade haircuts.
Basically, if you are looking for a stunning fade or buzz cut, guard comb #1, #2, and #3 are always your best bet.
The number three guard will leave you with a 10mm or 3/8-inch-long hair.
It’s often fuller but still decently short.
Number 4 Guard Combs
If you are looking for a medium length hairstyle, then the number 4 haircut is exactly what you should ask for.
Well, it measures a 1/2 inch or 13mm long, hence, the #4 is the medium length for standard hair clipper guard combs.
It’s ideal for crew and brush haircuts – basically, these are long buzz cuts with skin fades on the sides.
The best part is that the number four haircut will look good on people with thin or thick hair.
Number 5 Guard Combs
If you are less into fades and more into tapers, then you definitely want a number 5 haircut.
This clipper guard is often ideal for tapering.
It is great for layering when used with other guard combs.
In most cases, the #5 and #6 guards are often used interchangeably.
This guard size measures 16mm or 5/8 inches long.
Number 6 Guard Combs
Just like the #5 clipper guard, the number six is designed for tapering too.
It measures 3/4 inches or 19mm in length.
The number 6 haircut length is fairly long and often requires frequent trimming unlike buzz cuts and fades.
Number 7 Guard Combs
The number seven is often used hand in hand with the number eight.
There is a slight difference between their lengths, but both often serve the same purpose.
The #7 measures 7/8 inches or 22mm in length; a length that is ideal for a bushy crew cut for men with thick hair.
Just don’t forget to use a lower number guard size to trim the back and sides of the head.
Number 8 Guard Combs
With the number eight, things are a bit different.
Well, for starters, it’s the longest standard clipper haircut length in the United States measuring 1 inch or 25mm long.
Getting a number 8 haircut all over is just a simple way of keeping your hair neat, even, and manageable.
It also makes it easy for you to comfortably apply conditioners and hair gel whenever you want to style your hair.
It’s usually great for people looking for a nice, long taper fade.
Number 10 and 12 Guard Combs
If you are an Andis/BaByliss/Remington Clipper user, you’ve probably not seen any of these two clipper sizes.
And that’s because Andis clippers guards size and Remington clipper guard sizes only go as far as #8.
However, Oster users can comfortably make a number 10 haircut due to the availability of this guard size.
Even better, Wahl clipper guard sizes can go up to number 12.
In terms of length, the number 10 measures 1.25 inches or 32mm long; while the number 12 comes in at 1.5 inches or 38mm.
Despite being rarely used, these numbers often come in handy for special requests from a select group of clients.
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Someone recently asked me:
Is there a 3 inch clipper guard or 4 inch clipper guard Wahl?
Truth is, I’ve never come across either.
But they do exist; they are just a little hard to come by because of low demand and supply.
And my guess is that people have been confusing the guard numbers and the actual sizes.
For example:
Saying 3 inch clipper guard Wahl, instead of a number 3.
There is a 2-inch (51mm) guide comb made by Clipquik or Miaco that fits perfectly onto Wahl clippers.
Types of Hair Clipper Guards
Knowing hair clipper sizes in mm is always important, however, there are other things you should know.
You’ve learned that not all clippers use the same guards from the clipper guard sizes examples above.
Also, the fact that there is a slight difference in the longest hair clipper grades in mm i.e. the longest Andis Clipper Guard is 25mm long while Wahl goes up to 38mm.
That being said, there are also different types of clipper guards as you shall see below:
Manufacturer-Provided Clipper Guards
These are the guide combs that often come with your clippers.
Wahl Deluxe Chrome Pro
This kit contains a clipper powered by Wahl’s patented PowerDrive motor. It has 13 guards, self-sharpening blades, 2 hair combs, blade oil, a barber cape, and 2 hair clips. The guard sizes are; 1/16”, 1/8″, 3/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, 5/8″,3/4″, 7/8″, 1”, left ear taper, right ear taper, eyebrow, and ear trim guides.
In most cases, they’ll measure between 1/8” and 1”.
Not all clippers come with the same number of clipper guards. In fact, some Andis clippers don’t come with clipper guards at all.
That’s why you should always check to see if your clipper comes with clipper guards before buying it.
There’s also the question of quality; some manufacturer-provided clipper guards are often very low-quality and brittle.
Third-Party and Special Size Clipper Guards
Now, if you get bad or no Remington hc5855 guards from your clipper’s manufacturer, you can always opt for third-party products.
Clipquik 2 Inch Clipper Guard
Here is a unit of Clipquick clipper guard for fixing long hair and it works with both home-use clippers and saloon clippers. It is a 2” size guard that fits most Wahl full-size clippers, including Wahl pet-grooming clippers. It fits just like Wahl’s #10 and #12 guards.
Also, if you’ve been searching for a 2 inch clipper guard, you won’t find it in any original clipper kit; only third-party manufacturers make those.
There are numerous third-party clipper guards available today including Remington hair clipper replacement combs.
Magnetic Clipper Guards
These guide combs are often common with Andis clippers.
Andis Magnetic Guards
Unbox this pack of 5 dual-magnetic clipper guards from Andis. Each is a purple easy-attachable guard with a secure snap-on design that fits clipper models MBA, MC-2, ML, PM-1, and PM-4. They are in sizes; 1/16”, 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″.
They are fitted with small, strong magnets that help them to stick on the blade during a haircut.
The biggest benefit of using this type of guide combs is that they are easy to attach and detach from the hair clipper; making it easy for you to quickly switch between haircut lengths men with ease.
Color-Coded Clipper Guards
Lastly, there are color-coded guide combs.
Basically, these are clipper guards that come in different colors for ease in remembering their size and number.
The Wahl Color Pro is the best example of clippers that come with color-coded guards.
As for Remington clippers, only their HC6525 version comes with color-coded attachment combs. And you won’t easily find any third-party versions for this clipper brand.
Before I wrap up on our haircut clipper guard sizes, there is still one more important aspect to cover.
How much do you know about clipper blade sizes?
Not much…? – this next bit is for you.
Understanding Clippers Blades Sizes
You don’t need to know how to make clipper guards longer, in order to increase your hair length.
Clipper blades can also be adjusted to add a millimeter or two to the cut.
I can’t talk about barber clipper sizes without talking about the blades.
There are three main types of blade sizes.
And that’s why we are going to look at Wahl, Andis, and Oster clipper blade sizes in this detailed clipper length guide.
What additional length does each blade type have to offer?
Wahl Clipper Blade Sizes
While America’s most popular clipping company is big on clipper guards, their blades are almost similar in size.
That’s why it’s not easy to come by a Wahl clipper blade sizes chart.
Normally, the Wahl 0 guard is often the most popular size for anyone looking for the shortest hair size using a Wahl clipper.
However, if you are looking for an even closer cut, here are your Wahl blade options:
| 1005 | 1 to 3 | 1/32 to 1/8 |
| 1006 | 1 to 3 | 1/32 to 1/8 |
| 2191 | 0.5 | 1/50 |
Wahl Precision Blade Replacement
Replace the broken blade of your Wahl Basic, Deluxe, or Exclusive with a Wahl precision 2-hole blade for sharp performance. This blade fits clippers in the model 8640-500, 8645-500, 8643-500, and Taper 2000, 8472-850, and 8472-700. It comes with a blade oil and 2 installation screws.
Andis Clipper Blade Sizes
Andis is a brand well known for having the best detachable, ceramic blades that are often at least 70% cooler than any other clipper on the market.
This makes them ideal for heavy-duty work in busy barbershops.
Andis blades come in different sizes.
The best part is that their blades can cut hair as low as 0.2mm in length.
Indeed, Andis blade sizes are not as many as the ones you get is an Oster clipper; but as long as they get the job done, all is well, right?
Philips All-in-One Trimmer 7000 Series
Here’s a simple illustration of an Andis clipper blade conversion chart:
| #00000 | 0.2 | 1/125 |
| #000 | 0.5 | 1/50 |
| #0A | 1.2 | 3/64 |
| #1 | 2.4 | 3/32 |
| #1A | 3.2 | 1/8 |
| #1 1/2 | 4 | 5/32 |
| #2 | 6.3 | 1/4 |
| #3 1/2 | 9.5 | 3/8 |
| #3 3/4 | 13 | 1/2 |
| #5/8 | 16 | 5/8 |
And that’s not the best clipper size chart you’ll see today…
Andis CeramicEdge Blade, Size 1 1/2
Swap a blade that gets hot quickly with this carbonized steel blade that stays sharp longer and keeps itself cool all day long with ceramic cutting technology. This is a 1 1/2″ detachable blade that fits Andis clipper models AG, AGRC, AGC, AGRV, AGP, AGCL, SMC, DBLC, MBG, and AGR.
Oster Clipper Blade Sizes
In terms of clipper blade sizes, Oster is the undisputed king.
That’s because it has up to 14 different blade sizes; which is way more than you get with Andis clippers.
Well, this makes the Oster clipper a top choice for barbers looking for extremely precise haircut lengths.
Not to mention the fact that they are durable, robust, and conveniently sharp.
The Oster clipper blade chart below also applies to the Oster Classic 76.
Here is what you need to know about Oster’s blade sizes:
| #00000 | 0.2 | 1/125 |
| #0000 | 0.25 | 1/100 |
| #000 | 0.5 | 1/50 |
| Modified 0A | 0.5 | 1/50 |
| #0A | 1.2 | 3/64 |
| #1 | 2.4 | 3/32 |
| #1A | 3.2 | 1/8 |
| #1 1/2 | 4 | 5/32 |
| #2 | 6.3 | 1/4 |
| #3 1/2 | 9.5 | 3/8 |
| #3 3/4 | 12.7 | 1/2 |
| Flattop T | 0.5 | 1/50 |
| 18 Skiptooth | 3.2 | 1/8 |
| Texturing Blade | 3.2 | 1/8 |
Oster Fast Feed Replacement Blade
This is the perfect replacement blade for your Oster fast feed clippers, Topaz, Sable, Rocker, and Speed Line. It fits clipper models 23-54, 30-31, 23-31, 56-31 and 23-51. The blade is made with high-carbon steel to always be cool and extra-durable during heavy duty.
There you have it – everything you need to know about hair clipper guard sizes.
Now you know how to make precise haircut sizes, types of guide combs, blade lengths, and what guard numbers actually mean.
Anyway, do you have any questions?
If so, don’t hesitate to share them with me. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
from Mike Medders
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Комментарии и мнения владельцев
I have question that I can not seem to find the answer. I get a number 2 haircut all over. Recently I bought my own Wahl hair clippers that included the clipper guards so I can cut my own hair. I got confused with the taper lever but found out what it does.
My question is, when hair clipper has a number 2 guard, should the taper lever be set to closed or open to get the number 2 haircut all over?
I understand when the taper lever is closed it cuts more hair and when open it cuts less hair but how much difference is there in hair length for number 2 between closed and open with number 2 guard and which taper lever position is a true number 2 hair cut with guard?
There are a few things you need to understand about hair clippers – one of them being the function of the taper lever. As mentioned in the post, taper levers are often used to adjust the clipper’s blades. When a clipper’s taper lever is closed, the haircut length is ~0mm (Zero). Hence, it’s referred to as a #0. Now, when you open the taper lever, you’ll be increasing the length of the cut from your blades.
For example:If you have an Andis hair clipper, opening its taper lever adds between 0.2mm (#00000) and 16mm (#5/8) of length to your haircut. Therefore, if you were to use you #2 guide comb on a clipper with an open taper lever, the resulting haircut length would be longer i.e. the increase in blade-cutting length added to the haircut size of your guide comb e.g. 0.5mm (#000 blade size) 6mm (#2 guard size) = a ~6.5mm long haircut.
Basically, opening your taper lever is just the same as using a clipper guard – both are meant to increase the length of the haircut by cutting less hair off. Therefore, when you use both, the resulting hair length will be the sum of the taper lever and clipper guard sizes used.
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Hello, does opening the Wahl taper lever add the same amount as the Andis?
Not necessarily. As mentioned in the post, the taper lever’s work is to adjust the sizes of the blades. And from the post on the last part where I talk about blade sizes, it’s clear that Wahl and Andis both have different blades sizes. Therefore, adjusting the taper lever on either of the clippers will result in a different amount/size added or removed.
In Oster guards, If I use a 000 (0,5mm) blade with a #0 (1.5mm) guard the result will be A haircut size of 2mm or guards sizes considers 000 as the standard blade for guards?In case I use a 0000 blade with #0 guard will I get an 1.75mm size?
When combining blade sizes and clipper guard sizes, it’s just simple math. If your blade size is “A” and then you use an attachment comb of size “2A,” the resulting haircut will be of size “3A.”
Therefore, Yes, Oster’s #000 (0.5mm) blade with a #0 (1.5mm) guide comb will give you a 2mm long haircut. And that also means that you’ll get a 1.75mm long haircut when you combine the #0 guide comb with a #0000 blade in your Oster hair clipper.
Thanks for a great article!
One of the things that confuses me about clipper comb guards is their measurements.
I have a razor from a manufacturer not covered in your article and am unsure if I should change the razor to get longer cuts, or if one of the manufacturers above would fit my razor head.
Do you know if it’s possible to get measurements for the guide comb anywhere?
My razor head is 4cm by 3cm so it feels like there might be a universal head for this type of size.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the post. Now, to properly answer your question, I need to know what your Razor’s name and brand are.
Closed 2 is 2/8 of an inch. Open 2 is 2/8 1/16 of an inch, correct ?
Yes to getting a 2/8 inch long haircut when you use a closed clipper with a #2 guide comb.
And No, an open #2 does not equate to 2/8 1/16 inches because there’s no available blade number (on all hair clippers) for size 1/16. The closest you can get to that outcome or haircut length is if you use a #2 (2/8 Inches) guide comb together with an open #1 (3/32 inches) blade on Oster and Andis clippers only.
Hey Mike,Thank for you taking the time to make this post. It really cleared up a lot for me. My question doesn’t there seem to be any metal guides combs available? Wahl makes them for animals, but apparently us humans are not allowed to have our own. When I was in the military one barber I went to had a set of all stainless blade guards. They definitely gave the best haircuts I ever had. I have no idea what brand of clippers he used or even how old they may have been. My plastic combs always seem to get brittle and break over time, but I have never had anyting but cheaper consumer models from places like Walmart. Do you know where to find metal ones, or is there a difference in the professional plastic ones, like the metal “magic” clip Wahl ones? Or should I just be taking better care of my plastic ones?
First of all, Thank You for Your Service. And I’m glad and humbled that this post was helpful.
Now, to answer your question.
Metal/stainless-steel guard combs do exist, but usually for pet and animal grooming. I’ve seen quite a number of these attachment combs on Amazon and eBay, but haven’t been lucky enough to find ones made for human use to replace my flimsy plastic ones.
However, one thing you should note is that most of the sizes on the available metal guide combs are just the same as the ones we have on the plastic (human) combs.
Therefore, in my opinion, the word “animal” is just a label and it doesn’t mean people can’t use them. So, if you are comfortable using the stainless-steel ones, you can. I’m sure the haircut length results will be the same but the experience will be a tad bit better; plus, durability won’t be an issue anymore. If not, I guess the only remaining option you’ll have is to take good care of your plastic ones.
Ps:If you do happen to come across stainless steel guide combs for men, please share them with us. I’m sure a lot of us who are frustrated by the flimsy, brittle plastic ones will appreciate better and more sturdy options. I’ll do more research too and get back to you as soon as I have something good.
Hey Mike thanks for the response!
I was not able to find much more about metal guides, but think I have found what I am looking for. The barber was probably using detachable blade clippers, and I was thinking it was just metal guides. The one I am looking at is the Andis Supra ZRII which works with detachable blades, and is cordless with a replacable battery pack. It is definitely expensive, but I think is exactly what I am looking for.
As a quarantined woman I have had to start cutting my own hair with scissors. Not a good job! Is there a clipper that can let me cut my hair two inches all over? A sort of Flowbee contraption?
I hope you are doing great and staying safe. Now, to answer your question. I don’t know of any clipper brand that makes attachment combs beyond the #12. However, there are several third-party guard combs you can use (mostly on Wahl clippers) to obtain a two-inch haircut.
Anyway, I hope this helps. If not, hit me up again and we’ll see what other options we can try.
Mike, I have a Philips norelco 7790. The largest blade guard is 5/8″. Is there a third party comb/blade guard that will to to at least 1″? I want a longer cut. My hair has been growing for 3 months now and needs attention while I stay in lockdown
Unfortunately, the Phillips Norelco MG7790 doesn’t have guide combs bigger than the #5 (5/8″ or 16mm). And because of its atypical (unique) blade design, third-party clipper guard manufacturers don’t have much incentive to come up with bigger guides for it (due to low demand and all).
So, if you are keen on getting a #8 (or bigger), my suggestion is. get another hair clipper; preferably, one from a popular brand like Wahl, Andis, or even Oster. Most of their clippers use the same blades, therefore, it’s easier to find different guard comb sizes, including the ones not provided by the manufacturer.
Hi, Barber MikeYour article really gave me a much better understanding of clippers. I have a couple of questions I hope you will answer for me. Due to the fact that I am now at very high risk when exposed to communicable diseases, my public outings are basically just to the doctors’ offices and occasionally to the grocer’s store if friends are unable to shop for me. Thus, it is unlikely I will be going to a salon even when the pandemic ends. What I have done is to tie my hair in a pony tail and chop it off. However, I’d like to do at least a little bit better job than that. If I get a Wahl’s clipper and set of clipper guards, including a #12, then I could get a 1.5 inch cut all over. However, I could increase that by a few hundredths of an inch by extending the taper (doesn’t sound like much). Alternatively, if there is a third-party manufacturer for Wahl’s clipper guards, I could maybe get a two-inch cut. Have I applied the facts correctly? I’d prefer to start with a two-inch all over cut, but it looks like I might have to settle for 1.5 inches.
How are you holding up? I’m sorry to hear about your current predicament. On the plus side, a lot of resources and bright minds have been tasked with fixing the world, so, let’s hope that a fool-proof solution will be found soon.
Anyway, to answer your question:
In truth, Wahl doesn’t manufacture guard combs bigger than the #12 (1.5″). However, if you already have Wahl clippers, getting a 2-inch haircut shouldn’t be a problem. That’s because there are several #16 clipper guards available today from third-party manufacturers like Clipquik and Miaco. Therefore, getting yourself any of their 2″ clipper guards can help you get a good, uniform, two-inch haircut at home.
I hope this was helpful Maren. And if you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I’ll be more than happy to help.
Otherwise, Stay Safe and Stay Strong.
Thanks for this great article! I’m glad I found you. I hope you can help me solve this problem.- I’m a new beard-owner and I bought one of the cordless Wahl beard trimmers. My beard recently got too bushy for my taste, so I tried the 16mm guard and it didn’t reach my beard at all. So I went to the 13mm and it cut way too short. So I’m desperately looking for 14mm and 15mm guards, but no luck anywhere on the Internet so far. Do you have any advice?
I hope you are doing great. From what I know, there are no 14mm and 15mm Wahl guide combs. The closest you can get to this length range is by using the #4 (13mm). Luckily, I’m all about solutions and I think I have one for you. Just because there isn’t an exact size 14/15mm clipper guard, it does not mean there’s no workaround. Here’s what you can do:
First, note that your Wahl hair trimmer won’t be ideal for this workaround. Why? Because most (almost all) trimmers don’t have a taper lever, so you can’t adjust the blade size when the need arises. Therefore, a hair clipper is highly recommended for this.
I’d recommend you get the Cordless Wahl Sterling 4 or Professional Designer because they are both high-quality and strong hair clipper that come with Wahl’s #1005 blades and the #4 guard comb in their accessories. The #1005 blade is critical for this workaround because it allows size adjustment of between 1mm (when the taper lever is closed) and 3mm (when it’s fully opened).
Now, the reason why you need the #4 guide combs is that when using an adjustable blade clipper, increasing the length of the cut is easier than decreasing. So, the #5 guard won’t do here.
Anyway, with all that in mind and assuming you have everything ready. the clipper (as suggested above or any other you can find with the Wahl #1005 blades) and the #4 attachment comb, here’s how to get a size 14mm or 15mm haircut:
Oil the clipper and prepare it for work. the usual stuff.
Fit the #4 guard comb onto your clipper and open the taper lever fully. When you do that, here’s what will happen; the guide comb will give you 13mm of cutting length and the blades will give you 3mm (when the taper is fully opened). If you sum them up (13mm 3mm), you should be able to comfortably make a 16mm-long beard trim, right? But as you said earlier, 16mm (#5) was too long; so it won’t work.
So, now you know that this blade and guard combination gives you 16mm and that the guard comb length (13mm) is fixed. Therefore, you’ll have to adjust your blades to get the size you want. And since the #1005 blades give you a 3mm adjusting range, it means that moving the taper lever a third of the distance it covers from fully-opened to fully-closed should give you about 1mm i.e. opening by a third adds 1mm and closing by the same distance removes 1mm from your cutting length.
Therefore, if your taper lever is fully open, all you have to do is to close it by a third of its working distance to get a 15mm-long cut or by two-thirds of the distance to get 14mm of cutting length.
Pro tip: Always start with a longer length and then gradually reduce it to the size you want i.e. Start with size 16mm, then 15mm, then 14mm. until you achieve your desired length. Why? Because starting with a shorter size won’t give you the opportunity to test longer sizes when looking for your ideal length; you’ll have to wait until your beard grows back up to test the next size. And you don’t want that, do you? So, high to low. that’s the way to go.
Anyway, Phil. I hope this is helpful even in the slightest of ways. As I said, there aren’t any size 14mm or 15mm guards available, so, this workaround might be your best option. In case you have any other questions about this, feel free to ask.
Thank you and have a splendid week.
Best Beard Trimmers
The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
Facial hair has become an all-season trend embraced by men of every age and background. Sporting anything from substantial stubble to a magnificent mustache to a bushy beard to fit in with the pseudo-millennial (a.k.a. urban lumberjack) or mature crowd seems standard these days.
These days, the bearded style is proving to be more fixture than fad. Protect sensitive skin with any number of beard styles, cut time in the morning by having that hair on your face prepped and ready to go by allowing for a little length in between shaving. Still want to get close, but leave the slightest stubble? No worries there either — check out our best electric razors.
Most guys seem to think growing a beard is difficult. Not at all. That’s the easy part. Controlling that unruly facial hair with a good beard trim is a whole different beast. Ideally, you want to keep it neat and trimmed — much like that hair atop your head. And the only true way of accomplishing this is by practicing proper beard maintenance, which requires commitment and the right grooming tool: a beard trimmer.
The relationship a traditional shaver has with his shaving routine is the same one a beard wearer should have with his beard trimming routine. And even if you’re one who favors a clean shave from time to time, never look at it as cheating on your grooming tools. Every season does call for a new look. Right? Seriously though, there really isn’t any other grooming tool capable of taming unattractive scruff and stray hairs. These are the absolute best beard trimmers out there right now.
What to Look for
Stumbling on the right trimmer best equipped for your facial profile takes a bit of research, and it’s generally a matter of mixing and matching the features you want most at the price you’re willing to pay. And, like every great grooming product that comes along, several deciding factors — pros and cons — do come into play when settling on a trimmer to care for or style your beard.
So if you’re ready to toss that crumb dumpster, and get your next good beard trimmer charging, then it’s time to line up your best beard oils as we break down the best beard trimmers available now.
Basic Beard Maintenance Tips
Beard Care Do’s
Wash Your Beard Frequently What does that mean? Simple. Clean it every two to three days; not daily. The reason for that is the chemicals in a beard wash can cause hairs to turn brittle and coarse, which will completely destroy the blades on your trimmer, let alone the skin on your face.
Keep a Tightly Trimmed Neckline Most men are guilty of trimming their neckline too high. In fact, trimming it one inch above the Adam’s Apple was the perfect length.
Give The ‘Stache Some TLC With all that hair beneath your chin, it’s common for guys to forget about that strip of fur above their upper lip. Moustaches should be groomed, while matching both the length and look of a beard. You can use moustache scissors to help even things out.
Beard Care Don’ts
Wait Forever to Clean Your Trimmer Beard trimmers can be a pricey investment for some. That means you’ll want to get the most out of it before tossing it in the trash. Establish a cleaning routine, let’s say once every two weeks, to keep the machine performing at peak levels.
Let It Grow Wild and Uneven Even if curiosity has you wondering how long your beard can grow, restrain from the temptation and keep it properly trimmed, so you can maintain a well-groomed appearance. We’re not saying cut off the entire thing, but the aim is not to look like a lost member of the “Duck Dynasty” cast.
Become Impatient With the Process Growing one of these suckers out takes time. Even if you’re not happy with the results in the first two to three weeks, stick with it. After a month or so, you’ll notice all facial hair naturally shaping into a fuller, thicker beard.
Know Your Trimmer’s Purpose
Body hair is closely linked with your image and, to some extent, reflects your personality. But maintaining the shape and look of your beard is more than just hair clippers and pretension. And before even considering a beard trimmer, you need to determine what its main purpose(s) will be. Is it for perfecting the 5 o’clock shadow or transforming yourself into a real-life Rick Grimes? Preserving skin? Manscaping? Every man should know the importance of trimming facial hair, for while most of the benefits are complementary to one’s appearance, the hindrances can ruin one’s image. Examples:
- Facial hair is prone to creating flaky skin and can make it more visible, sticking to your beard over time
- hair = more skin irritation
- Microbiologists determined in tests that beards “contained a lot of normal bacteria, but some were comparable to toilets” Skin underneath the beard can build oil and lead to acne, along with other skin conditions.
Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer MG7750
Super stylish, super powerful, the Norelco 7750 beard trimmer stands out among those different beard clippers out there because it truly remains a grooming staple, and the AskMen Editor’s Pick for Best Overall Beard Trimmer. Standout features include five hours lithium-ion battery, DualCut technology, 14 reinforced trimming guards, comb attachment, washable stainless steel frame, and trimmer
The contour head attachment works flawlessly in personalizing beard styles, gliding gently across the face to reach every area and preventing the trimmer from tugging to avoid inflammation. We also love that it protects the self sharpening blade to keep the base working efficiently without any oil tune-ups.
With 23 total pieces, there are seemingly endless combinations to satisfy just about any beard length. This Philips Norelco Multigroom also includes a nose hair attachment as well as an ear trimmer, to keep any hair under control.
The 14 blade guard allow for lengths from 1mm to 16mm for modern day Vikings. Great battery power from its advanced lithium-ion battery charging system is another virtue of this electric trimmer, with a single charge generating up to five full hours of wireless use. If you’re burning through five full hours, that must be one helluva beard.
Braun Trimmer MGK5280 Multi Grooming Kit
Facial hair contouring (aka “beardtouring”) is now a thing, and in order to keep up with beard guides showing off bespoke grooming trends, a multi-performance electric trimmer is essential for blending in with scruffy males. Standout features include one hour lithium-ion battery ,13 precision length settings, multiple precision combs for styling, and a free Gillette razor
This Braun beard trimmer ensures you’ll keep up appearances by bundling its well-received MGK3045 trimmer with several accessories to service every beard-styling job in existence: stubble, short, medium, and longer beards, sideburns, hair clipping, contouring, even clean shaving.
Utilize any of the 13 precision length settings or clip on the accompanying detail trimmer blade to master your current signature look comfortably with its rubberized grip. You’ll find the bonus Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor to be a sweet bonus for cleaning up the cheek and neck areas.
TRYM II
For the frequent flyer needing to tidy up his moneymaker in between connecting flights or Zoom calls, this wireless trimmer with stainless steel details packs enough power in a compact design to command hair trimming anywhere. The TRYM II electric razor trimmer is the AskMen winner for Best Value. Standout features up to 40 minutes lithium-ion battery life, four trim attachments, portable design and slim profile charging base.
It comes operational straight out of the box, though users can get it fully charged in eight hours, with one charge lasting several weeks. A dynamic motor combined with professional-grade blades ensures smooth pass-throughs across rough patches, creating a more comfortable and safe trim. One can’t help but admire the modern design that borrows inspiration from past iPhones, with a streamlined appearance highlighted by a black and silver colorway.
Many of the attachments are well built and easily lock into place. No wiggle present. TRYM’s great customer service is another factor worth noting, with several buyers raving over the immediate assistance they’ve received from the company, be it for part replacements or technical support.
Philips Norelco OneBlade Face Body
A multi-directional blade system with both shaving and trimming properties, the original OneBlade was built to meet every facial styling need and quickly proved it was one of the better cordless beard trimmers out there. Standout features include one hour lithium-ion battery, click-on skin guard, dual-side blade system, and multiple combs for both face and body trimming.
The OneBlade Face Body ups the ante and is now designed to be used as a complete men’s body groomer (aka manscaping). It’s through the use of a comb attachment (1mm, 3mm, or 5mm) that the machine effectively tackles stubble length facial hair and body hair. Philips shaving technology excels at a superior level, with a moving cutter that moves at a rate of 200 per second. Translation: It’s a quality beard trimmer that cuts quickly through long beard hair and close enough to the face, without hair dipping below the skin, which has made it a favorite among men with a course, curly, thick beard of any length who are prone to ingrowns.
A dual-protection system guarantees sleek execution, preventing any hairs from being caught in the blade or trimmer head and giving the close shave you would expect with and electric shaver. Shorten your extended goatee for the imperial look or use the electric beard trimmer option itself to enjoy a comfortable shave. Be it this one or the standalone (and less expensive) model, you, and your hair, can’t go wrong.
Wahl Lithium Ion All-In-One Trimmer
For the groomist who constantly forgets to charge his electronics, this Wahl beard trimmer is in strong, durable stainless steel and offers enough battery life — 3.5 hours of run time at that — to get you through several shaves without being attached to a power cord. Standout features include four hour lithium-ion battery runtime, 17 trimmer lengths, and adjustable guide comb.
Yet despite carrying a lower MSRP than the competition, the precision trimmer factor of this Wahl beard and hair trimmer is proof the trimmer can compete with some of the higher-priced electric trimmer models on the market. The lightweight profile has enough girth to maintain good grip for passing through coarse hair, whereas the smaller cutter gives leeway to attack tight corners.
Reviewers claim the blades work remarkably well on both beards and mustaches. Much of the accessories that come bundled with the Lithium Ion grooming kit aid in providing the trim you need; these include four options: a detail shaver, ear trimmer, nose trimmer, and T-blade heads. Clip-on trimmer guides supply even more options, giving this rechargeable beard trimmer up to 17 different trimmer lengths.
Andis T-Outliner Trimmer
A mainstay at barbershops and salons, Andis applies its iconic hair clippers and shaving pedigree to the T-Outliner, which — like the company’s heritage in grooming — is hard to match. Anyone who’s ever owned this T-blade corded beard trimmer knows it’s manufactured to last, with a reinforced shell built like a tank to take the abuse you’ll put it through over the years. Standout features include high-speed motor, indestructible design, and signature T-Blade for practical trimming
Premium carbon-steel blades are specially hardened to provide a longer shelf life for cutting. Adjusting the blades will create more room to personalize shaves, with a handful of consumer reviews indicating that an up-close trim leaves a “5-o’clock shadow.” The high-speed magnetic motor operates quietly and smoothly, resulting in a comfortable trim along your jawline or behind the ear.
Oiling the blades before putting it to use might sound like an inconvenience; still, it’s a trivial compromise most avid groomers are willing to live with once they witness the gains in performance.
Bevel Cordless Trimmer
Want to up your grooming game? This might be the trimmer you’ve been looking for. The award-winning Bevel trimmer features a simple snap-on blade meant to deter impurities, such as oil and dirt that can cause irritation. Standout features include a four hours lithium-ion battery, 360 degree non-slip handle, cooling feature to prevent overheating, and a sleek, ultramodern design.
With or without the cord (we obviously prefer this as a cordless beard trimmer) the hair trimmer delivers the same power and precision, holds up for over four hours on a single charge, and can last up to 60 days on stand-by mode. The Bevel Dial is what makes this electric trimmer an absolute stand out, allowing for quick zero-gap adjustment. The company recommends removing the blade to adjust the space between the cutting blade and the guide blade a couple of times until you find your desired length.
The sleek and elegant design features a soft-touch grip and cooling properties to prevent overheating and allow for more comfortable movement across your beard. Finally, its custom-faceted body provides 360-degree non-slip handling to keep you looking and feeling fresh.
Remington Beard Boss Crafter Kit
Mustache, beard, even goatee — Remington’s latest mechanical buzzer gives forth powerful trimming with a host of unique features to appease the style-conscious gent, including an adjustable stubble comb with 10 lock-in settings to work on various hair lengths, and an extended neck that easily glides across the face and neck. Standout features include five-minute quick charge feature for a three hour lithium-ion battery life.
The special Turbo Mode is engineered for precision and speed, mowing through the thickest strands without any tugging, minimizing skin irritation, while a foil shaver provides for effortless touch-ups around the cheek area. The Crafter also comes bundled with a wide range of accessories for adaptability, including five combs, an adjustable comb, nose hair trimmer, ear trimmer, and a storage pouch.
Every component of this electric trimmer is easily cleanable for quick use and its complete waterproof design makes it easy to rinse off and well suited for shaving in the shower. This has quickly become a beard trimmer kit for guys on the go. Get up to 180 minutes of run time on a full charge, with a five-minute quick charge mechanism to speed things up.
ConairMAN i-Stubble Ultimate Flexhead Beard Trimmer
Showering and shaving can become an ordinary aggravation unless you’re clutching one of these. This waterproof beard trimmer features a specialized water drainage system makes facial maintenance simpler, letting this stubble trimmer be fully submersible in water so it can tackle even a longer beard. Standout features include 15 precision settings, 45 degree angle stainless-steel blades, and ergonomic design.
The blade system comes precision-honed to simplify the trimming routine with easier navigation and beard care. Grip control remains an underrated feature for all grooming tools but this model fits conveniently in the hand, with a balanced weight and maximum control to move across your facial hair. Motor strength is ranked lower than the competition, yet it generates enough power to evenly shape-up or stubble down the beard.
You’ll discover 15 different length settings programmed to handle short and long fluff, while the battery has a quick-charge feature for those times when you forget to recharge it overnight.
Accessories
Your beard trimmer is only as good as the company it keeps, and by that we mean accessories. Owning an assortment of add-ons won’t just preserve the quality of your trimmer, but also prep your facial fur for a smoother trimming experience that won’t clog or damage the blades. So consider adding these to your collection.
Herschel Chapter Toiletry Case
Every beard trimmer needs a home. Store your favorite grooming tool, along with all other beard care essentials in Herschel’s stylishly portable dopp kit, which is designed from ruggedly durable materials and has an exterior zip that accommodates extra storage. Choose from an array of sleek minimalist designs.
American Crew Beard Serum
Finding a superb beard oil at a killer price tag is like finding a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, for you, American Crew has a fuzz follicle serum worth every penny spent. The brand’s popular beard serum is a potent elixir designed to keep the Abe Lincoln feeling soft and looking shiny in the roughest conditions. A fast-absorbing formula ensures every strand receives instant hydration, while a special blend of oils work to nourish the skin hidden underneath the bush. A non-greasy formula means sleeker application as well. Apply one or two pumps and use your best beard brush and you should be all set before walking out the door.
The Art of Shaving Beard Wash
It’s amazing how much debris your beard collects on a daily basis. Washing it is mandatory, although, must guys make the mistake using standard body wash to get the job done. That be that dude. Spend the extra chips on a premium beard wash. The Art of Shaving offers a great option formulated to eliminate dirt, oil, and all other impurities from your facial hair. Jojoba seed oil smoothens out strands, while leaving the tingling, effervescent scent of peppermint on your mug. Pairing it with the brand’s Beard Condition gives your beard that one-two cleansing punch it deserves.
Hunter Jack Beard Sandalwood Beard Comb
Untangling your face blanket is all part of the beard care process. In fact, the best time to do so is after applying some beard oil, and once that’s done, use this dual-sided facial comb for good measure. The Huntsman demonstrates maximum grooming with wider and closely spaced teeth on both ends to take care of any beard length.
The near five-star Amazon rating (based on over 3,000 reviews) is a testament to the brand’s quality control, which is clearly present the moment you clutch onto the comb’s durable sandalwood construction. Even more surprising is the woodsy aroma it emits that lasts months on end.
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Philips OneBlade: My review about the best beard and body shaver
Philips OneBlade, a shaver to trim your beard, shave all parts of your body, even your pubic area, and get a baby’s skin, what do you think?
I’ve used razors with blades or electric shavers, but my last purchase, I specify it because this article is not an advertorial, pushed me to give you my opinion on this incredible rechargeable electric shaver that is the Philips OneBlade. I use it as a beard trimmer but also as a hair trimmer.
I’ve always had a 3-5 day beard and in terms of beard trimming, it’s equivalent to many electric shavers and that’s not why I decided to introduce it to you. I love my beard but I’m not a fan of body hair, so saying goodbye to hair for a few days doesn’t bother me at all.
Philips OneBlade face and body: One shaver to get rid of all your hair!
You read that right! This multifunctional shaver is made for your face but also your body. I tested it on the contours of my face but also on several parts of my body to see if this very cheap shaver would convince me or not.
I ordered it one morning on Amazon, because I had tested it quickly at a friend’s place, and I thought: here, not bad! Once I received my order, I decided to use it on several parts of my body: my torso, my legs, and I even shaved my entire pubic area.
My complete test of the Philips OneBlade
The grip is incredibly simple: light and ergonomic, it can be used anywhere on the body with ease.
I started with the chest, even though I don’t have much hair. In 5 minutes and several passes, not a single hair was visible, my skin was clean as after using a razor or depilatory wax. If you have sensitive skin you will love this razor!
Then I moved on to the pubic area. This is an extremely sensitive area of a man’s body, and when I started I wasn’t very reassured, I was afraid of the accidental cut that would make me scream. 10 minutes later, not a hair, not a cut, no pain. At that point, I was totally won over by this razor.
Then I shaved my legs completely. Well, I wanted to test it out, but more importantly, I wanted to see the veins in my calves, I have so much trouble building them up that I needed a little motivation. You can laugh!
This is not a hair clipper, however if you have a very short haircut, you can definitely use it with the 1 or 3mm shoe. It’s a precision trimmer so no risk again.
Cons of the razor
It’s good because you have to use one! So the only weak point I’ll mention is the fact that you have to shave the same area several times to remove all the hair. Since I shave my chest, this razor leaves my skin clear and without any visible hair. Like a razor with blades, but without the risk of cuts, pimples or irritation.
Other weak point, it recharges completely in 8 hours, it is a little long as charging time I find.
How much does this OneBlade shaver cost?
I tested the Philips QP2520/30 electric shaver. This entry-level shaver is sold between 26 and 40 dollars depending on the stores and promotions, with 3 shaving heads and 2 shaving heads, enough to allow you to shave for 1 to 3 months, depending on the frequency of use. For me a very good value for money!
The pack I bought did not have a carrying case, which can be purchased separately. In any case, it is for me one of the best clippers I have had for trimming the beard and cutting the hair on my body.
- Rechargeable OneBlade can trim, edge, and shave any length of hair.
- Trim it down. click on combs for a fast and even trim in all the right places
- Edge it up. dual-sided blade for precise edging to line up your style easier than ever before
- Shave it off. fast moving cutter to shave long hair, but not too close so your skin stays comfortable
- Replaceable OneBlade lasts up to 4 months. (For best shaving experience. Based on 2 full shaves per week. Actual results may vary.)
Last update on 2023-05-23 / As an Amazon Partner, I make a profit on qualifying purchases./ Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
That’s it! I hope that this review of this beard trimmers has helped you to make a clearer choice for your future purchase. Indeed, according to the parts of the body, that it the face and its beard, the intimate parts or the hairs of the rest of the body, all the clippers are not necessarily adapted on the one hand because the hairs are not necessarily the same.
The hairs are sometimes thinner or thicker, and on the other hand, in certain areas the skin is much more sensitive and the risk of cuts, irritations or even infection is real. To avoid an accident, when I use a new clipper I always do a test on a small area to be clipped or mowed and then I wait about 24 hours to observe the state of my skin.
This does not absolve you from using care products such as a beard oil to treat it, or a soothing body cream, because the friction of a clipper on the skin is usually followed by redness. Whether you like your hair or not, it’s up to you guys!
Philips vs Braun: Which electric shaver should I choose?
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When it comes to buying the best electric shaver, there are really only two brands to consider. These are Braun and Philips, heavyweights of the industry who have produced top-notch shavers across a broad range of for years.
Those who value great industrial design above all else might opt for Braun on the basis of looks – and the allure of buying into the Dieter Rams legend – alone. But we recommend you put your facial hair type, potential for skin irritation, demands from a shaver and budget at the top of your list of priorities.
Braun vs Philips: What’s the difference?
There is one fundamental difference between Braun and Philips electric shavers, and that is their design. Braun shavers use a foil design, while Philips makes rotary shavers. Both aim to cut your facial hair as closely as possible, with as little skin irritation as possible, but they go about it quite different ways.
Let’s look at Braun’s foil design first. A foil shaver uses one or more metal bars that are covered in tiny holes and which catch hairs as the head of the shaver is drawn across your skin. Once fed into the holes of these bars, which form the foil, the hairs are neatly clipped by a blade beneath.
Foil shavers work best when used in one direction, so you’ll find yourself shaving in straight lines, repeating the same action in the same direction until your face is silky smooth. It’s a lot like shaving with a manual blade, but faster, more efficient and with a far smaller chance of cutting your skin.
Rotary shavers, like those predominantly used by Philips, still use a blade to cut your hair, but they do so through one or more (often three) circular foil pods. There are multiple blades beneath these pods, with hair fed into them at any angle. So instead of running the shaver up and down your face in straight lines, the rotary shaver can be rubbed over the skin at any angle, and often in circles.
These types of shavers tend to be best for those with coarse hair that grows in multiple directions, as these hairs are more likely to be missed by a foil shaver travelling in one direction.
Both types of shaver will eventually need their shaving surfaces replaced, which means new shaving heads every two years for Philips rotary shavers and new foils every 18 months for Braun models. Both replacements tend to cost in the region of £50.
Braun vs Philips: Features to expect
As with most products, the more you spend the more features you get. Key features to look out for on electric shavers include battery life and charge time, water resistance (so you can use it in the shower, for example), and whether the shaver includes an integrated or attachable beard trimmer. Naturally the former is more convenient and less likely to be misplaced.
For foil shavers, you’ll want to look out for the number of foils or bars, as more of those effectively means a larger shaving surface and more hairs fed into the blade at once. The equivalent for Philips rotary shavers is how many rotor heads the shaver has.
For both types of shaver you should look at how flexible the shaving surface is, as more movement means it’ll do a better job of closely following the contours of your face, giving a closer and more consistent shave.
Features on more expensive shavers include wireless charging docks, digital displays to show shaving mode and battery life – and if you want something a bit left-field, there’s even the Braun CoolTec CT2CC and its fridge-like electro-mechanical ceramic cooling strip.
Braun vs Philips: Performance potential
For a deep dive into what’s available today, check out our guide to the best electric shavers of 2023, which includes lots of examples from both Braun and Philips.
For a snapshot of what to expect from your new electric shaver, closeness and easy-of-use are the benefits you’ll notice right away. Whether you go for Braun or Philips, modern shavers are good at shaving very closely and, crucially, without causing skin irritation.
Models with more foil bars or more rotary shaving heads will offer better performance and likely mean a shave that is cleaner and closer, but also quicker with less need to go over the same area over and over again.
Battery life tends to range from about 45 minutes to over two hours, with 50 minutes being most common. Most of today’s shavers from both Braun and Philips can be given a decent amount of charge in about an hour, but you’ll be looking at three hours for the Philips Series 9000 Prestige and its wireless charger.
Braun vs Philips: Which brand should I buy?
The brand you choose should come down to which type of shaver you prefer; foil or rotary. We tend to prefer foil shavers overall, and these are generally best for users with sensitive skin. Rotary shavers can perform better on thicker, coarser stubble and are a good option if you are prone to ingrown hairs. Rotary shavers are also best if you’re wanting to use the shaver on your body and head as well as your face.
That said, our current favourite shaver is the foil-style Braun Series 9 9390CC, thanks to its great performance on longer stubble, titanium-tipped blades and good battery life with speedy charging. Behind that (but still awarded the full five stars and crowned a T3 Awards winner) is the aforementioned rotary-style Philips Series 9000 Prestige. For those on a tighter budget, we also highly recommend the rotary-style Philips Series 9000 S9711/31.
The 15 Best Beard Trimmers for Men in 2023
Whether you’re maintaining perma-stubble or growing out a massive beard, you’ll want a beard trimmer to keep it clean.
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Figuring out the best beard trimmer for your particular facial hair situation is a personal journey, because great beards come in many shapes and sizes: there’s the perfect stubble, of course, or a beard that’s artfully shaped and styled. But even if you opt to grow a long beard, you will still need to know how to trim it as it grows. And for all of those situations—for basically anything besides a close shave—you need a good beard trimmer.
Growing a Beard for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know
The first step in growing a beard is to not cut it. Seriously. Even when you’re in that weird in-between growth phase that looks more scraggly than suave, or you’ve discovered your growth pattern is patchy and realistically won’t fully connect. A beard isn’t one size fits all, so you’ve got to embrace what makes you unique along with trusting the process (read: be patient). While it’s blossoming into a, dare we say, even better version of the beard you envisioned when you embarked on this journey, you’ll want to keep it defined and trim along that way. That means shaving the neck and cleaning up the sides with a stellar trimmer. If you don’t know what differentiates a “just OK” trimmer from one that is top-shelf, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
How We Tested
OK: how would you test a beard trimmer? We used them, of course, over the span of several months, enlisting a roster of hirsute GQ staffers—with beards of various shapes, lengths, and textures—to lend their expertise. The only real stipulation we established was that each tester treat their trimmer of choice exactly the way they would under normal circumstances: with an utter disregard for its well-being. Which is to say, the trimmers we landed on here have been put through the wringer. They’ve had beard oil accidentally dribbled over their blades, they’ve been tossed carelessly into dopp kits (and the occasional Ziploc bag), they’ve been dropped one too many times on the shower floor. And despite all that, they performed exponentially better than any of the others we tried.
What We Looked For
Before we settled on our winners, we established a few key metrics of quality:
- Battery life: Is it better suited to long, leisurely styling or quick touch-ups?
- Versatility: Is it appropriate for head-to-toe use? And can it double as an electric shaver in a pinch?
- Cutting power: Is it more useful for detailing or hacking its way through Neanderthal-esque whiskers?
- Design: Is it ergonomic enough to hug the hard-to-reach areas of your face, but sleek enough to warrant prime of place on your bathroom counter?
