THE BEST OF THE BIXIE

Before attempting the bixie haircut, make sure you have a first-class, professional clipper for perfecting weight distribution, creating playful texture, and executing a defined finish

MICHELLE SULTAN, BABYLISSPRO AMBASSADOR

The bixie is the on-trend hybrid haircut that clients are clamouring for. Blending the structure and length of the bob with the feathered layers of the pixie cut; it’s a versatile look that can be adapted to a multitude of face shapes and client lifestyles. But one tool that will make creating this combination cut easier is a high-quality professional clipper.

Here’s what a selection of top hairdressing talent had to say about how they use clippers to craft the ultimate bixie.

1 Perfect with Personalisation
The bixie is a flexible style which works well with customised additions to suit each client, including defined fringes, according to top stylist, Charlie Illi from Brooks & Brooks, London. “Clippers are ideal for defining a micro fringe,” says Charlie. “This works perfectly with the short, pixie-influenced layers for that 90s-inspired look.”

2 Add Volume and Definition
Clippers are also great for creating overall definition and fullness, says Charlie. “The benefits of using clippers is that they create thickness, definition, and volume, especially on fine hair. It’s also a helpful tool to refine and give a satisfying finish.”

3 Create Structure
Working with a taper is ideal for those defining finishing touches, agrees Dean Gleeson, of the Wahl Professional Artistic Team. “For a more structured look, taking the nape or neckline tighter with a taper can give a really strong silhouette. To do this, I would work with the Senior 2.0 with a grade 1 or 2 guard, depending on how tight you want to go, and I would ascend through the guards to blend into the length on the sides.”

4 Tease out the Texture
One of the most exciting features of this look is the amount of texture you can add to it, says Dan. “To do this, I would use point-cutting techniques with the Wahl Hi Viz trimmer. To do this, simply vertically lift the section of hair you wish to texturise, and push the blade into the tips of the hair, ensuring the blade is vertical. If you wish to create more texture, you can adjust the angle slightly to create a diagonal cut.”

5 Lighten the Load
Clippers are the perfect tool for creating the weightless appearance of the bixie, says Michelle Sultan, BaBylissPRO Ambassador. “When using clippers for a bixie cut, I’m mainly utilising them to remove weight rather than length. The shape is all about that soft transition from pixie to bob, so I avoid overworking the outline or creating anything too structured,” she says. “I’ll use the clippers to gently debulk through internal areas, so the hair sits better and moves more freely, keeping the overall silhouette light and wearable.”

6 Aim for Effortless Finish
“Overall, I’m always careful to avoid strong lines,” stresses Michelle. “The clippers should support texture and softness, helping the cut feel effortless and lived-in rather than sharp or overly precise.”

TAKING CARE OF YOUR CLIPPERS

Regular maintenance of your clippers not only extends their life, it also improves performance, hygiene and cutting precision. Here are some key tips from the experts at Wahl on how to keep your clippers and trimmers in top condition.

Dust Off Hair After Every Use

Loose hair left inside clippers can quickly affect performance and put strain on the motor. After every service, make sure you thoroughly brush away any trapped hair from the blades and inner casing.

Clean and Disinfect Properly

Clippers and trimmers come into direct contact with skin, making hygiene essential in professional environments.

Wahl recommends using a disinfectant spray designed specifically for clipper blades. This helps remove dirt, bacteria, and product residue while protecting both the tool and the client. Spray blades regularly throughout the day, wiping away excess product with a clean cloth, and always allow blades to dry properly before storage.

Oil Blades Little and Often

One of the biggest causes of poor clipper performance is a lack of lubrication. Dry blades create friction, heat up quickly, and place unnecessary strain on the motor.

To keep blades running smoothly, apply two or three drops of clipper oil to the blade after cleaning, turn the clipper on briefly, and adjust the taper arm a few times to distribute the oil, and then wipe away any excess.

Oiling regularly reduces heat, minimises blade wear, and helps maintain a sharper, smoother cut. Remember, motor bearings are permanently lubricated, so do not attempt to oil those.

Check Blade Alignment

Incorrectly aligned blades can affect cutting precision and may even cause discomfort for clients.

Before using your clippers, always check blades are fitted correctly, and ensure they are not overlapping unevenly. You should also tighten screws if blades feel loose

Service Your Tools Regularly

Even well-maintained clippers benefit from professional servicing over time. If tools become noisy, lose power or begin pulling hair, it may be time for a repair or replacement part.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

WAHL SENIOR 2.0

The Senior 2.0 from Wahl features a 20% faster motor with adaptive speed control and a new taper lever with click or free-flow control. Its ultra-strong carbon steel blade, with diamond-like carbon coating, ensures high precision cutting and lasting durability.
Price: £227.99, inc VAT

BABYLISSPRO FOP-CLIPPER

The Compact Lo-Profx Cordless Clipper from BaBylissPro sports a compact design, while retaining full Lo-Profx performance. The ultra-thin black titanium fade blades feature built-in lubrication for the smoothest possible client experience. This small but powerful clipper also boasts a 6,800 RPM motor and a cordless run-time of up to 150 minutes.
Price: £144, inc VAT

HEINIGER TAURO GOLD DYNAMIC

The Tauro from Heiniger features a high-quality processed clipper blade for the ultimate in precision, with eight attachment guards, making it ideal for cutting lengths from 0.3 to 1.4 mm. Battery or mains operated, the clipper offers a cordless running time of up to 120 minutes.

JRL 3000C CLIPPER WHITE

Available in the UK from Chris and Sons, the JRL 3000C Clipper White combines power with comfort for the ultimate professional performance.The clipper features five secure locking positions within a precision adjustment range, engineered to maintain consistent cutting accuracy and stability over long-term professional use. The 7,800 RPM brushless motor delivers powerful, smooth cutting performance with long-life durability and consistent output.
Price: £154.74, inc VAT

ANDIS SLIMLINE TRIMMER

The new Andis Slimline Pro II Trimmer combines precision detailing with lightweight comfort, offering professionals exceptional control for neckline work, edging, and finishing touches. Designed to feel like a pencil in hand, its slim ergonomic shape and quiet motor enhance both stylist comfort and client experience. The trimmer also offers cordless freedom with up to two hours of run time.
Price: £99.99 inc VAT