Is it better to have heavy or light haircutting shears?

We know you have a lot to consider when picking out a pair of professional hair cutting scissors. But have you considered the weight and feel of your hair cutting shears? Professional hairdressers want shears made from high quality materials, but does that mean we need to worry about the weight of our shears? Let's chat about heavy and light hair cutting shears.

High quality steel

High quality steel is an important factor in the making of hair cutting shears. It is after all what separates your hair shears from your basic kitchen scissors. The best shears are usually made from Japanese steel. This steel is very hard, holds a very sharp edge and is lightweight. Japanese shears are known worldwide for being the standard for the best high quality scissors. Steel is rated on a scale called the Rockwell Hardness Scale. Let's give you a quick insight into the different types of Japanese steel !

• Hitachi ATS 314 is the highest quality steel. It has a Rockwell hardness rating of 59-61
• VG10 is also a great high quality steel with a hardness rating of 60-61
• Damascus is multiple layers of VG10 compressed to give you a very strong steel
• 440c has a Rockwell hardness of 58 and is a great all rounder steel!

These are the main steels that are used for high quality shears. These steels are great for creating light weight hairdressing scissors.

We do also need to make a mention of German steel. German steel is the leader in European hairdressing scissors. While not as old and well known as Japanese steel they still make great professional scissors.

Different Edges

While the different edges of your hair cutting shears won't make too much of a difference in their weight, we still think it is important to learn about them because the steel you use will affect the edge your scissors have.

Beveled edge blades

The beveled edge is what German scissors are best known for. It is an edge that can take a bit of a beating. It is easy to sharpen into any steel. Barber scissors are known for having beveled edge blades. This edge helps to keep hair in place as you're cutting. It is perfect for scissor over comb and blunt cutting.

Convex blades

The convex edge is known as the japanese edge! Because you will find it on only the best japanese steel shears. It is super sharp. Only the best shears and steel will have this edge. It comes to a very sharp point that is hard to maintain on cheaper and softer steel. A convex blade is best for advanced cutting techniques such as slide cutting or point cutting. A true convex edge will be very sensitive and should not be used just for blunt cutting.

Semi convex blades

Somewhere between the beveled edge and convex edge lies the semi convex edge. This is the most popular edge for most professional hair cutting shears. It is versatile and can be used for every cutting technique, a favorite for precision cutting on wet or dry hair. It will hold its edge best on a mid strength to very strong steel.

So what do all these things have in common? The steel you choose can affect how light or heavy your shears are but also which edge or blade you will be cutting hair with.

Ok so which do I choose, heavy or light ?

Here at Scissor Tech we like to give you it all ! We do believe in giving you the best shears made from the best steel for the best prices. You want a good quality steel that is lightweight. Light weight means your scissors will feel more comfortable in your hand. Along with comfort the lighter the shear the less strain you will put on your hands and wrists!

The hairdressing industry around the world is full of hair stylists with hand and wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This can cause weakness, pain and tingling in your fingers, hands and wrists. It can be career limiting, and painful. This is why we always recommend you have ergonomic shears. Shears that are made to help prevent carpal tunnel. We have basic offset handles that will put your hand closer to its most natural grip when cutting. There are crane handles that will also help reduce elbow and shoulder pain by dropping your arm down to its natural position. And of course the most popular ergonomic shears- the swivel ! These hair cutting scissors keep your thumb and wrist in its best and most natural position.

As we mentioned we use and swear by high quality steel and our ergonomic handle designs however we are doing so much more to help your hands and wrists ! Our hairdressing scissors use a lighter steel in the handle to make sure your shears are light and take the pressure off your wrists. This is most noticeable in longer hair cutting scissors. A longer pair of scissors will be made with more steel, making it a heavier scissor. We use our lightweight steel to ensure that your pair of scissors is not too heavy! Of course you don't want shears that are too light as we need that force behind our shears so they can be used on wet and dry hair and deliver the best cuts, every time.

Choosing your hairdressing scissor

Hopefully you are now an expert on steel! This knowledge will help you in picking the best hairdressing scissors for you! We hope you love the next pair of hair shears you choose!