As many of you know, I shave my head. I’ve been doing so for a little over three years. I have never used a razor and I have no plans to do so anytime soon. There are a number of reasons why I choose to shave my head, but I’ll share those later in the post. In partnership with HY Connect (@HYConnect) or HYC, I was asked to provide a review of one of their product lines, Wahl’s Baldfader clippers.
My first question to Slim when he told me about the opportunity was, “What if they suck?” I didn’t want to give you guys an insincere review about a crappy product, even if it was a free crappy product. Fortunately, the Baldfader clippers live up to their name. I was able to complete my usual close shave using the Wahl Baldfader clippers. As it turns out, I had been using a different Wahl product (incorrectly) for the past three years. Keeping it honest, you can get a marginally closer shave using one of their classic fader clippers, which is the product I’d been mistakenly using in the past. However, this product will run you a bit more. The Baldfader is $32.99, but since most men’s haircuts cost $20 or more it is a product that easily pays for itself after a couple uses.
Pros:
- Professional blades. Wahl is a quality product that’s been around for years. Don’t act like you haven’t seen the commercials. In fact, when I first went clipper shopping my barber at the time simply told me to get a Wahl pair of clippers and I couldn’t go wrong.
- Guaranteed return on investment. As I mentioned above, starting at $32.99, the clippers easily pay for themselves after a few uses. Even the more expensive faders pay for themselves. Essentially, if you use the clippers, there is no way they will not pay for themselves.
- Reliability. In the time I’ve had my one pair of Wahl clippers, I’ve gone through 3 pairs of cheaper or rechargeable battery clippers. I can personally attest that Wahl makes a quality product. Also, their electric clippers line removes the need to worry about new or used batteries.
- No razor bumps. One of the many reasons I use Wahl clippers instead of a razor is so I don’t have to worry about razor bumps. With Wahl, I can get a similarly close cut without running a razor across my skin and getting razor bumps or ingrown hairs. We’ve all seen the back of heads or necks of that one guy who breaks out in razor bumps. Not a good look.
Cons: I honestly only noted two cons with the Baldfader clippers.
- Bald cut. I honestly thought a product called Baldfader would provide a closer cut. However, to put things in context, I had been using the Wahl fader clippers these past few years, so I had pretty high expectations. The only reason I’m even aware there is a closer cut available is because I had used another one of their clipper products. Basically, I’m saying the same manufacturer does have a better line of clippers available – and this is only my opinion. I was by no means unsatifised with the Baldfader. I just happen to prefer their other clippers.
- Runs hot. The first time I used the Baldfader it did begin to run a little hot after a while. With this being my first use, however, I may have had to run the clippers longer than I will have to in future uses. This may very well be a temporary problem. It wasn’t scalding hot or untouchable but I did notice the clippers got hotter towards the end of my cut.
Why I Recommend Wahl Clippers
In addition the reasons I mentioned above, I would recommend Wahl clippers because I personally use them, have been using them for years, and have every reason to keep using them in the future. If you’re looking for a gift for a grooming product for the man in your life, I would definitely put Wahl at the top of the list. I have no major complaints. Also, for those cheap frugal readers among us, cutting out the barber is an easy expense to cover. I was basically paying my barber $20 a week to cut off all of my hair. I realized this is something I could do myself – and although he wasn’t happy about my decision – he understood why. I net $20 with every hair cut I perform myself, which is $80 a month or $1040 a year. I’m sure you ballers aren’t worried about a measly G a year, but I was and so I decided to make a change – and I started with the man in the mirror.
I also decided to cover some of these points in a video that I’ll include below, which covers how I shave without a razor. Be sure to check out Slim’s product review on a line of natural men’s skin and after shave care products. If you have any specific questions about Wahl clippers or shaving in general, let me know and I’d be happy to address in the comments below.
Luckily, I do not get razor bumps so I am able to use the razor and cut my hair bald. And I can go against the grain gives me the clean, baby bottom smooth cut.
I’ll admit my aversion to razors might be a bit of paranoia. If you have any specific razor or after care products you’d like to recommend, feel free to share. I have a few friends that use razor or hair removal creams with varying degrees of success.
Thanks!
Which Wahl trimmer do you use? I'm about ready to replace mine with a new one.
I’ll gr the exact model number this evening. I’m sure there have been some upgrades cuz I d had this pair or a few years so I’ll try to get the newest model number from their site. A pic might help too but I’ll figure all this out tonight and update ya.
So after actually looking it up, it turns out I've been using the 'Wahl Detailer' all these years. I'm not sure if they were made for bald fading but hey, I'm not complaining. Here's a link to the exact product: http://www.sallybeauty.com/wahl-detailer/SBS-7850…
thanks. I'm about to look like Denzel Elba or something.
Fusion Pro Glide series is pretty dope. You probably can't go wrong with any multi-blade (4+) razors. Only thing I've found better is the old black man in the shop that's been cutting hair for 40 years.
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Those old black men can shave like no other. I’ve met a few younger cats that can still edge you up with the straight razor but I prefer the 40+ gentlemen with a razor to my head/neck over these youngstas. My cousin actually uses a straight edge razor to trim his stash and goatee. He always speaks highly of it but I haven’t tried it myself. To anyone thats interested, you can buy the switch blade and replacement razors at Sally’s.
How close do they cut? I've been shaving my head for 10+ years now and mostly used trimmers to get as close as possible but nothing beats a razor to me.
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I agree. They cut close but they’re not going to cut as close as a razor. I actually went with clippers to avoid razors. I also only cut my hair once a week. It’s my understanding that once you start shaving you have to do it every one or two days. I’m not about that life.
The issue is that black and white people have totally different definitions of bald. Like I wear a low cut Caesar, everytime I cut my hair somebody asks me why I shave it bald… that makes no sense to me.
I use a razor to shave only because I've perfected the proper shave to the point where I don't get irritation. These clippers however, are essential along with a pair of t-edgers. With those two pieces you should be able to get yourself right. I do my own fades and edge up and have been cutting my own hair since about 98. When you're broke and can't get a seat with hair cutting dude in the dorms, it's only right you learn how to tighten yourself up. Good post.
Also another great point, CPT.
I got tired of spending 2 – 8 hours (if there was a holiday or major event coming up) sitting on my ass in the barber shop. Sure, I enjoyed the conversation and kicking it with the boys but I have better things to do with my time, especially as I get older. Time is a commodity. I can sit around in the barber shop for 2+ hours every weekend or I can cut my own hair in 15 – 30 minutes for free. You see the choice I made.
Its Amazing …Excellent command on this topic as you gave pros and cons of wahl product. I used high quality Wahl Clippers and other hair products from a long period. I recommend you to check latest products on elliebeauty.com available for you at incredible price…
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i have a mini afro growing and i want to get it really short but not bald. should i cut against the grain or with it?
Cut with the grain my man
I’m now not sure where you’re getting your info, but great
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Provided that you utilize the hair evacuation spreads in the wake of shaving, it will lessen your hair development and stretch the interim between shavings, yet won't give your perpetual balding.
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Wahl's blades are sharp. I have a 5-start balding clipper but I am always careful with my haircut and let my friends or family do the cutting.
I have been a loyal consumer of Wahl products. I think their products are the best. thank you for sharing this great review!
I used high-quality Wahl Clippers and other hair products from a long period. This is amazing.
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Wahl products are very good.