Different Hair Cutting Scissors: Which Ones are Right for You?

Selecting a pair of hairdressing scissors to build your kit can be an overwhelming task. It is critical to choose the correct hair scissors, considering how many hours a day you’ll be using them and what kind of hair technique you need them for. You must choose one pair that fits perfectly in your hand, minimizing fatigue and hand strain. Each pair is designed with different materials and features to help you achieve the desired hairstyle with professional results every single time.

How to Choose?

When selecting your next pair of scissors, the following factors must be considered:

• Comfort – A comfortable pair of hair-cutting scissors reduces the chances of hand tiredness, repetitive strain injury, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Size – The scissors’ length is a personal choice and depends on the type of cutting you’ll be doing. Longer blades are used to cut shears over a comb, and shorter blades are used for most hair techniques.
• Blade – There are two types of blades available, a beveled edge and a convex edge. The former has a cutting edge polished into the blades, whereas the latter (also known as razor scissors for hair) has a shallow arc on the reverse side for razor-sharp cuts.
• Scissor Handle – The type of handle is mostly a matter of comfort and personal choice.
• Make – It is very important to choose a pair of scissors that are made from the best metal. Japanese steel is considered the best material for making a pair of good scissors (and even surgical equipment).

Types of Hairdressing Scissors

• Short-Blade Cutting Scissors

These are lightweight and provide better control, making them ideal for ladies’ hair-cutting techniques, such as slicing. Scissors with short blades can be used on any hair type.

• Long-Blade Cutting Scissors

Cutting scissors with a long blade consist of long edges, commonly used for a variety of barbering techniques, including over-the-comb. They are heavier and help cover a greater surface area of hair to cut for a sharp, and straight edge cut.

• Thinning Scissors

Wide-tooth thinner scissors are made with a small number of teeth on one blade and are designed to thin out chunks of hair. Ideal for use with thick or coarse hair, these hair thinning scissors can be used to remove excess hair weight, blend in lines smoothly, and create a soft, diffused shape.

• Texturizing Scissors

Similar to thinning shears, the texturizing scissors have 30 to 40 sharp teeth to help create a more dramatic look. The large number of teeth provides better control and precision, preventing thinning out more hair than you originally intended to. They can add volume and texture to different hairstyles.

• Swivel Scissors

Swivel scissors are designed for your comfort and safety, reducing the risk of injuring yourself. Long salon hours can cause a lot of tension and pressure in your wrist and hands, which can be reduced with a rotating thumb ring that provides flexibility of movement when handling and controlling them.

• Left-Handed Scissors

As the name suggests, these scissors are designed for left-hand users, reducing the strain and discomfort caused by regular, right-handed scissors. Their blades are reversed and allow you to see your cutting line. 

Different Scissor Handles

Choosing the best hairdressing scissors also includes the consideration of scissor handles according to the shape and curvature of your hand. The three most popular options to choose from are:

• Classic - Also known as straight scissors, the classic scissor handle includes the upper and lower blades of the same shape and size. The handle has a flat level and the thumb rings are perfectly aligned. As the most popular choice, these scissors are recommended for beginners and deep-point cutting techniques.
• Offset – The offset handle consists of slightly angled handles, where the top and bottom rings are not in perfect alignment. They are slightly off-center, making it easy to relax your wrists and fingers. These scissors are more ergonomic and are recommended for blunt, vertical, and straight-line cutting.
• Crane – An exaggerated version of the offset model, the crane scissors have a straight blade with a downwardly angled handle shank and a thumb ring. This ergonomic style is more comfortable and effectively reduces hand fatigue while cutting hair.

Maintenance

Regardless of the type of cuts and the number of working hours, if your hairdressing tools are not maintained and cleaned regularly, their quality will affect your clients’ satisfaction. Hairdressers are as good as their hair-cutting equipment, which is why it is recommended to get your scissors services at least once a year – this will include cleaning, setting, and balancing.