Wahl Color Pro has spoken nothing shy of convenience and affordability in many regards - from the budget-end price point to the color-coded handle design.
This hair clipper is a lightweight, cordless tool that vows to earn its rightful spot in your heart with the easygoing nature of its grooming operations.
Whether you’re a veteran groomer or someone who only wishes to buy their first ever clipping tool - Color Pro has something for all!
Therefore, my Wahl Color Pro review today should spill all the beans concerning its successes and failures and exactly how much to expect out of it.
Star Rating: 7.1 out of 10
Pros & Cons
| What I Like | Areas for Improvement |
|
|
|
Verdict Wahl Color Pro is definitely a budget solution for hair and beard trimming at home, caters to beginners and easy to learn, the ideal first hair clipper for consumers of every age group. |
|
Specifications: Wahl Color Pro
This section specifies the technical elements of Wahl Color Pro and a quick glance at it should tell you almost everything you need to know about it!
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 4.8 x 4.2 cm
- Weight: 7.7 oz
- Color Variants: 1 (Blue & White)
- Accessories: 21
- Guide Combs: 11 (3 mm to 25 mm, L/R Ear)
- Blade Type: Generic Steel
- Motor Power: Undisclosed
- Motor Type: Rotary
- Waterproof: No
- Battery Indicator: LED Light
- Battery Type: NiMH
- Battery Runtime: 50 Minutes
Unboxing Wahl Color Pro
You’ll receive the Wahl Color Pro inside a brown paper package, within which a cloth pouch is located, covered with a Wahl leaflet.
Once you remove the pouch from the box, you’ll get to undo the zippers and spread the lid open and find the Wahl Color Pro clipper lying with its accessories.
This pouch system is a perfect storage and carrying solution. Other than the device, there are tons of accessories like guards, combs, scissors and so on.
That’s one of the reasons I regard the Color Pro to be a beginner-friendly hair clipper with a not so steep learning curve.
What’s Inside the Box: One Wahl Color Pro Hair Clipper, 11 Guide Combs, 1 Carry Pouch, 1 Scissor, 1 Comb, 1 Cleaning Brush, 1 Clipper Oil, User Manual.
Wahl Color Pro: Standout Features
I find the following features to be the ones to look out for, since these are what make this Wahl Color Pro something unique for its price!
Feature Highlights
- Lightweight, 7.7 ounces handle easy for maneuvering
- Color coded guide combs for beginners with guide on the handle
- Generic blades cater to versatile grooming duties
- Rotary motor powerful enough for average hair texture
- Designated gripping areas make it convenient to hold
Useful Aesthetics & Plastic Grip
The aesthetic choice for the Wahl Color Pro leans toward user-friendliness, especially for those who have never used any hair clipper with guard attachments.
It's simple yet effective, and the compact, plastic design attracts more generic consumers since it doesn’t overcomplicate things.
As per grip levels go, it sticks to your fingers perfectly since there are specific curves to accommodate different types of gripping patterns.
Acceptable Build Quality
In general, the build quality feels very average, from the tactile sensation to the build of the blades, motor or guide combs.
That said, the affordability does not compromise the longevity of this tool. I’ve had my Color Pro for around 3 years now, while I know individuals personally who made it last past the 5-year mark.
I think the only issue you’re going to be facing is regarding the battery. Being an NiMH battery to power the device, you might need to replace it in 3-4 years time, depending on your maintenance.
Travel-Friendly Weight
7.7 ounces for a cordless hair clipper is actually a steal! Generally, batteries weigh down hair clipper weights like this but that’s not how Wahl envisions things.
The most convenient factor for such a weight, other than maneuverability, is its travel-friendliness. You can easily stash it inside your luggage to carry anywhere, anytime.
Also, if you’re older with feeble hands, or have movement impairment, this lightweight tool should serve you well when it comes to self-grooming.
Generic Blade Sharpness
Wahl Color Pro is not a zero-gap hair clipper, that much you probably knew already. In case you’re interested about the teeth gap, I’d have to say the minimum length is around 1.2 mm.
The blades are not super fine, rather slightly bulky to place in the middle of comfort and convenience.
These are fixed blades, so in case of removal, you’ll have to unscrew the blade teeth by yourself. Manual zero-gapping is possible but not recommended.
Sufficient Rotary Motor
Like most other rotary motors inside budget-grade hair clippers, Wahl Color Pro is somewhat the same as the rest.
It doesn’t tug or pull over fine to medium hair textures and densities, but will struggle if you have very dense or curly hair.
I’m satisfied with the hair clipping efficiency though, and as an added bonus, you can even out your beard but that’s mostly for bulk grooming, not precise styling.
Accessories & Pouch Included
To further enhance your traveling experience, the carry pouch should come in handy. As there are many accessories at your disposal, you can stash all of it with the clipper inside that pouch.
This pouch is fastened with a zipper and there’s a carry handle at the back to independently roam around with it.
You may also place it inside your backpack as it should protect the inner components between light to medium pressure.
50 Minute Battery Life
50 minutes of battery life is very decent for an affordable hair clipper like Color Pro, but the issue isn’t with the numbers.
Firstly, the battery type is an NiMH unit, which belongs to the older technology of batteries, taking around 8 hours to recharge and slows down after the 40 minute mark.
To make up for that, Wahl allows you corded usage in case your battery runs out. Not the most convenient option for a cordless tool but better than battery dying in the middle of grooming.
My Experience with Wahl Color Pro
Time for me to share my personal insight regarding the Wahl Color Pro hair clipper as I’ve extensively used it for self-grooming.
Experience Highlights
- Saves you bunch of money on hair grooming
- New user-friendly and easy to use
- Great tool for the price
- Can last a long time if used with proper care
- Generic sharpness, power and efficiency
- Mostly caters to fine hair and beard
How Close Does it Clip?
I mentioned it earlier - Wahl Color Pro is not the closest clipping device as there’s a significant gap between the blade teeth.
That gap is enforced to keep your skin safe from the cutting actions of the blade teeth, thus making it friendly for sensitive scalp or children’s skin.
On average, you should expect somewhere around 1.0-1.2 mm of cutting closeness without any guards, although your outcomes might vary based on your hair density.
Scalp Comfort - Approved
While the Color Pro doesn’t extensively imply skin comfort, the blade teeth width does give you some room of safety and convenience.
The blade edges are somewhat rounded to help prevent nicks or scratches, and I haven’t had any allergic reaction so far even while I shaved my neck with it.
I’d still recommend approaching with caution because excessive pressure might leave your skin red, applying cold water solves that problem effectively.
Average Efficiency
Color Pro doesn’t come with the most powerful rotary motor and its torque feels somewhere around 3-4,000 RPM, although I could be slightly off on the number.
With this power and generic blade sharpness, you should expect your bulk trimming to be completed within 10 or so minutes, depending on your skill with a hair clipper.
It should be relatively faster on balding heads, but I don’t think you’d be satisfied with its outcome on shorter hair, so be mindful of that.
Versatile over Hair & Beard
Wahl Color Pro is interpreted as a jack of all trades when it comes to grooming. You can craft some of the most basic blends and fades if you have the skills.
Otherwise, bulk trimming at particular lengths - for both hair and beard - are where this device shines brightly.
Considering the price, this is a steal for those who don’t extensively go for unique styling choices as most devices at this price point are not usually versatile.
Not Waterproof or Washable
Although some websites might tell you that the Wahl Color Pro blades are washable, I don’t support that claim.
The housing is not sealed and there’s a good chance of leakage if you’re not careful enough with blade washing.
You can unscrew the blades if you feel obligated to rinse, but that’s way too much hassle you don’t need in your life, in my opinion.
Cleaning & Maintenance
So, how do you clean the Color Pro, since washing isn’t an option? By the old-school way! You can simply grab a cleaning brush and pry out the stray hair from the blade teeth crannies.
Follow it up with a mopping process, pick anything you like between a cloth rag or paper towel - totally up to your preference.
Be sure to lubricate the blades once every week. For frequent groomers, I’d suggest oiling the blades after every grooming and cleaning session. Store in a safe, dry compartment.
Wahl Color Pro Testing Process
My testing process for the Color Pro began with a close inspection of the housing, the power switch, the blade alignment and so on, because affordable tools usually cut costs around these areas.
Then I began my personal use with it, monthly trim to keep my hair in check. I tried out fine tuning my hair, even went on to trying out a buzz cut (won’t recommend).
Other assessments included battery life stress test, charging time, comfort levels and so on. For cleaning, I tried both washing and brushing, and I prefer the latter to ensure its safety.
Buyer’s Guide: Who Should Pick Wahl Color Pro?
Groomers who don’t want to spend tons on a barbershop can definitely settle for a Color Pro as it’s an inexpensive, easy to use hair clipper for most parts.
Teenagers, elderly men or even parents can buy this clipper for their kids because of the lightweight design, color-coded handle and a complete accessory package.
Also, travelers can make good use out of the kit design since this is easy to store and carry around anywhere you might go.
What I personally like about this device is the fact that I’m getting to be part of a family like Wahl with such an alluring price point whereas brands like Andis would only focus on professional-grade tools for most parts.
Wahl Color Pro vs Chrome Pro: Better Value for Money?
There are two different Wahl hair clippers that might interest you since they belong to a similar price range, thus it’s confusing to pick out one for your needs.
The table underneath in the form of Wahl Chrome Pro vs Color Pro will give you almost everything you need to know about these tools to distinguish one from the other.
| Feature | Wahl Color Pro | Wahl Chrome Pro |
| Power Source | Cordless rechargeable (NiMH battery) - 45 Minutes Life | Corded heavy-duty clipper |
| Motor | Rotary motor - average power | Electromagnetic heavy-duty motor—35% more power than standard models |
| Weight | 7.7 oz | 15.5 oz |
| Build Material | Light plastic | More robust plastic with rubber grip |
| Adjustment Lever | No | Yes |
| Blade Performance | Generic SS blades, not zero-gapped | Self-sharpening Precision Blades |
| Accessories | 21-Piece Kit | 24/25-Piece Kit |
| Ideal For | Beginners, at-home simple cutting, portability, children | Users wanting more power, fading/blending control, full grooming kit |
From the table, you probably have gained some idea about the different abilities for the two tools along with their unique characteristics.
Similarities
- Blades are built with similar materials
- Plastic housings
- Full kit purchase
- Beginner friendly
These two Wahl tools share some sort of resemblance in their blade department, including stainless steel units.
However, I must point out that the blade orientation as well as the robustness are quite different in these two products, more on that later.
Another similarity is in the housing department as they share plastic for their core build, although the quality of the plastic feels somewhat different.
For either of these two purchases, you’d be getting a full kit set. So it’s more of a complete purchase for new groomers.
Differences
- Different weights make maneuvering completely opposite
- Cordless 45 minutes vs 2.4 meter corded usage
- Color Pro comes with a rotary motor whereas Chrome Pro offers more powerful unit
- Chrome Pro has better gripping areas with rubberized covers
- Adjustment lever enables Chrome Pro to style fades, tapers
- Color Pro gives you cloth pouch, Chrome Pro comes with solid case
There are so many differences between these two hair clippers that I don’t know where to start. Weight-wise, Chrome Pro weighs almost twice as much as Color Pro.
By being heavier and padded with rubber, the Chrome Pro allows you to grab a handful of the device to apply more accurate strokes.
Neither of the blades are zero-gapped, but Chrome Pro’s adjustable lever liberates you from grooming restrictions and you’d be allowed to try fades, buzz cuts, tapers, blends etc.
Color Pro mostly excels at bulk grooming and beard trimming. Chrome Pro is not big on beard because of the blade and motor type.
Chrome Pro’s electromagnetic motor is actually very powerful, and it offers relentless performance due to the corded design.
While both of these tools are kit-based, the storage situation is much different. Chrome Pro’s case is solid and is better at protecting the inner components from external pressure.
That said, Color Pro’s pouch is lighter in weight, thus adding a different dimension of convenience. The choice is up for you to make.
The accessories, guide combs etc. are slightly better built for the Chrome Pro but neither are exceptional in general.
Key Takeaway: Both Wahl Color Pro and Chrome Pro cater to budget-friendly consumers, but the latter can also be used inside a barbershop.
Pick the Color Pro is cordless usage is a priority for you and you wish to learn about clipper guards easily - using the color-coded design.
Otherwise, if you want something more powerful, more versatile and don’t mind corded use, Chrome Pro is definitely the better performer out of the two!
FAQ
The following FAQs are essential pieces of knowledge for interested consumers who are eying the Color Pro for a potential purchase.
Q: Can the Color Pro be used on wet hair?
Ans: While you can use the Color Pro on wet or damp hair, I’ll urge you not to do so. One reason is that it lacks any sort of waterproof certification. On top of that, this clipper has corded functionality, and using it with the power cord connected on wet hair is a recipe for disaster.
Q: How loud is Wahl Color Pro?
Ans: Generally speaking, Wahl Color Pro is quite a low-noise device with the levels residing below 30 dB (according to some estimations). Very soon, I’ll get back to you with a proper measurement of the noise levels.
Q: What’s the warranty and money-back policy for Color Pro?
Ans: Warranty for Wahl Color Pro varies from vendor to vendor across the globe. There’s available warranty periods between 2-5 years, and it can also be purchased as an additional coverage if your vendor allows you. From Amazon, the money back guarantee is 30-days if you buy from the official Wahl store. I believe it’s still better if you check with the vendor you wish to purchase from.
Final Opinion
While the Wahl Color Pro review extensively breaks down its features and compares it against Wahl Chrome Pro, there’s something I must tell all of my readers.
First of all, the color-coded design is super friendly, more than I can express in words. And being able to stash everything inside the pouch is peak convenience.
Secondly, if you’re not a barber or a very serious groomer, you’ll do just fine with having a Color Pro, without exploring other suspicious devices at this price.
And my last suggestion would be to consider the Color Pro as a great Christmas gift for your partner or friends or other family member!
0 comments