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There's no hairdressing career without a trusty pair of scissors. Actually, you'll need more than just one pair to cut and style all types of hair you handle in your salon. When you're working with your client’s hair, you may even maintencance feel like the shears you use are an extension of your hand - that is, if you manage to find a model that suits you perfectly. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing pain or an injury on your hand, fingers, elbow, or wrist. It's every hairdresser's nightmare, but if you don't manage to find the right model for you, it's not a matter of "if," but rather "when."
Let's go back to this ideal pair of scissors. Now you probably want to ask, "Is that even possible? There's no such thing as a perfect pair of scissors!" You're right, a model that would suit all hairdressers hasn't been invented yet. Still, there are scissors that come close to this seemingly unreachable goal! Have scissor manufacturers managed to crack a secret code? Well, yes and no. Some of them have their trademark techniques and styles, but they all follow the same principle. Their goal is to make ergonomic scissors, which are the best tools for hairdressers and stylists all over the world. After all, there are no two hairdressers that are the same, much like there's more than one reason why cutting hair with regular scissors is more than just frowned upon. In the hairdressing industry, it's like a crime!
Since you're here, it means that you're looking for an ergonomic pair of scissors for your personal or professional use. And let us tell you - you've come to the right place! This article is for those who want to learn everything there is to know about ergonomic scissors. We'll gladly share our knowledge with you and help you find a pair you'll be using for years to come, without worries.
Don’t have the time to read our awesome post from start to finish? Let your hair down! If you want to read the sections that interest you the most, check out the table of contents below.
Everyone knows that some occupations take a toll on the body. You might be wondering what's the reason behind all those painful problems, and truth be told, it's hard to put the blame on just one factor. If you want to ask us what kind of health issues many hairdressers have to deal with, and where do they come from, but most importantly - is there a way to prevent them completely or at least reduce the risk - read on! You'll find the answers below.
Repetitive Motion Injuries, or RMIs for short, are, as the name would suggest, injuries that occur as a result of performing a certain task repeatedly. They may be temporary, which means that you'll experience painful symptoms for some time, but then you'll be relieved because they'll go away. However, repetitive motion injuries can be permanent. It may happen as a result of serious damage to nerves, muscles, or tendons.
RMI is also known as RSI - Repetitive Strain Injuries. It’s a term used to describe a gradual buildup of damage and pain in muscles, nerves, and tendons, caused by repetitive motions and overuse. Typically, it affects hands, wrists, elbows, forearms, neck, and shoulders. Over time, symptoms like pain, swelling, throbbing, numbness, tenderness, or stiffness, may become more intense, making your usual activities more difficult to perform.
It goes without saying that a hairdressing career does, in fact, involve repetitive strain on specific joint and muscle groups. After all, it requires performing certain hair-cutting techniques that must be done in a specific way. That's right - if your attention drifts away when you're learning the ins and outs of your trade, you're doomed. Getting the right pair of scissors is one thing, but wrong posture and hand position can make the problem so much worse. There's no other solution, and hairdressers all over the world suffer from frequent hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or back pain.
Right now, you may be wondering if there's anything that can help you deal with this problem. Luckily for you - YES, there is! If you're looking for a light in the tunnel, you found it right here. In a moment, we'll explain the ins and outs of occupational ergonomics in the context of the most vital tools in your hairdressing career - your hair-cutting shears and scissors.
Unfortunately, repetitive motion injuries are not the only issues professional hairdressers may have to deal with in their career. As exciting as it sounds, being a hairdresser is not a piece of cake, and there are other conditions associated with this line of work. These include:
The list goes on and on, but don't get discouraged! We've been there, and we've had the same doubts. Still, we managed to emerge victoriously, and so will you, especially if you're determined enough. Hairdressing is our passion, and you're in the right place - we'll share our knowledge with you and let you in on some of the best-kept secrets that will ensure your safety and prevent any injury. Don't believe us? Keep on reading!
If you want your hairdressing career to belong, successful, and painless, you should equip your professional inventory with a pair of scissors that are ergonomic. They should be your go-to tools, no matter which technique and cut you'll be doing! Ergonomic hair shears are the answer to health problems related to the career of a hairstylist. Honing your professional skills is up to you, but we can certainly help with the choice of scissors you might be using for work.
Let's dive into the world of ergonomic hair shears. They truly can make your work more comfortable, and you're about to find out how and why!
The main goal behind the ergonomic shear design is to minimize the stress on stylists' bodies. There are several features that make hair shears truly ergonomic. These include:
When implemented by a reputable manufacturer, they help reduce hand, wrist, elbow, arm, shoulder, and back pain. The right spacing also prevents your fingers from cramping due to a better hand position.
A shear handle is one of the elements of design that determine how ergonomic a specific pair actually is. There are four different types of scissor handles:
Classic. The classic handle design is very popular, and it's preferred by people who are used to holding their shears with their middle finger, and not their ring finger. However, classic shears are not the most ergonomic option out there because they don't promote the healthiest grip.
The shape of blades also determines the level of scissor ergonomics. You may encounter:
Using the tools that are not fitted to your preferences and, more importantly, anatomy, is TORTURE! If you're left-handed, you can definitely relate to this statement. Fortunately, scissor brands have your back! You can buy left-handed scissors and no longer worry about adjusting your hand position to right-handed shears. But if you managed to teach yourself how to cut hair with both hands, hats off! Some brands have actually come up with reversible shears, perfect for all the uniquely ambidextrous hairdressers.
Just like types of blades, handles, and left-or right-handed design, the length of scissors matters - a lot! Basically, we're dealing with short shears when we talk about models that measure between 4.5 and 6 inches. Long shears, on the other hand, measure between 6 and 7 inches, although some are up to about 8 inches. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and there are certain hair cutting techniques where one would perform better than the other.
Long shears take more hair per cut, saving you time and helping you achieve a smooth, organic look. They're frequently used by barbers, and for techniques such as shear over comb, cutting with a comb and cutting in-comb.
Short shears allow you to work quickly, efficiently, and safely - you don't have to worry about accidentally cutting and injuring your clients. They're great for achieving hairstyles that involve point cutting, in-hand, and palm to palm cutting, precision cutting, and cuts that are close to a client's body.
To answer the original question, both long and short shears are ergonomic. You just need to consider your needs and techniques and pick the length accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to try out shears that have different lengths. They're going to feel differently in your hand, and they probably differ in weight - but you can be surprised if you end up using longer shears made of more lightweight materials. Look for a model that feels the most comfortable to you, but keep in mind length recommendations when it comes to different hair-cutting techniques.
Supposing you own some shears already and you're satisfied with their length but you forgot the exact details. What next? Measuring your scissors is a piece of cake, and it's a useful thing to do before you decide to buy a pair online. All you need to do is to measure from the tip of the blade to the edge of the finger hole. Don't include the finger rest, though!
Once you get your ergonomic shears, you need to know how to take care of them so that they will serve you for years to come. Chances are they weren't cheap, so you should treat them accordingly! After all, they're a tool that you'll use every day, all day long. Trust us - the better you treat them, the better they perform; you can see it by assessing how your haircuts turn out. Skills and experience are one part of the story, but the right equipment and proper maintenance can help you create hairdressing masterpieces time and time again, encouraging more clients to come to your salon. That's a happy ending every hairdresser dreams about!
So, what are the best practices in ergonomic scissor care? There are six important steps you need to know about. These include:
Sounds like a lot? Actually, it's not that bad! However, if some of these practices are new to you, make sure to adjust your habits and incorporate them into your hairdressing routine. Trust us, your performance will improve, and your clients will be happy with the haircuts you give them. And that's not all! You'll be able to enjoy your beautiful scissors for many years to come - and without any pain related to this profession. How cool is that?
All right, you now know the steps you need to take two ensure your scissors are in pristine condition - as they should be! But that's not all - we'll teach you everything you need to know about the dos and don'ts of ergonomic scissor maintenance. Some people are aware of the best practices in scissor care, and yet they keep making simple mistakes that can lead to shear damage. How scary! We can't let you do the same.
Take a look at our do's and don'ts list, learn it by heart, and adhere to it as if your life depended on it - because it does! Or, to be more precise, your entire hairdressing career is at stake, which basically means the same thing. But let's get down to business and figure out once and for all what you should and shouldn't do in ergonomic scissor maintenance.
Don't use your shears to cut anything else other than a human hair.
Enough with all those technical details! Right now, you probably want to see which scissors we believe are the most ergonomic. Your wait is finally over! Below, you'll find our top picks from various shear collections you can find on our website. If you want to get inspired, read on!
This beautiful rose-gold set from Matsui is perfect for left-handed hairdressers and stylists! It contains two pairs of shears: a 5.5" or 6" Lefty Matsui Precision Rose Gold Cutting Shear, and a 6" Lefty Matsui Precision Thinning Shear. The set also includes a case, shear oil, cleaning cloth, tension adjuster, and spare plastic finger inserts to ensure the perfect fit. The shears are made from premium Hitachi Japanese steel and are covered by a lifetime warranty.
If you want to introduce joy and excitement to your life, you can't go wrong with this amazing Matsui Rainbow Triple Combo. In this triple set, you'll find a Rainbow 5.5" Cutting Shear for ladies cuts, a 6.0" Matsui Rainbow Shear for barbering or blunt cutting, and a 6" Matsui Rainbow Thinning Shear. These rainbow shears come with a high-quality storage case, shear oil, shear tension adjuster, and a lifetime warranty. Free shipping included!
Produced by the world-famous Yasaka brand, these offset handle shears are perfect for slicing and point cutting. This shear is specifically recommended for people suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pressure on a nerve in your wrist causes pain and numbness in your hand and fingers) or Repetitive Strain Injuries. You can choose the size you prefer the most and opt for 5", 5.5", or 6" shears.
If you want a product that's unique and stylish, check out the Sozu Essentials Oriental Cutting Scissor. The silver finish is quite standard, but it's a beautiful handle design that makes it stand out from the crowd. You can choose between 5.5" and 6" models with hand-made blades. This Sozu shear comes with a hard case and other accessories including scissor oil, tension key, and spare plastic finger inserts.
Are you bored with the classic silver finish? Show your rebel side by rocking the Matsui Aichei Mountain Matte Black Triple Set. It includes three pairs of scissors made from premium Aichei Japanese steel: a 5.5" Matsui Matte Black Aichei Mountain Shear, a 6" Matte Black Aichei Mountain Shear, and a 6" Matsui Thinning Shear. The set comes with a high-quality case, cleaning cloth, tension adjuster, shear oil, and spare finger inserts for optimal comfort and perfect grip.
If colorful shears are not for you but you want to introduce some bling to your life, choose the Sky Blue Shear Thinner Combo from the Matsui Swarovski Elegance Limited Edition series. Made from Japanese cobalt-infused steel that keeps the scissors razor-sharp for days on end, these scissors are fitted with a small sky blue Swarovski crystal, one for each handle. This combo features two pairs of scissors: a 5.5" or 6" Matsui Swarovski Elegance Sky Blue Cutting Shear, and a 6" Matsui Swarovski Elegance Sky Blue Thinning Shear. The set comes with a shear oil, cleaning cloth, tension adjuster, and spare plastic finger inserts to ensure a firm and comfortable grip.
There's no better way to complete your professional inventory than buying a scissor combo from the Sozu Classic Scissor Thinner range. This set includes two pairs of high-quality shears: 5.5" Classic cutting scissor, and 5.5" Classic 27 Tooth thinning scissor, both with removable finger rests. This Sozu combo comes with a hard case. Inside, you'll find accessories such as a tension key, scissor oil, and spare plastic finger inserts.
Here's another great model for left-handed stylists. The ergonomic design of the Joewell XO Lefty Series ensures a comfortable grip, and the offset handle helps adjust the position of your hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. This model features a convex blade and a precision flat screw, making your hairdressing job faster and easier. You can order a 5" or a 5.5" model with a stylish, black titanium coating.
In this section, we'll answer some of the most burning questions stylists and hairdressers often ask when looking for ergonomic scissors. Get ready for some first-hand tips, tricks, and shear knowledge every hairstylist should have!
You may be wondering, what's so great about ergonomic scissors? You may be skeptical at first, especially after you see the prices - yes, they can get quite expensive but trust us - they're worth every cent! Just to recap what we've said before, ergonomic shears implement a set of structural and design-related solutions with the goal of easing the stress from your back, shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand while you're cutting your client's hair.
It's safe to assume that you'll go through many pairs of scissors in your hairdressing career. What's more - there will be days when you'll have to use more than one shear because you'll have to serve clients with different hair types. As such, your professional inventory has to be fully stocked - preferably with various ergonomic shear models.
You now may be wondering, "But where do I start and how do I know I'm choosing the right pair?" If you're buying your shears from an online store, it gets even harder. Whenever you're about to make a decision, think about these factors:
Choosing the right type of scissors is one thing. However, using it is a completely different story. You'll know you found the best pair of shears for you if your whole body feels comfortable while you're using them. In particular, you should pay attention to these factors:
We get it - hair-cutting scissors can be on the more expensive side. More specifically - if you want to buy truly ergonomic hair shears, you may have to dig deep into your pockets. It will be worth it, though! Here's why professional shears have the edge over the regular ones, and why they can be so expensive:
If you feel pain while cutting your clients' hair (and long after you're finished working), it may be a sign that the shears you're using are not the right fit for you. In this case, to avoid any further injury to your arms, elbow, neck, shoulder or back, we recommend looking for a more ergonomic option, such as shears with a bent down thumb ring, a rotating swivel thumb, a crane handle, or an offset handle. Additionally, make sure the pair of shears you're using for work is not too heavy for you. Consider switching to more lightweight models if you feel any pain in your wrist
Also, pay attention to the position of your body and hand while you're cutting hair. You may have developed some unhealthy habits, so try to see if there's something else that might be causing you pain, next to ill-fitted scissors.
Obviously, buying the right tools for your hairdressing job is the first step to make it more comfortable. Still, there's so much more you can do to minimize the risk of developing painful health conditions relating to your hairdressing career.
Here's what you can do to help yourself and cut your clients' hair with the same passion you've had at the beginning of your career:
Here at Scissor Tech, we want to provide you with tools that will allow you to fall in love with your job all over again. Whether you're a pro stylist or you're just a beginner, we'll help you find the best hair-cutting scissors to fit your needs and minimize the risk of repetitive motion injuries. With so many brands offering different types of scissors, making up your mind can be really tough - but don't worry! We're here to help you make the best decision, and our knowledge stems from our passion and years-long experience in the hair-cutting business.
In case you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We'll clear out any doubts you might have and will give you advice regarding the pro equipment you can find on our website. Thank you for shopping at Scissor Tech!
