The Barbershop Look at Home: How to Get a Professional Haircut with Your VGR Clipper

A sharp haircut in the UK will set you back anywhere from £25 to £60 at a barber — and that's before you've even factored in the tip. With the cost of living squeezing household budgets across Britain, more men are making the switch to home grooming. And the good news? With the right clipper and a little know-how, you can achieve a genuinely professional result without ever leaving your bathroom.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right VGR clipper for your hair type, to mastering three of the most popular haircut styles in the UK, step by step. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been cutting your own hair for years, this guide will help you level up your results.

Why More British Men Are Cutting Their Hair at Home

The DIY grooming trend has been growing steadily in the UK since the pandemic, and it's not going anywhere. A 2023 report by Mintel found that nearly one in three British men now regularly grooms at home rather than visiting a salon or barber — a figure that continues to rise.

The reasons are straightforward. First, cost savings: even visiting a barber just once a month adds up to £300–£700 per year — a quality home clipper pays for itself within weeks. Second, convenience: no booking, no waiting, no commute — your bathroom is open 24/7. Third, control: you know exactly what you want, and now you can deliver it yourself.

The barrier used to be the tools. Consumer-grade clippers were once underpowered and unreliable. That's no longer the case. Brands like VGR have brought professional-grade motor technology and build quality to a price point that makes home barbering genuinely accessible.

Choosing the Right VGR Clipper for Your Hair Type

Not all clippers are created equal, and the right choice depends on your hair type, the style you're going for, and how often you plan to use it.

For Fine to Medium Hair — VGR V-001

The V-001 is VGR's entry-level professional clipper and a brilliant starting point for most men. It features high-density carbon steel blades, a powerful 7,000 RPM motor, and a USB-C rechargeable battery offering up to 200 minutes of cordless use. If you're maintaining a basic crop, taper, or short back and sides, this is all you'll need.

For Thick or Curly Hair — VGR V-003

Thick or coily hair needs a stronger motor and wider blade contact to cut cleanly without snagging. The V-003 steps up the power and includes adjustable taper control, making it the better choice for textured hair types or anyone attempting a fade at home.

For the Full Barbershop Kit — VGR V-280 Grooming Set

If you want the complete setup — clipper, trimmer, and foil shaver — the V-280 grooming kit gives you everything in one box. It's the ideal choice if you're serious about maintaining a complete look at home, including crisp edges and beard detailing.

When shopping for any clipper, look for: a motor speed of at least 6,000 RPM for consistent cutting, USB-C or fast charging, multiple guide comb sizes (at minimum 3mm, 6mm, 10mm, 13mm), and IPX waterproofing for easy cleaning under the tap.

Step-by-Step Guide: Three Popular UK Hairstyles

Style 1: The Classic Short Back and Sides

The undying staple of British men's grooming. Clean, versatile, and appropriate for every setting from the office to the pub.

What you'll need: VGR clipper, guide combs (No. 2 and No. 4), a handheld mirror, good lighting.

1. Start with dry hair. Clippers cut more evenly on dry hair — wet hair can clump and create uneven results.
2. Attach a No. 4 comb (12mm) and work through the top of your head using smooth, upward strokes against the direction of growth.
3. Switch to a No. 2 comb (6mm) for the sides and back. Work from the neckline upward in even passes, overlapping slightly with each stroke.
4. Blend the transition. Use a No. 3 comb (9mm) to blend between the shorter sides and longer top. Move the clipper in a slight rocking motion as you reach the transition zone to avoid a hard line.
5. Tidy the neckline. Remove the comb and use the clipper's blade directly to define the neckline in a straight or slightly rounded shape. Use a handheld mirror to check the back.
6. Clean up the edges around the ears and temples using the corner of the blade or a separate trimmer.

Style 2: The Fade

The fade has become one of the most requested styles in UK barbershops over the past decade, and it's more achievable at home than most people think. The key is patience with the blending.

What you'll need: VGR clipper with taper adjustment, guide combs (No. 0 through No. 4).

1. Decide on your fade height — low (just above the ear), mid (level with the temples), or high (above the temples). For beginners, a low fade is the most forgiving.
2. Start with a No. 4 comb across the entire head to establish a base length.
3. Work upward with decreasing guards. Begin at the neckline with a No. 0 or No. 1, then switch to a No. 2 slightly higher, then No. 3 higher still. Each guard should overlap slightly with the zone below it.
4. Use the taper lever for micro-blending. Open the lever (longer) at the top of each zone and close it (shorter) at the bottom. This feathers the transition and eliminates hard lines.
5. Check your work with a handheld mirror and a bright light. Hard lines will be visible immediately — re-blend any areas that look abrupt.
6. Finish with a trimmer on the hairline and ears for sharp, clean edges.

Pro tip: Watch your fade from the side angle, not just front-on. Most blending errors are only visible in profile.

Style 3: The Textured Crop

The textured crop has dominated British men's style guides for several years and suits almost every face shape. It's longer on top (around 2–3 inches) with a tight back and sides.

What you'll need: VGR clipper for the back and sides, scissors for the top (or a longer guide comb), styling product.

1. Section the hair. Work methodically — top section first, then sides and back.
2. Cut the sides and back with a No. 2 or No. 3 comb, blending up toward the longer top section. A low or mid fade works well here.
3. For the top, use a No. 6 or No. 8 comb to establish your length, or use scissors if you want more control.
4. Create texture by point-cutting — hold scissors vertically and snip into the hair rather than straight across. This breaks up bluntness and gives the style its signature lived-in feel.
5. Apply a matte styling product — a clay or paste works best — and style with your fingers rather than a comb for natural, textured movement.

Maintaining Your Clipper: Make It Last

A well-maintained clipper will last years. A neglected one will start pulling hair within months. After every use:

• Brush out the blade with the cleaning brush included in your VGR kit.
• Apply a drop of clipper oil to the blade before and after each use to keep it running smoothly.
• Rinse under water if your clipper is IPX-rated — all current VGR models support this.
• Store with the blade guard on to protect the teeth from damage.
• Charge after every session so it's always ready — don't wait until the battery dies completely.

The Bottom Line

Achieving a barbershop-quality cut at home is entirely within reach. A reliable VGR clipper, a basic understanding of technique, and a bit of practice will save you hundreds of pounds a year while keeping you looking sharp on your own schedule.

Start simple with a short back and sides, get comfortable with your clipper, and build up to a fade as your confidence grows. Trust the mirror, not the memory — and you'll be surprised how quickly the results speak for themselves.

Ready to get started? Explore VGR's full range of clippers and grooming kits and find the right tool for your style.