Like so many things, it’s the details of a haircut that really make it stand out.
And that’s why every barber needs to have the best hair edgers money can buy, to make sure those finishing touches are absolutely on point. A sharp blade and a steady hand from a professional barber can greatly improve the overall look of a haircut.
But there are just so many options, most of us simply don’t have time to try them all out. The market is flooded with corded trimmer and cordless trimmer options, making your job even more difficult.
So we’ve gone to the effort of testing the lot, to present you with a list of the 6 absolute best edgers and liner clippers you’ll find, taking into consideration the various needs different barbers might have.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks:
Andis Cordless T-Outliner Trimmer
Our number 1 choice, for example - Andis Cordless T-Outliner Trimmer – is a fantastically versatile trimmer with a powerful high-speed motor and surprisingly long battery life.
Wahl Clipper Stainless Steel Lithium Ion Hair Clipper Model 9818
Wahl Clipper, for example, caters to those who are looking for an affordable option, with multi-purpose attachments and self-sharpening precision blades. The hair and beard trimmer also come with a detachable blade to make it easier to clean
But we’re not only going to list the best edgers:
We’re also going to explain exactly what you need to consider when buying your edgers; give you 6 tips for creating flawless edges, and explain exactly how edgers differ from normal clippers So just sit back and read on.
Contents hide
Quick summary
Before you buy: 8 Things to consider when purchasing a hair edger (liner clippers)
The 6 best hair edgers (liner clippers)
How we selected the best edgers and line clippers
6 Tips for creating a flawless edge every time
What’s the difference between hair edgers and clippers?
Conclusion
Quick summary
Best for Performance Andis Cordless T-Outliner Trimmer |
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Best Affordable Wahl Clipper Stainless Steel Lithium Ion Hair Clipper Model 9818 |
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Best for Durability Oster Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper |
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Wahl Professional Detailer |
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Oster Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper |
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Andis Slimline Pro Li T-Blade Trimmer |
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Before you buy: 8 Things to consider when purchasing a hair edger (liner clippers)
Shopping for the hair edger that best fits your needs is sometimes a challenge, but it is hardly impossible. Moreover, there are some things to keep in mind that help make your buying decision an easier one. Keeping these factors in mind will not only help you make your hair salon more professional, it will also lead you to gain and maintain a more satisfied customer base.
1. Blades
The quality of an edger’s blades directly relates to its ease of trimming and whether you’re able to create the look you wish to achieve. That said, stainless steel blades are usually a great choice when looking for a quality edger that won’t let you down.
One of the many attributes of stainless steel blades is that they’re durable enough to last a long time.
For professionals who spend long hours in the shop or salon, blades that don’t dull or wear out quickly such as stainless steel are mandatory but don’t count out other types of steel, including carbon (although carbon is typically more prone to rust).
It’s also worth your time to check out hair edgers that feature self-sharpening blades. This ensures that you won’t have to replace your edger because of blades that lose their edge before their time.
2. Motor
Your edger should have a motor that delivers consistent power while making it easier to perform each trimming job thoroughly. Many liner edgers come with magnetic motors, while pivot and rotary motors provide other options.
Magnetic motors feature a simple construction with a spring and electromagnet that work together to vibrate the blade back and forth. Magnetic motors provide less power than pivot and rotary motors, and you’ll find them on many inexpensive models.
Pivot motors are similar to magnetic motors but use two electromagnets and no spring. While the blade’s speed is less than on a magnetic motor, a pivot motor generates twice the cutting power.
The additional power makes it easier to cut wet hair; many professional barbers and stylists prefer clippers powered by pivot motors.
Rotary motors provide the oomph behind the most powerful clippers on the market and, in most cases, are only needed for bulk hair removal, like dog or horse grooming.
Most professionals and do-it-yourselfers prefer quieter motors that don’t create a racket, whether it’s in a barbershop, salon, or at home.
3. Versatility
The versatility of an edger often comes down to its number of attachments. Some products come with guide combs, which are a help when cutting thicker or longer hair, as well as taper-style combs that help you to create unique fade designs.
Versatility also means an edger that can do more. A versatile edger enables you to focus on several areas: beard, sideburns, back of the neck, around the ears, etc. That way you don’t have to buy different clippers for different functions.
4. Cutting lengths
Many of the top-quality liner clippers come with controls that enable you to create several cutting lengths. Others have taper levers that help you to cut different lengths of hair.
5. Power source
Is the trimmer equipped for corded, cordless, or both uses? In either case, you need a power source that lasts and helps prevent a motor from losing speed or efficiency.
Some edgers come with a rechargeable battery for cordless use, while others come with a power cord that must be plugged in for the edger to run.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of edgers. Those that run on batteries generally provide more freedom of movement, and you can use them practically anywhere.
A disadvantage of a battery-powered edger is the risk of the battery running out of power, which is never a good thing in the middle of a cut or trim. Plus they don’t give as much power as the corded edgers.
Cords provide a consistent source of power, as long as there’s a power source. The cord should always be long enough that you can move around freely while maintaining a firm grip on your hair edger. If you choose to go for a cordless clipper, a quality product will often let you match the power you need for precise trimming in a professional setting.
6. Design
A hair edger’s design goes a long way toward determining its overall effectiveness, as well as its ease of use.
For one, your edger should have a handle that’s easy to grip and use. Some come with rubber grips that help to provide a sturdier hold, while others feature grooves that facilitate a firmer grip. A comfortable grip will ensure that forming a clean line over repeated use will be easier.
The bottom line is you need a firm grip that’s easy to hold and doesn’t place undue stress on your hands, because undue stress could cause wrist pain and hand aches that might even lead to more serious conditions..
Another thing to look for regarding design is whether it’s vibration-free or not. Many quality hair edgers feature an insulated housing design that eliminates annoying vibrations, but anything in the design that keeps vibrations to a minimum is a plus.
Edger body types also come in a variety of sizes. It’s important to find the size that you’re comfortable with and which best fits your hand, cutting technique, and day-to-day operation.
7. Brand
An edger’s functionality is paramount, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider an edger’s brand. The top brands often include more features – and thus provide more versatility – and often come with strong performance and manufacturer guarantees.
True, better brands may cost more, but they may make for a better long-term investment.
8. Maintenance
Raise your hand if you prefer a trimmer that’s hard to maintain. Right – not a lot of hands. Look carefully at the cleaning and maintenance functions and how easy they are to perform.
Also, look at the reviews of other users. Do certain maintenance issues crop up in those reviews frequently?
Maintaining a professional hair clipper also means that you need a replaceable blade. Even if it a high-quality blade, it might need to be switched out after extended periods of use to conserve the edger’s performance.
Now, let’s move on to our reviews of the best hair edgers on the market.
The 6 best hair edgers (liner clippers)
1. Andis Cordless T-Outliner Trimmer
Andis is a major player in the world of grooming tools, and everybody who uses them will understand why. Their Cordless T-Outliner Trimmer is our choice for the best overall hair edger, and there are more than a few reasons why it stands out.
Firstly, the motor: the exceptionally powerful high-speed rotary blades (over 7200 SPM) delivers an exceptional performance every time. And whereas many powerful motors suck up the energy of a clipper quickly, Andis’ Lithium-ion battery manages to run for 100 minutes non-stop (on just 1 hours’ charge, too.)
Then there are the blades: Andis’ close-cutting T-blades are famed for their exceptionally close cutting, ideal for fades and design work.
As far as sheer versatility, you also won’t beat the Cordless T-Outliner: the adjustable blades are great for professionals who have constantly changing needs and need to adapt to different styles all the time. Plus, the kit comes with 4 clip-on guards, which can be super handy for different situations.
All this, and it’s super easy to use and much lighter than you’d think. Even if you’re on your feet all day, you shouldn’t get too tired using the Cordless T-Outliner, as it’s super nimble and easy to operate with.
Of course, it does cost a fair bit, but it’s always worth remembering that an investment like this ends up paying for itself: the quality of the edging improves immeasurably, and the quality of the design means it is exceptionally durable.
Pros
- Super powerful motor
- Very versatile
- Long battery life
Cons
- The blades need to be adjusted for some; otherwise, they can pull at hairs
Bottom Line
Andis makes some of the best trimming and clipping tools in the world, and it’s hard to beat their overall quality.
The Cordless T-Outliner is a premium product that will serve you well no matter the job at hand, and it’s the best hairline trimmer you can buy. It’s the right tool for handling what demanding clients want.
2. Wahl Clipper Stainless Steel Lithium Ion Hair Clipper Model 9818
Wahl can make a strong claim for being the most popular brand of beard edgers, clippers, and trimmers in the U.S., at least if overall sales mean anything. Their 9818 model is one of their latest and best innovations, and it serves a variety of trimming needs.
Indeed, its versatility is one of the primary reasons professionals and do-it-yourselfers prefer the 9818. It’s a multi-purpose tool that has the power to shave, cut, trim, and do fine detail work.
Versatility comes from, in part, 12 attachment guards and four clipper heads: a precision T-blade, a detail shaver, a detail trimmer, and even an ear, nose, and eyebrow trimmer. This product sure can do it all!
One of the obvious beauties of having multiple clipper heads is that you won’t have to use one head while trying to complete different jobs – including putting the perfect finishing touches on each client.
The 9818 features Wahl’s self-sharpening stainless blades, which rank among the best in the business and also among the longest-lasting.
Another plus is the 9818’s Lithium-Ion battery technology, which provides up to four hours of run time before you need to recharge the trimmer. It also powers a potent motor that helps to deliver superior performance, no matter what the job entails.
What’s also cool about the battery technology is that it gives your trimmer a full charge in one hour to produce another four hours of use.
It also has a 1-minute quick-charge feature that gives you three minutes of use, which is usually enough for quick edging and trimming work.
The Wahl 9818 comes with a smart LED Charge Indicator that lets you know the status of your charge and when it’s finished charging. The charger shuts off automatically once the battery is back to full power, so you don’t have to worry about overcharging this baby.
Finally, the 9818 comes with a host of other stuff, including a storage pouch, charger, cleaning brush, beard oil, and full instructions (in both English and Spanish). It also has a dual voltage, which makes it ideal for international use if you travel.
Pros
- Multi-purpose edger
- Comes with several handy attachments
- Powered by a Lithium-Ion battery
Cons
- On/Off switch could be improved
Bottom Line
Like Andis, Wahl has years of expertise behind it in designing and manufacturing the highest quality trimming tools. Their 9818 trimmer is a standout in a long line of quality products and easily rates as a leading hair edger for men.
3. Oster Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper
Many professional stylists and barber swear by Oster products, with good reason. The Oster Classic 76 is the favorite of many professionals and offers everything they need, from cutting to trimming to edging hair.
Like the Oster Fast Feed, which we also review here, the Oster Classic 76 has everything you need to get precise edging, as well as the haircut and style that you desire.
The Classic 76 features a single speed universal motor that’s powerful enough for heavy-duty use and a break-resistant housing that’s more than durable enough to withstand the rigors of a barbershop or salon. Its textured housing helps provide a better grip.
While it’s relatively large compared to other clippers, and edgers, it’s still easy to maneuver around the head with precision. And the detachable blades create a close enough shave that you don’t have to worry about ingrown hairs after the cut.
The Classic 76 comes with a 9-foot power cord, which makes for excellent maneuverability in a professional setting, as well as with a blade guard, lubricating oil, cleaning brush, and clipper grease.
Pros
- Built to last
- Easily cut wet or try hair
- Sharp, detachable blades
Cons
- A bit heavy for some
- Comes with a cord, which is not everyone’s favorite
Bottom Line
The Oster Classic 76 is a “classic” for many reasons, and we think it can handle all of your edging, trimming, and cutting needs.
4. Wahl Professional Detailer
Wahl’s Detailer is a well-loved option in the hair edger category, and that’s not only for its classic-looking aesthetic. No, there is lots to like about this little gem. For example:
- It produces up to twice as many strokes per minute as many of its rivals
- Its rotary motor gives it a boatload of power without shaking being uncomfortable to hold
- In fact, it’s incredibly comfortable to grip and is surprisingly lightweight given its heft
- It is specially designed to make detailing and edge lining easier – its blades are fully adjustable, and the action is second to none
- It’s great for beards, necks, heads – the lot!
- Its wonderfully agile, making it great for speed-cutting pros
Wahl is a very reliable brand, and their detailer is no exception: a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their edging and detailing work.
There are considerations to be made: its T blade is 6mm wider than most other detailers, which, while great for detailing, is a little intimidating for some and can make it feel less agronomical than other detailers on this list.
And the price, for some, will be a major concern: we can reassure you that it’s definitely worth it and will save you tons in the end by keeping you from paying a professional, but ultimately it is a big purchase.
But with all that said, we can unreservedly recommend the Wahl Detailer to anyone looking to up their game and invest in the best.
Pros
- Very powerful motor
- Super nice to use – lightweight, tight grip, low maintenance
- Great for shaving your head
Cons
- Not everyone loves how wide the blade is
- The price may be challenging
Bottom Line
Wahl’s detailer looks super cool and retro, and it delivers on most fronts – great for detailing, edging.
5. Oster Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper
Let’s face it: some hair edgers and clippers are a bit noisy. They may feature a powerful motor – which is always a plus – but the motor may be loud enough to wake the neighbors. Well, maybe not that loud, but loud enough that it becomes an aggravation.
The good news is that Oster has you covered with its Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper, thanks to its Whisper-Quiet pivot motor that keeps the noise down while you keep your productivity humming at its highest level.
Pivot motors, as discussed earlier, are similar to magnetic motors but produce more cutting power. Many professionals prefer trimmers powered by pivot motors because they make everyday cutting a breeze.
They’re also able to – as is the case with Oster’s Fast Feed Clipper –cut through all types of hair while creating fine lines that help define a classic trim.
Another nice feature of the Oster clipper is that it has an adjustable blade lever that allows you to change settings conveniently.
What else? Well, this clipper’s ergonomic design is another plus. It comes with a textured housing that helps to provide a secure grip while easing the strain and lessening the fatigue of a long day spent cutting hair.
The Oster Fast Feed Adjustable Clipper also comes with four guide combs, a blade guard and cleaning accessories, as well as an 8-foot power cord that gives you plenty of room to maneuver without pulling on or tangling the cord.
Your clipper kit includes lubricating oil and a cleaning brush.
While it comes with fewer accessories than many other clippers, more compatible combs are available through Oster’s customer service department.
Finally, the Oster Fast Feed has a vintage look that may remind you of barbershops of old, although its performance is clearly up to modern standards.
Pros
- Powerful yet quiet motor
- Easy to handle
- Easy to adjust settings
Cons
- A bit heavier than some clippers
Bottom Line
Oster’s Fast Feed offers the best of both worlds: a powerful motor that’s capable of cutting through all types of hair yet is also quiet. While it may be heavier than some other clippers, it has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to handle without causing fatigue.
6. Andis Slimline Pro Li T-Blade Trimmer
Andis has another hit on its hands with the Slimline Pro Li T-Blade Trimmer, a lightweight trimmer that packs plenty of punch and offers the convenience of cordless use.
There are plenty of reasons why we include this trimmer on our list – from its powerful Lithium-ion battery to its ergonomic design.
As we mentioned, it’s lightweight – although it’s a bit longer than many other trimmers – its motor cranks out 6,000 strokes per minute, which is plenty powerful for an edge trimmer.
Another thing we like is that, despite its powerful motor, the Pro Li T-Blade Trimmer’s blades don’t become too hot.
When it comes to battery life, few products can match the Slimline Pro Li.
You’ll get two hours of use on a single charge – double the runtime of most cordless trimmers and edgers – and it only takes a little over two hours to bring it back to full charge (which is less time than needed for most other liner clippers).
The Pro Li’s body consists of ABS polymer with a brushed nickel finish, which makes it sturdy but also stylish. Even better, it’s easy to maneuver and works well for barbers and stylists who have smaller hands.
Besides the trimmer, you’ll also receive a set of four guards, from 1/16” to 3/8.” The trimmer runs on 120 volts, but you can also use it for 50HZ and 60HZ frequencies. A charger stand and blade oil come with it, while the trimmer also has a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Pros
- Long-lasting lithium-ion battery
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight body
Cons
- Some users report issues with the charger
Bottom Line
The Andis SlimLine Pro Li has a lot going for it, not the least of which is that it helps to create professional edging and lining work. We also think it’s the best cordless hair edger available.
How we selected the best edgers and line clippers
The hair edger market is dominated by a couple of big players – namely Andis and Wahl – and with good reason.
Both companies make amazing products and continue to improve the technology that makes their trimmers and clippers easier to use, as well as more efficient.
Rest assured, we kept an open mind while carefully studying the edgers produced by Andis and Wahl competitors, but overall, Andis and Wahl tend to make the best products, and our reviews reflect that fact.
No matter what company makes the liner clipper, however, their product has to provide the ease of use and functionality that professional barbers and stylists demand.
A trimmer with helpful attachments and an ergonomic design moves to the head of the list, as do those with quality blades that don’t dull quickly.
6 Tips for creating a flawless edge every time
How the edges and lines look can spell the difference between a good haircut and mediocre (or worse) haircut. It’s all in the details, and an otherwise nice haircut can look less-than-professional if it has sloppy edges and lines.
Creating perfect lines and edges is like anything else – it takes some practice and dedication to the craft. The following are some things to keep in mind as you begin the edging and trimming process.
Keep it clean
Edging and lining take place after the other haircut work.
There will be some leftover hair from the main haircut, so always make sure to clean the excess trimmings away from the areas requiring edging. The same rule applies to excess gels, pomades, and other hair products.
Trim like a human, not an animal
There’s no need to attack lining and edging work with the same force as a lumberjack felling a redwood. Remember, the blades on liner clippers are often quite sharp, so apply only the pressure you need when creating fine lines so you don’t end up giving your clients a horrible edging experience.
Choose your starting point
It’s all a matter of preference: some barbers prefer to start from the middle of the hairline, while others would rather start from the sides. An unofficial poll would probably reveal that most pros prefer to start in the middle.
You should line up your hair liners or edger trimmers horizontally to the hairline when starting in the middle and make vertical motions until you get to the sides.
With the grain or against it?
You can edge with or against the grain; again, it’s a matter of preference. Some professional barbers say it’s best to cut against the grain when the hair is shorter than a half-inch.
You should cut with the grain when cutting hair longer than that, including hair that’s wavy or curly.
Deciding what the hairline is
The barber and customer must determine together how short the hairline should be for a cut with an edger.
The barber can make recommendations based on the natural height and shape of the hairline, which helps determine how far back the hairline can go without looking completely out of place.
Barbers also must determine the hairline for the nape of the neck, anything higher than where the end of the earlobe may look unflattering.
Making sure the hairline is even
It’s important to make sure that the hairline is straight across both sides, without one side being longer than the other.
Once you’ve finished edging and making sure the hairline is even, do a final inspection to make sure that you’ve left no stray hair behind.
What’s the difference between hair edgers and clippers?
A barber or stylist’s toolbox contains many items – or at least should. Some things are easily distinguishable from another – like scissors and a comb, to list an obvious example – while others, well, not so much.
Such is the case with clippers, edgers, and trimmers. They share a lot of similarities, but there are some definite differences, too.
Among the primary differences are the blade, or guard, size and length, and what job each performs the best.
Clippers are ideal for cutting long hair and usually come with a variety of attachments. The attachments make it possible to adjust the clippers for cutting length. You probably won’t use clippers for cutting close to the skin.
However, if you want to shorten longer hair, then a pair of clippers is your go-to tool.
They’re also the cutting instrument of choice for creating different hairstyles and designs. They’re a great alternative to scissors and also handy for cutting your hair, or someone else’s, at home.
Edgers and liner clippers handle the detail work after the regular haircut is complete.
It’s vital to clean up the edges and create super crisp lines, and a hair edger for men is the way to do it. Edgers aren’t designed to cut thick or long hair or to shape long hair into a shorter style and design.
Liner clippers also include a T-blade (which is why some edgers are called “T-trimmers”).
The corners of a T-blade protrude from the side of the clipper case to make it easier to trim the outline around the ears and back of the neck, to do edge-ups, as well as do beard and mustache trimming A T-blade has two parts: a stationary blade and a mobile blade.
The stationary blade picks up the hair – like a comb would – while the mobile blade moves up and down to cut the hair. When you’re cutting lines, such as a line to square off sideburns or square off the hairline, you’ll move the blade, so it faces the skin.
Conclusion
The beauty of any job well done is in the details, and it’s no different with haircuts. Hair edgers give you precise cuts, clean lines, and a proper finished look on haircuts with their attention to detail.
In this article, we’ve reviewed the best hair edgers available on the market today. We hope that the factors mentioned in this guide have helped you pick out the best option for you according to your requirements.
We welcome your feedback, as always. What hair edger do you use? Have you used any of those on our list? Let us know!