The BaBylissPRO FreshFX Cordless Clipper (FX86E) is a lightweight professional cutting clipper in a matte black finish, built to take hair down and blend it up. A high-power DC motor runs at 6,800 RPM -- 500,480 cutting actions a minute -- behind a Japanese steel 45 mm taper blade, so it powers through bulk, tapers and fades. It is fully cordless on a long-life lithium-ion battery, with up to 120 minutes of runtime and a USB-C quick charge that gives 20 minutes of cutting from a 20-minute top-up.

In the box

• the FreshFX cordless clipper
• 8 guide comb attachments
• a blade guard
• a USB-C charging cable and adaptor
• a cleaning brush
• lubricating oil
• a screwdriver for blade alignment

Why the FreshFX clipper

The FreshFX clipper is the workhorse of the FreshFX set -- the tool that removes length, sets the taper and blends the fade. The high-power DC motor holds 6,800 RPM through thicker hair, and the Japanese steel 45 mm taper blade is corrosion-resistant and stays sharp with regular oiling. A 5-position taper lever adjusts the cutting length on the fly, and 8 guide combs cover the grades from close work up through the longer lengths. It is light in the hand with a non-slip grip, and it charges over USB-C, so a short top-up gets you back to cutting fast.

Key features

• Japanese steel 45 mm taper blade: a corrosion-resistant cutting blade for bulk, tapers and blends; it holds a clean edge when you keep it oiled.
• High-power DC motor: runs at 6,800 RPM (500,480 cutting actions a minute) and is designed to hold its speed through thicker, denser hair.
• 5-position taper lever: step the cutting length through 0.5, 1.4, 2.3, 3.2 and 4.2 mm with a thumb lever, without swapping combs, which makes blending a fade quicker.
• 8 guide comb attachments: a full set of guides for the graded lengths and bulk work.
• Cordless lithium-ion with USB-C: up to 120 minutes of cordless runtime, and a 20-minute charge gives about 20 minutes of cutting when you are short on time.
• Lightweight FreshFX body: a compact barrel shape with a non-slip grip, finger and thumb rests, worldwide 100-240V on the USB-C adaptor.

What to expect

This is a cutting clipper for bulk, tapers and blends -- the heavy work, not fine outlining. For crisp lines, edge-ups and beard detail, reach for the FreshFX FX76E T-blade trimmer; for a foil-close finish, add the FX3 shaver. The 45 mm taper blade sits with a small working gap and is adjusted with the included screwdriver, so it is not a zero-gap balding blade. Keep a charged battery ready, since it is cordless only, and oil the blade so it keeps gliding.

Who it is for

• Students and beginners who want a forgiving, lightweight cutting clipper to learn tapers and fades on.
• Barbers and stylists who want a light cordless clipper for bulk and blending alongside their main machine.
• Bulk, tapers and fades: the DC motor and 45 mm taper blade take hair down and blend it up.
• Anyone building the FreshFX set: the clipper pairs with the FX76E trimmer and FX3 shaver.

Who it is not for

• If you mainly cut fine lines and edges: a taper clipper removes bulk -- use the FreshFX FX76E trimmer for outlining and detail.
• If you want a foil-close finish: add the FX3 shaver for the neck, cheeks and hairline.
• If you need to run corded mid-cut: this is cordless only, so keep the battery topped up.

Professional tip

Clear the bulk first, then step the taper -- take the length down with the lever closed and a comb on, then remove the comb, lift the clipper through the hair and open the lever a position at a time as you rise, so each pass blends into the last instead of leaving a shelf. Let the blade glide rather than pressing it in, and check both sides in the mirror before you commit to the line.

How to use

1. Charge the battery over USB-C; this clipper is cordless.
2. Fit a guide comb and set the taper lever for the grade you want.
3. Cut against the growth to remove bulk, working in sections.
4. Blend by lifting the clipper and opening the taper a step at a time.
5. Detail the outline with the FreshFX trimmer, then finish with the FX3 shaver.
6. Oil the blade after each use, brush it clean and store the clipper dry.

Care and maintenance

Oil the blade before and after each use -- a drop along the teeth, run the clipper briefly, then wipe the excess -- and brush the cut hair from the blade after every client; regular cleaning and oiling keeps it cutting and protects the warranty. Keep the clipper dry and store it with the guard on. When the blade dulls, fit a matching original FreshFX taper blade; for that blade, plus combs, blade covers and oil, see the BaBylissPRO accessories and replacement parts page. And for sectioning hair while you work, add the BaBylissPRO Croco Clips X6.

In short

• Lightweight cordless cutting clipper: 6,800 RPM DC motor, Japanese steel 45 mm taper blade, for bulk, tapers and blends.
• Cordless with USB-C: up to 120 minutes of runtime, a 20-minute quick charge, worldwide 100-240V.
• FreshFX set: pair it with the FX76E trimmer and the FX3 shaver for lines and a close finish.

Frequently asked questions