Hair clippers might have reached peak popularity during the pandemic, but with the average price of men’s haircuts approaching £15 and the cost of living crisis beginning to bite, they’re still a great, money-saving alternative to a professional trim.

The perfect grooming gadget for creating new styles whenever you want or maintain an existing one between barber appointments, they’re a cinch to use and most pay for themselves in three or four cuts. But, before buying it’s important to find the right clipper for you – one that matches both your needs and budget.

Mains-powered “corded” clippers – the ones used by pros – are a good choice if you’re going to be doing a lot of cutting and are looking for longevity (there are no batteries to wear down). While cordless ones are good if convenience and manoeuvrability are key – look for Lithium-Ion batteries which tend to be longer-lasting. Or, if achieving graduated fades is important, choose clippers with taper levers or digital adjusters that allow you to change cutting lengths in minute increments.

To get the most out of your investment, clean your clippers after every use with the brush provided (or rinse if they’re waterproof) and finish off by oiling the blades. “Not only will oiling keep your blades running cooler, but they’ll also stay sharper for longer and the…