Beauty & Self-care

Hair clippers & trimmers

8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of hair clippers & trimmers — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Clippers and trimmers are often bought for a husband, dad or boyfriend who already cuts his own hair or keeps a beard, or who keeps saying he should. The ones that get used every week match a habit he already has: a buzz cut between barber visits, a beard that needs a clean edge, or stray hairs at the nose and ears. Before you choose, work out which job he does most. A full set of hair clippers suits someone who cuts his whole head at home. A small nose hair trimmer is a practical stocking stuffer that gets used more than you'd expect. Whatever you pick, look at how it charges, how easy it is to clean and which guards come with it.

Kind 1 of 8

Hair clippers for cutting at home

Hair clippers are built to take a lot of hair off the whole head, using wide blades and guide combs to set the length. They suit someone who already does buzz cuts or fades at home, or who wants to stretch the time between barber visits. Before buying, count the guard lengths and make sure they cover the lengths he actually wears. Check whether it runs on a cord, a battery or both, and whether the blades come off for cleaning. A heavier body often feels steadier in the hand, but it can be tiring for a longer cut.

  • Representative photo-style image of professional grade hair clippers — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Professional grade hair clippers

    Suited for individuals who perform frequent at-home haircuts or desire robust, long-lasting grooming equipment.

Kind 2 of 8

Small trimmers for nose and ears

A nose hair trimmer is a slim, pen-sized tool with a small rotating or side-to-side head that trims hair inside the nose and around the ears. It works well as a stocking stuffer for a dad or partner who has started noticing stray hairs. Check whether it takes a standard battery or recharges, since a dead battery means it sits in a drawer. A head that rinses under the tap makes cleaning easier. Some models include an eyebrow attachment, which adds some use without adding bulk.

  • Representative photo-style image of nose and ear hair trimmer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Nose and ear hair trimmer

    A discreet and essential tool for personal grooming, this trimmer safely and comfortably removes unwanted hair from sensitive areas.

Kind 3 of 8

All-round trimmers for everyday grooming

A general hair trimmer for men usually handles several jobs: neckline cleanup, sideburns, short beards and sometimes body hair, with swappable heads for each. This is a good choice when you know he grooms but you're not sure exactly how. Look at which attachments come in the box and whether they fit a case or stand, because loose heads tend to go missing. A waterproof body lets him use it in the shower. Check how long the battery lasts on one charge, since multi-head kits tend to get used for longer sessions.

  • Representative photo-style image of all in one grooming kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    All in one grooming kit

    A comprehensive solution for head-to-toe hair management, providing multiple attachments for various grooming needs.

  • Representative photo-style image of waterproof body groomer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Waterproof body groomer

    Perfect for those who prefer full-body hair maintenance, this groomer can be used wet or dry for comfortable trimming.

Kind 4 of 8

Manual nose clippers without batteries

Nose clippers here means the manual kind: a squeeze-action tool with a rounded tip, similar in feel to small scissors. They suit someone who dislikes the buzz of electric tools or wants something that never needs charging, which also makes them handy for a toiletry bag. Check that the grip is comfortable and that the head comes apart or opens enough to rinse clean. A stainless finish holds up better in a humid bathroom. These make a small add-on rather than a main gift.

Kind 5 of 8

Cordless trimmers that go anywhere

A cordless hair trimmer runs on a rechargeable battery, so he can use it at any mirror, at the cottage or away on a trip. It suits someone who travels, has a small bathroom with no outlet near the sink, or just doesn't like dealing with a cord. Check how it charges, whether that's by USB, a plug-in stand or a dock, and whether it can run while plugged in if the battery dies partway through. A battery level display helps. Compact models pack easily but may have fewer guard lengths.

  • Representative photo-style image of cordless hair clipper kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Cordless hair clipper kit

    This kit offers freedom of movement and versatile styling options for anyone who prefers at-home haircuts.

  • Representative photo-style image of compact travel hair trimmer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Compact travel hair trimmer

    A convenient solution for maintaining a neat appearance on the go, this trimmer is small enough to fit in any travel bag.

Kind 6 of 8

Beard trimmers for keeping it tidy

A beard trimmer is narrower than a hair clipper and made for shaping facial hair, with guards set in small steps so the beard stays an even length. It suits someone with stubble, a short beard or a well-kept longer one. Check the range of length settings and how precisely they adjust, since beard wearers tend to care about a few millimetres. A narrow blade or detail head helps with lines along the cheeks and neck. Ask yourself whether he keeps a clean line or a more natural look, and choose to suit.

  • Representative photo-style image of precision beard trimmer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Precision beard trimmer

    Ideal for individuals who maintain facial hair, this trimmer allows for precise styling and shaping of beards and mustaches.

Kind 7 of 8

Electric trimmers for detail and edges

Electric beard trimmers range from simple stubble tools to units with fine detailing blades for edges, moustaches and sideburns. A separate detailing or edging trimmer makes a good second tool for someone who already owns clippers but struggles with crisp lines. Check whether the blade gives a clear view of where it cuts, since that matters most for edging. A slim body is easier to angle around the lip and jaw. Look for blades that can be removed and oiled, which keeps the cut clean over time.

  • Representative photo-style image of detailing and edging trimmer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Detailing and edging trimmer

    This specialized trimmer is excellent for creating sharp lines, intricate designs, and maintaining precise edges around hairlines and beards.

Kind 8 of 8

Beard clippers for longer, fuller beards

A beard clipper sits between a hair clipper and a trimmer. It has a wider blade and longer guards, which suits bulk-trimming a full beard before shaping it. It's a good fit for someone growing a longer beard who finds a small trimmer slow going. Check that the longest guard is long enough for his beard, and that the guards clip on firmly and don't pop off mid-pass. Guards that are clearly marked save guesswork. If he also cuts his hair short, one clipper with a full set of guards may cover both jobs.

How to choose hair clippers & trimmers as a gift

  • Figure out the main job first, whether that's head, beard, nose and ears or body, and buy for that rather than for the most attachments.
  • Look closely at the guard lengths and make sure they match the hair or beard length he actually keeps.
  • Choose a charging method that fits his routine, such as USB for travellers or a stand for a fixed spot on the counter.
  • Removable, rinseable blades make cleanup quicker, which makes it more likely the tool gets used every week.
  • A storage case or stand keeps guards and heads together, so the kit stays complete after the first month.

Usually safe to skip

  • Big multi-head kits for someone who only trims a short beard often end up with most pieces unused in a drawer.
  • A tool for a job he pays a barber to do, like fades, may go unused unless he's said he wants to learn.
  • A novelty trimmer bought mainly for its looks often has short guards and a weak battery, and gets swapped out quickly.

Questions people ask about hair clippers & trimmers

What's the difference between hair clippers and a beard trimmer?
Clippers have wider blades and are made for taking off a lot of hair across the whole head. Beard trimmers are narrower, adjust in finer steps and handle edges and short facial hair better. If he does both, a kit with interchangeable heads can cover the two jobs.
Is a nose hair trimmer a good gift for dad?
It works best as a small add-on or stocking stuffer rather than a main gift. It's practical and gets used often. Pairing it with a beard trimmer or a grooming bag makes it feel more thoughtful and less like a hint.
Should I get a cordless or corded trimmer?
Cordless is easier to use and pack, which suits most people who trim a beard or tidy up between haircuts. If he does long, full-head cuts at home, a model that can run while plugged in avoids the battery dying halfway through.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

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