The Wahl ChromStyle Pro is a cord/cordless clipper whose 5-in-1 (Fine) blade covers ± 0.7-3.0 mm, so bulk removal, tapering and clipper-over-comb work run on one blade, with a guide only when you go longer. It runs for up to 3 hours cordless on Li-ion.

In the box

• The clipper
• Six cutting guides: 1/8 inch (3 mm), 1/4 inch (6 mm), 3/8 inch (9 mm), 1/2 inch (12 mm), 2/3 inch (18 mm), 1 inch (25 mm)

Why this clipper

First, which ChromStyle this is: the ChromStyle Pro, article 3028890, type 5303L. Its place in the chair is the clipper stage of the cut, before the trimmer and the foil shaver. One blade range carries the bulk, the taper and the clipper-over-comb work, and a guide comes in only for lengths above it.

Key features

• 5-in-1 (Fine) blade: the length is set on the blade before the cut. In WAHL's words, “5-in-1 blade easily adjusts for smooth fades, clean trims, and all-over cutting.”
• Cord or cordless: it runs on its Li-ion battery, and on the cord when the battery is low
• Maintenance reminders on the digital display: the cue to clean and oil the blade
• 4-stage LED battery indicator: check it before a long cordless session
• A contoured body, which WAHL calls a “Contoured, Lightweight Design”; the weight is given above
• Six cutting guides for the lengths above the blade's range

Who it is for

• Barbers and stylists who want one cordless clipper, with the length taken from the blade rather than from a stack of guides
• “Bulk Removal”: taking the length off before the shape
• “Tapering & Longer Hair Cutting”: walking the blade through the transition
• “Clipper Over Comb Technique”: the blade set, the comb doing the shaping

Who it is not for

• Detail work and beard lines - that is a trimmer's job: the Wahl Beret Stealth Trimmer Black
• The finished outline at the hairline - that is an outline trimmer's job: the Wahl 5 Star cordless Detailer Li Cord/Cordless Trimmer

Professional tip

For a taper, walk the blade down its range through the transition rather than switching guides mid-zone. For clipper-over-comb, set the blade first, then keep the comb moving and the clipper flat along it.

How to use

1. Charge it fully before the first cordless session.
2. Set the cutting length on the blade before the cut.
3. For lengths above the blade's range, fit a guide.
4. When the battery is low, carry on with the cord connected.
5. Switch off and unplug, then brush the hair out of the blade.

Care and maintenance

After each client, brush the hair from the blade, then put a drop of clipper oil across the teeth, run it for a few seconds and wipe off the excess. Do the same whenever the display shows a maintenance reminder. Keep Wahl Special Blade Oil 200ml at the station for that, and Wahl Oil Tube 10ml in the case for work away from it. At the end of its life the clipper is electrical waste, for a collection point rather than the household bin.

Frequently asked questions