I actually think the style shown in the picture is designed for standing on the top step, hence the handrail. It was developed because so many people ignored the warning about standing on the top step of the earlier more common style.
I used my beard/hair clippers to buzz my hair about six weeks ago. Took it down to 5/8" and then just trimmed around my ears to keep it neat as it grew in. With so many guys doing it I didn't look or feel out of place. Still it was nice to get it cut professionally.