A clean haircut with poor trims ranks among the most annoying things in life. We deserve better—a clipper that won’t mess up our hairline—a clipper that can take a beating yet does a better job than most.
To identify the best clippers for lineups, we examined the size, weight, blades, speed of motor, finish, and styling performance of a dozen clippers that are highly rated among barbers. We also looked for lining clippers that are durable and versatile.
Out of all of the clippers that we compared, the Andis Slimline Trimmer got the best results. It offers the best combination of features for what we expect from a trimmer for hairline.
The Andis clipper is portable and has one of the best trimming configurations, looks like it belongs to a professional barbershop. It would likely satisfy all your grooming needs.
The 5 Top-Rated Clippers for Hairline
| Best for | Trimmers for Hairline |
|---|---|
| Overall Experience | Andis Slimline Pro Lithium Ion T-Blade Trimmer |
| Quality | BaByLissPRO Barberology MetalFX Series – Outlining Trimmer |
| Versatility | Philips Norelco MG7791/40 Multi Groomer |
| Value for Money | Wahl Professional Peanut Trimmer |
| Barbers | Andis 04710 Professional T-Outliner Trimmer |
To make your decision easier, this post ranks and reviews the best clippers for hairline based on ease of use, battery life, versatility, pricing, weight, temperature while in use, and more.
Let’s get to the list.
What Are the Best Clippers for Lineups?
The top three best line up clippers are Andis Slimline Trimmer, the BaBylissPRO trimmer, and the Philip Norelco clipper. Here is a detailed review of five clippers that create neat trims along the hairline:
The Andis Slimline Pro is a close-cutting trimmer for detail work on hairlines, beards, and mustaches.
The best overall line up clipper with great trimming experience and performance.
It is equipped with modern lithium-ion batteries for optimum performance. The blade is hair-friendly, so it would not drag or stall your hair while cutting.
Personally, I prefer the Andis Slimline Pro Trimmer to the Andis T-outliner, this is because it produces a cleaner result. Getting one of these would be a strategic buy in the long run. The reason is that you can also use it to shave your beards.
The Andis T Blade glides right over the hairs, unlike other trimmers that rip the hair out of your body. It is best used for cutting smaller areas, like vertical and horizontal hairlines, beard lines, necklines, and more.
To get the most out of this clipper, you have to do some modifications. That is the best way to manifest the true potential of this trimmer.
Blades
The blades are sharp and the body is made of plastic. Sometimes I wish it was heavier, but being lighter makes it easier to carry around. Hence, both men and women can make use of the trimmer.
You can zero-gap the clipper easily. If you do not know how to zero-gap a clipper, you can watch a YouTube tutorial. It’s very easy to do, and it wouldn’t take much of your time. This should be as soon as you open the box of your new Andis Slimline Pro trimmer.
Even so, you can still achieve appealing clean-ups and line-ups when the clipper is not zero-gapped. Good practice and a bit of technique are all you need.
There are only a few trimmers that are as efficient as the Slimline Pro. After you zero gap the clipper, it becomes even more effective than the Wahl Magic clip. You do not have to be a professional barber or have years of personal grooming experience to understand how to use the clipper.
Another reason why I like this clipper is that the blades can be tightly adjusted. You have to be careful when adjusting the blades so as not to cut yourself. If you would like to trim the hair growing on your neck, you can use the trimmer. It gives a perfect neckline.
Upon getting an Andis T Blade, please be patient enough to allow for a full charge after unboxing. When you are done charging you can use it for a trim. That way, you’d get a super precise and clean cut without sacrificing its durability.
The Andis T Blade can be used as a full haircut clipper, but it’s best used for hairlines and facial trims. Both professional barbers and beginners make use of this clipper. Although it is not as big as other clippers for a full haircut, its features and compact size outweigh any drawbacks it may have.
Maintenance
If you want the clipper to last for a long time, you need to clean it at least once a month and add 2 to 3 drops of oil across the blade. If you do not have hair clipper oil at home, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil as alternatives.
To clean the trimmer, you can simply loosen the two head screws that hold the blade to the body. After removing the screws, you can clean the hair residue found there. Then pour a few drops of oil on the blade.
While there is oil on the blade, turn on the trimmer and let it run for a few seconds. This is how I maintain my own clipper and I’ve been using it for almost two years now. Regular maintenance keeps the clipper in a perfect state. If you want your clipper to stay new, then it needs maintenance.
Battery
It has good battery life. The battery tends to last a pretty long time. With a battery life of over two hours, you can get a couple of lineups. Since I use the trimmer mostly for lining up the edges of my beards and mustache, I use it a number of times without charging.
The battery life is great. I can attest to it. I charge mine once every two weeks. However, If the battery ever gets faulty, you have two options. You can decide to change the battery or use the clipper like it’s corded.
Andis T Blade vs. T Light
I have tried out both the Andis T Blade and its predecessor, the T Light, in the past. Although both can be used without their cords, when you use them for years, the battery life tends to depreciate.
Hence, you are forced to use the clipper with a cord plugged in. Using a clipper with a cord is usually a struggle for me when trimming my hair. I don’t like it.
The Andis T Blade comes with 4 combs, unlike the T light that came with 6. Well, the 4 combs are precise for me, because I only use two of the combs.
While T Light has LED lights, T Blade doesn’t. But hey, the T Blade has a better battery life than the T Light. I think the LED lights may have contributed to its short battery life.
If you have used the T Light in the past, the T Blade would be a good replacement. All I need from a trimmer is good performance and many years of service, and the T Blade offers that.
What I Like
What Can Improve
Final Verdict
The Andis clipper comes with a plastic stand, but that is not much protection. I would recommend you get a carrying case for this clipper. You can find a good case to buy or use an old case if you have one. Are you picky when it comes to your hair maintenance? Then this is one trimmer you’d like. Even if you have a barber, the Andis T Blade can be used at home to trim your hairlines and beards to maintain a perfect look.
The BaBylissPRO Outlining Hair Trimmer is a premium clipper made with a metallic body. It feels and looks like a Ferrari each time I hold it.
The best trimmer for lineups with superb build quality, design, and handling.
Now you might be wondering if it works just as well as it looks. Well, the performance and engine are also made to meet the industry’s high standards.
The BaBylissPRO Trimmer can be used for all lineups including beard lines, mustache lines, and necklines. The crispy edge-ups make most hairstyles look neater. That’s why professional barbers are particularly fond of this clipper.
Variants
There are two variants of the BaBylissPRO GoldFX Outlining Hair Trimmer, the Gold FX and Silver FX. And there are only a few differences between the variants. The Ferrari-designed engine works as intended.
The hair trimmer can be used without its cords after charging. If you prefer to use it while plugged in, the clipper also does remarkably well. And the super clean lines are noticeable after a trimming session.
The clipper is packed in a simple box along with all its accessories. It does not make much sound while using it. The best way to describe how it works is to think of how a knife slices through butter.
There’s no irritation on one’s skin with the clipper. I have very sensitive skin and such fluidity means a lot to me. With gentle movement, the trimmer does the rest.
Ergonomics
The trimmer is lightweight, so you would not have a problem carrying it for a few minutes. The motor is powerful and the blades are sharp enough. The good thing with sharp blades is that pressure is not required while drawing a hairline. It produces neat line ups.
If you’d like to own one of the best professional barber edgers, then the BaBylissPRO trimmer would make a good companion. It is a valuable arsenal for any hairstylist or barber that wants a perfect mix of class and performance.
Given this is a cordless clipper, you need not worry about the cord getting in your way, so you can focus more on getting a neat lineup.
Blades
The clipper can be zero-gapped for optimal performance. The only challenge with zero gapping this clipper is that the screwdriver that comes in its box is usually a little bigger than the screw. Hence, if you have an older screwdriver that is smaller, then you can use that.
If you are fortunate, then you can get the right zero-gapping tool with the trimmer’s box. Nevertheless, zero gapping is not so important for this clipper. This is because the blades are fit enough for use.
Battery
This hair trimmer comes with a lithium battery which has a 2-hour runtime. The battery does work fine. It hasn’t given me any reason to complain. However, the battery is only guaranteed to work well for a few years.
BaBylissPRO Gold FX vs. Silver FX
In appearance, the only thing that separates the Gold FX and Silver FX is color. In reality, there are actually a few differences in performance.
BaBylissPRO Gold FX has a standard tooth blade, whereas the Silver FX has a Deep Tooth blade. The blade on Silver FX is quite similar to the Andis GTX blade. When zero-gapped, the Gold FX and Silver FX have similar blade performance.
From personal observations, it seems the Silver FX is better in speed, while the Gold FX is better in achieving a perfect lineup. They are both great clippers for trimming a hairline.
What I Like
What Can Improve
Final Verdict
If you have used good Andis and Wahl clippers in the past, then you would enjoy the BaBylissPRO trimmer. It is one of the best liners in the industry. When you have one, you get a good wireless trimming experience.
The Philips Norelco Multi-Groomer is one of the most durable trimmers available on the market. It has a solid build and is likely to survive a fall on a hard surface.
The best hairline trimmer that offers incredible versatility, battery life, and value for money.
Another good thing about the Philip Norcelo clipper is the efficient blades. The blades don’t need to be regularly oiled, unlike other trimmers. At times it may get tiring to oil one’s blade, and this clipper rules out that chore.
The blades are very sharp. If you are not careful, you may cut yourself while trimming your beard lines or hairline. It does a superb job when trimming lines along the hairline.
Attachments
The trimmer comes with about 29 different attachments. For example, there is a nose trimmer, ear trimmer, and detail trimmer in the box.
Also, there are attachments for the body, hair fading, eyebrows, etc. It comes with scissors that can be used for different purposes and a brush that can serve as a standalone hairbrush.
It is easy to replace the different trimming heads on the groomer. With a wide range of accessories, you might run out of ways to use them.
You should keep the ones you make use of in a priority box or the trimmer’s case. I observed that the carrying case isn’t strong enough, but that isn’t much of a problem.
What matters the most is the quality of accessories that come with the clipper and its performance. It has a noticeable level of quality. None of them feels cheap, they appear to do a good job. Even the smaller attachments in the box have robust features.
This is a small but mighty groomer. It is the Floyd Mayweather of Clippers. Small in size, mighty in performance. It has a powerful motor and it doesn’t make a sound while operating.
Although it didn’t make it to our list of best beard trimmers, this groomer holds up its own against each trimmer on that list. It does a decent job trimming and shaving the beard. You can even use it to shave a goatee or trim armpit hair and pubic hair. Plus, it feels good in the hands.
Battery
The battery of the groomer is fine for its capacity. Like every other battery, it is expected to decrease over time. One thing is sure, the battery would last even if you were to trim every single strand of hair on your body.
What I Like
What Can Improve
Final Verdict
If you need a versatile all-in-one grooming solution, I would recommend the Philip Norelco. I would also advise you to get a separate case to store your groomer and its accessories. The case that comes with it isn’t really solid. If you have used other Philips Norelco products in the past, you will notice that this is a mix of some of their best products.
The Peanut is one of Wahl’s best clippers and it’s great for personal grooming. The clipper is built to function flawlessly.
Best affordable line up trimmer, lightweight, and durable.
It comes with different attachments. The most important one for hairlines is the close trimming tool. It is often described as a good handy tool for home use.
Even if you have not used a clipper before, you wouldn’t have issues with this clipper. It is a good clipper for beginners. It can be used for other areas of the body, like beard, mustache, necks, etc.
The peanut-shaped trimmer comes in two versions — the corded and the cordless versions. The corded version is great and works effectively. And the cord is long enough to be maneuvered. The motor is also very functional. Generally, the trimmer is reliable.
Battery
The battery of the Wahl peanut is not so great. It is merely decent. It doesn’t last as long as I would want from a cordless clipper. And the poor battery also deteriorates within a year. Hence, you may have to leave it plugged in while in use.
What I Like
What Can Improve
Final Verdict
This is a good clipper for budget-conscious buyers. Personally, I prefer the corded Wahl Peanut over the cordless version anytime, any day. I would add that the latest version is stronger than the older ones.
The Andis T-outliner is one of the most popular edgers for barbers. You likely might have seen this corded clipper before.
Best lineup trimmer for barbers, great for shape-up.
The T-outliner is known for making hair grooming and shaping up an easy task. If you need close cuts, then this is the right trimmer.
For those that usually get bumps or razor burns when razors cut too close to the skin, you would not experience that with the T-outliner. This is one of the few edgers for black hair that is skin-friendly. Hence, there is no problem for those who have sensitive skin. The close shaves would leave you feeling smooth and clean.
The T-outliner trimmer does a good job with facials, line-ups, and fades. For fades, you need to have the right guards. Although it gets hot with prolonged use, that would only be an issue for professional barbers.
Maintenance
The clipper requires regular maintenance. It is easy to clean, you just need a standard screwdriver, oil, and a small brush. The cleaning process is less than ten minutes.
What I Like
What Can Improve
Final Verdict
Andis T-outliner does a great job. If you are a newbie when it comes to trimming your hairline, this is a good clipper to start your trimming journey. Though it doesn’t have an adjustable length bar or variable speed control, this clipper does what is required.
Note: Keep in mind that I will update this list as often as I can to provide the best hairline trimmers in the current market.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Hairline Clipper
1. Blades
This is one aspect to look at when getting a lining clipper. I look out for what will make the lining easier and faster, and the type of blades really matters. It is best to get quality blades over the counterfeit ones that’ll clog your hair.
Stainless steel is the commonly used blade in trimmers. This blade is known to last longer than other conventional blades. When selecting a groomer, you want to get a model with stainless steel. The latest ones come with self-sharpening technology that makes shaving smoother.
No matter how great the blades are, it would get to a time when a replacement would be needed. Unlike conventional blades, self-sharpening blades last for a longer duration. Though they are more expensive, they give the best value for money.
2. Cord or Cordless
There are different types of clippers, there are the ones with cords and the cordless type. The decision depends on your personal preference. For personal grooming, a cordless trimmer may be preferable. This is because it is easier to use on one’s hair without jamming into cords.
The untethered performance with cordless clippers is amazing as you can easily maneuver around shaving spots. If you are already used to the clippers with cords, then there is no problem. So long as it doesn’t hamper your navigation.
If you prefer the cordless option, then it is best to go for a trimmer with long battery life. The ideal clipper should be one that has at least a 2-hour battery life. The good thing about most cordless clippers is that they also work well with cords.
3. Versatility
If you want a clipper simply for lining your hair, then a relatively cheap clipper would get the job done. However, a good versatile trimmer would cost a couple of dollars.
Versatile clippers can be used for cutting hair and trimming the beards, armpits, neck, and other body parts. The money spent on a versatile clipper is money well spent.
4. Brand
When getting a clipper for personal grooming, it is good to buy a popular brand. One reason why this is important is that you can always find good tutorials online, replacement parts, etc. Examples of popular brands are Andis, WAHL, BaByLissPRO, Philips Norelco, and so on.
Good brands also have a name to protect. Hence, they are more reliable, and faulty products can be returned. When next you want to buy a clipper do not ignore the big names.
5. Motor
A magnetic motor is usually better because it is more efficient than other powerful motors. While most clippers with powerful motors make a loud sound while running, a magnetic motor doesn’t. Nevertheless, there are some lining clippers with powerful motors that produce less noise.
A trimmer with a good motor also tends to last for a longer period. So if you care about noise and longevity, then you should get a clipper with a good motor.
6. Temperature
Another point to note when getting a lining clipper is its temperature while in operation. Some counterfeit clippers get really hot when in use which makes them difficult to hold. The higher the temperature the trimmer gets, the shorter the life of the clipper. It is that simple.
7. Weight
Weight is also an important factor. If the clipper is too heavy, then it will be difficult to use it for lining one’s hair. When selecting a clipper, you should get one that you wouldn’t have a weight problem. A lightweight clipper is preferable to heavier ones as they feel better in the hands.
The Bottom Line
It requires effort on your part to find great clippers for your hairline. The best trimmer for you is the one that cuts well. And to find that one, you need to do some digging.
I believe this guide will help you make a more informed decision. The clippers mentioned above also work well on receding hairlines. With great lineup clippers come the opportunity to flex nice haircuts.
About the Author
Marc Corkery
Grooming ProfessionalMarc Corkery is a fashion enthusiast and grooming professional. He also enjoys playing the violin. Before starting GroomHour, Marc covered a vast range of topics for large fashion platforms. Join Marc and several monthly readers on GroomHour.com, and learn ways to improve your grooming skills and etiquette.
