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The hairdressing industry is full of sharpness, beauty, and highly competitive brands trying to wriggle their way into every hair salon. The pros and beginners alike cater to their clients' needs, day in and day out, experimenting with different colors, textures, and haircuts. However, hair shears are the absolute heroes of the industry - if you manage to lay your hands on a great model and find your perfect fit, the results you'll achieve with your trusty set will simply be out of this world!
Without a doubt, top-notch, high-quality hairdressing tools and scissors are really expensive. Fortunately, brands and stores have generally a wide price range to accommodate all hairdressers, stylists, and barbers, from pros to beginners. But the price is not the only factor you should take into account while looking for hair shears. You also need to know what makes them feel so good in your hands, and which features can make or break your entire hair cutting performance.
Learning how to cut hair is one thing, but knowing how to pick the right tools for this job is a completely different story. Even hairdressing pros can be confused! You either don't know what you’re looking for or you’re simply overwhelmed by the number of choices out there. Let’s face it… there's a lot out there! So before you blow your money on a pair of scissors that might not be right for you, you need to consider the technical, practical, and also visual aspects of the tools you'll be using for work.
If you want to learn everything there is to know about hair shears, read on. We can help you find the perfect match!
Skipping through this blog? We’ve got you covered! Check out the contents table below to skip to what you actually want to read.
We know, we know! It's boring to start with a theoretical introduction but we simply have to discuss the technical details of hair shears before we talk about their practical qualities. In this section, you'll find answers to important questions in the hair shears industry. You will learn what's the difference between cast and forged shears, get to know various types of blades and types of steel used in the shear making process, and find out what it means to have a titanium-coated scissor. Ultimately, you'll understand why the price tags can be so out of this world. Hang in there tight, you're in for a wild ride!
In all honesty, upon hearing the word "cast" for the first time, some stylists thought it meant to cast a fishing rod out - oh boy were they wrong! Casting in the hairdressing scissor world is where the liquid steel is poured into the molding and thus, creating the scissor. We talk about forging when the handle and blades are made separately. The reason behind this is to be able to use different steel quality in one pair of scissors.
To look at a scissor and be able to tell the difference if it was cast or forged is near impossible - unless you were there during the production process. This is why it brings us to mention that you should always be careful where you make your scissor purchases. Some places make them very poorly and later sell those low-quality shears. Even though they might look right, you'll quickly know if the price was fair - the scissor performance will show you everything!
That's why you should always buy your hairdressing tools from a reputable store. Generally speaking, hand-made scissors will always be stronger and sharper than machine-made models, so before buying from a stockist ask them what their method of making scissors is- it might surprise you!
Surprise surprise! Well, not really. Just like with everything in the world, quality matters. When it comes to the quality of steel for hair-cutting scissors, there is a low standard, a high standard, and also something in between. The best way to determine it is by the grading of the steel, which is as follows, from highest to lowest:
If you’ve done any research at all, then you would have discovered that most, if not all, hairdressing scissors are made from only the best - Japanese steel. However, there are many companies out there that will print fake logos and try palm off the scissors as high-end, top-quality Japanese steel scissors. Don’t be fooled by them! If they are super cheap, then that's what you’ll get - a cheap scissor. Sorry to break it to you! Just remember, anything under $90 is cheap and nasty, whereas anything from $250 plus is guaranteed to be a high-quality, genuine shear for professional hairdressing work.
Simple answer without beating around the bush - it’s a coating that makes the scissor pretty and has absolutely no effect on the performance of the scissor itself. The titanium coating literally just makes the scissors more appealing to the eye. And boy oh boy, the selection can be quite extensive! If you want to change something up and have fun in your salon, you can buy hair cutting shears in many different colors and finishes, from rose gold to matte black, pink, or even rainbow.
However, if you don’t take care of your scissors and use harsh cleaning chemicals on them, you run the risk of damaging the coating and making it, well, not so pretty at all! So read on further to find out how to care for your scissors properly.
If you’re anything like me by this stage your mind is a little blown by the work involved in a hairdressing scissor but it’s not over yet. Types of blades - yes, there is more than one type! Let me explain the 3 different types of blades nice and easy for you now.
We get it! Hairdressing scissors are expensive - BUT they are pricey for a reason. Why do you ask? Well, our fellow hair friends, it's all mainly in the quality of the materials used. The quality of steel is what determines how well your scissors will perform and durable they will be. After all, you can cut hair with plain old kitchen scissors we all have in our homes. But is it advisable? Absolutely not!
In the industry of hairdressing tools, you put your money where your mouth is. In simpler terms, you get what you pay for. If you choose a reputable store and brand, you can be sure that the more expensive the scissor, the more lasting they will be in the long run. This, in turn, will save you time and money on the scissor needing to be re-sharpened or re-purchased.
What about the results, you may ask? How can you benefit from buying an expensive set of hair shears? Well, their performance, sharpness, and beauty will speak for themselves. However, high-quality scissors are your best bet to gain a satisfied client base. At first, new stylists never know who will come to their salon and what their needs will be. Still, with a high-quality kit full of professional hair shears, they will be able to take on any challenge!
Of course, you'll have to do the work yourself to get the results you're looking for. Expensive shears from a well-known brand won't make a difference if you don't know how to use them correctly! As a hairdresser, you need to keep learning new techniques and honing your skills. High-quality shears will help you along the way, and their steep price is definitely worth it.
If you've been waiting for the fun part, we're about to go right in! Let's marry theory and practice, and continue our journey through the world of hair shears. In this section, we'll get close and personal to some of the most important aspects of hair cutting tools - the fit, the handle design, the length, and the style. That's right! Besides the sharpness, there's also beauty in the hairdressing industry - not relating to the haircuts themselves, but to the tools, you'll need to do them.
What happens when you go to a store or a website looking for a perfect set of hair shears? We bet you're quite confused and maybe even overwhelmed with the sheer amount of brand names, shear types, different colors and selections, and so on. We get it, but keep in mind that your extensive search results are both a blessing and a curse. A curse - because well, now you need to decide which shear (or shears) will make the cut - see what we did here? But it's also a benefit because it gives you the opportunity to be very selective and choose the best brand, model, and design to suit your needs.
If you're making a purchase in an online store, your task will be more challenging because you won't be able to take the shear of your choice in your hands, weigh it, test your grip, and see how it feels. But don't worry! You don't have to physically touch it to find out whether they're a good fit or not. There are other factors that can help you make an informed decision. What are they? You'll find the answers below!
Is there such a thing as a perfect fit for hairdressing scissors? Yes! Of course, there is. There has to be! You want your shears to fit perfectly with a little tiny gap for movement to take your thumb or ring finger in and out of the thumb hole when cutting. If the holes are too snug, you won't have the freedom and ease of adjusting your thumb and taking your fingers in and out. What happens as a result? You run the risk of getting your finger stuck in an awkward, painful position!
Scissor Tech has the perfect shears that generally fit all! If they don’t, then lucky for you, they often come with finger inserts that you can build up if your fingers are far too small for the holes. Or, if your fingers feel too snug like we said above - you can simply take the finger inserts out! Having trouble? Watch this short how-to video to insert or remove finger inserts with ease.
Are you unsure as to what handle design is best for you? Worried you’ll pick the wrong one? We have got our top 4 handle designs described below to ease the confusion and to help you make the right choice!
Classic:
Everyone is familiar with the classic handle – this design is best for people who hold their scissors with their middle finger instead of their ring finger. However, you don't have to be a pro to know that it's not the correct way to hold your hair-cutting shears. If you fail to handle your scissors correctly, you risk developing various health issues later in life, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, locked joints, trapped nerves, tennis elbow, and postural fatigue.
Offset:
The more common handle is the offset design. This is best used for people who hold their scissor correctly by using their ring finger to hold the scissor whilst cutting. This design allows a more natural/relaxed and free-flow position and reduces the risk of wrist injury later in your career. Keeping in mind you will still need to raise your elbow to ensure you are cutting correctly.
Crane (increased offset):
The Crane design – not as common but common enough for it to be created! Best used for the hairdressers that struggle with shoulder and neck pain. Due to the old/bad habits of the hairdressing world, this scissor design allows you to drop your elbow position because of the angle in the arch or the scissor, therefore allowing better body positioning when cutting.
Swivel:
The Swivel, not for everyone but for everyone willing to try! The swivel was designed to give ease to all hairdressers while cutting. Thanks to the less restrictive feel, it allows your thumb to be in the correct position no matter what angle you cut at. If you’re used to the other handle forms, this may take a few goes to get used to, but once you do – there’s no going back, especially when your hand and wrist have less pain and more comfort throughout your working day.
You may be wondering why we are talking about the length of hair-cutting scissors. Well, that's because it really matters! A shear with a short blade cuts differently from the one with a longer blade, and in hairdressing, every inch counts. That's why you need to check how long will be the blades of the scissors you want to buy.
If you already have some shear models in your professional kit but you're not sure how long they are, don't worry. Measuring a scissor is not that hard at all! To measure the shear, you need to start at the tip of the blade and measure down to the edge of the finger hole, not including the finger rest.
What you would find in most hairdressers' scissor cases is either a 5.5 or 6-inch scissor. Depending on the technique of cutting or hairstyle to be cut, it's safest to go for the 5.5 or 6-inch scissor. Of course, there's a reason behind it! Simply put, the bigger the blade gets, the less control you may have. Then, you risk ruining the haircut if you’re not confident in the tools of your choice, or you're not used to the size of the hair cutting shears you bought.
Unsure on how to measure your scissor? Take a look at our super simple diagram below! As stated above - measure from the tip of the blade to the edge of the finger hole (not including the finger rest).
Statistics show that there are typically more right-handed people as opposed to left-handed people in the world, and of course, we cannot forget the very clever ambidextrous people that roam the planet, making every pro hairstylist jealous. Now the question on your mind which we're assuming has kept you engaged this whole way through - are there left-handed AND right-handed scissors? YES! Yes, friends, of course, there are. Every hairdresser is completely different, hence why there are so many different designs out there to cater to all comfort and style requirements.
So why put yourself through any pain trying to use a right-handed shear when you're left-handed? Well, you just wouldn’t, would you? Scissor Tech has a huge range of right and left-handed scissors, and now also including both… Yes, you read that right - both! For the clever cookies of the hairdressing industry that are uniquely ambidextrous, there are a few reversible scissors some brands have come out with. Take a look today at www.scissortechaustralia.com to see more!
We hope all those technical details didn't bore you too much! Now's the time for more pleasant aspects of hair cutting shears. Apart from the specific properties of your hairdressing tools, such as the materials they're made of and the design of handles and blades, you should also fill up your professional kit according to your taste.
If you're thinking right now, "How can I do that? Scissors are scissors, what else can I do about that?" Well, there's more to the hair shear design than meets the eye. Let's talk about colors and finishes - that's right, you don't have to cut your clients' hair with silver shears for the rest of your life! We get that the silver finish is the embodiment of the sharpness and beauty of the hairdressing industry, but since you can have fun with your client’s hair, you most certainly can choose a design that makes you happy about your work.
Is there a better way to do that than picking some of the most amazing colorful hair shears available on the market? We don't think there is! And let us tell you, you have so many options to choose from that it may throw you for a loop! If you want to cut hair with scissors that are a true fashion statement, choose rose gold shears. For a more dramatic effect, opt for matte black scissors - we bet nobody in your salon has ever seen those, and boy are they beautiful! In case you want to connect with your inner child or bring more positivity into your life, look into neon pink or rainbow hair cutting shears - they never fail to bring a smile to your face, and clients love them!
And that's not all. You may stick to the classic metal finish of silver hair shears but go big and bling with Swarovski Crystals embellishments - yes, we have those, too! Your options don't end here, either. You can customize your hair-cutting shears even more with colorful finger inserts. Who said that choosing hair cutting shears must be boring? Your pro selection can be both beautiful and functional at the same time - high quality, comfort, and beauty should go in tandem, and in the world of hairdressers, stylists, and barbers it sure is possible.
Now that the technical details regarding hair-cutting scissors are out of the way, it's time to talk about hair shear knowledge. More specifically, we'll shed some light on the functional aspects of hair-cutting tools. After all, it's good to start with some theory, but we won't get anywhere without practice, right?
To choose the right hair-cutting scissors for your professional kit, you need to think about three different aspects of practical hair shear knowledge. They are all equally important, and you need to consider all of them before you commit to a certain brand or model. What are they, exactly?
Well, firstly, you need to think about the purposes of your shears. Both beginners and pro stylists must know which haircuts and hair cutting techniques require a certain set of tools. Then, there are different types of hair shears, and you need to know what their main features are to actually see the difference and know when to use them.
Finally, you need to know what to do to keep your hair-cutting shears in pristine condition. After all, it can be a significant investment, and while we can vouch for the high quality of the products we sell, it's up to you to take care of the maintenance. If you take their sharpness and beauty for granted, you'll pay double the price for your neglect, so take it seriously!
Keep on reading - we explain each point in more detail below!
With so many different types of high-quality hair shears available on the market, you need to know which ones you should use for various hair cutting techniques and purposes. That's because you simply can't use one model to do all the work for you! Of course, there are some multi-purpose tools but hair shears don't fall into that category. In this case, the more specific the purpose, the better - your cuts will be more precise, and you'll have full control over the results of your work. So, what kind of purposes are we talking about? Let's see below:
Intricate hairstyles require focus and attention to detail. That's why you should stick to shorter shears, preferably anything between 5 and 5.5 inches. Their ergonomic design, grip handles, and sharpness gives you more control over each cut, allowing you to be as precise as you need to be. It's a must if you want to deliver spectacular results time and time again.
The scissor over comb technique is often used by hairdressers and barbers alike. That's when long shears (at least 6 inches) will be the best fit. They take more hair with each cut, saving you your precious time. Additionally, they're great for creating layers, cutting curves, and making smooth adjustments to match the head shape.
This technique requires you to use straight hair shears with thumb rings that align on top of each other. You should opt for scissors with a straight handle because they'll give you more comfort than the crane and offset models. They'll also allow you to blend in layers seamlessly, and smoothly thin out the bulk of the hair.
Straight-line cutting is a technique used for blunt cuts. And blunt cuts are no joke - you need to keep your hand and fingers steady; otherwise, you risk ruining the haircut completely. The best shears for this technique have short, angled handles for comfort, precision, and control, keeping your fingers out of the way and providing support for your hand.
Every pro hairdresser knows there's so much more to this profession than simply reducing the length of the hair or changing its color. You also need to give them texture and thin them from time to time, among other things. As such, you'll have to use the right type of shears to do this job; namely, hair thinning and hair texturizing shear models. How to know which ones are which? You'll find the answer below.
Is there a difference? Yes, friends, yes there is! Let’s skip all this confusion and get to the bottom of it, shall we!? We will break it down into two descriptions of hair thinning scissors and texturizing scissors. What's the difference between the two? Keep on reading to find out!
Thinning shears are just that! To thin hair. Hair thinning scissors generally have up to 40 (sometimes more) teeth on one side of the blade, leaving the second blade plain and straight. The more teeth the thinners have, the more hair will be thinned. For example, a 40+ teeth model will leave quite a dramatic result. Models with fewer than 40 teeth then generally turn into texturizers - which isn't what you want when you’re trying to thin hair. The teeth on the thinners should all have the same size and must be spaced evenly. If they aren’t, you can probably guess what may happen- the haircut won't be great at all!
Although thinners are designed to thin hair, that's not all they are capable of doing. In fact, hair thinning shears are great finishing tools to remove any unwanted heavy lines in haircuts and leave the haircut with a smooth, blended look. A lot of skill is required to be able to use these without getting carried away, so please be careful!
To put it simply, texturizing shears are scissors designed to add texture to the hair. They generally have anywhere from 5 to 25 evenly distanced teeth. The wider the tooth section is, the more hair can get literally chopped away.
Much like in hair thinning shears, the teeth on the texturizing scissors are on one side of the blade, leaving the second blade straight allowing the scissors to create the cutting effect. Depending on how aggressive you want your texturizer to be, you will need to pick wisely on how many teeth you want on your shear. The fewer teeth on the shear - the more aggressive the cuts will be. This shear is absolutely perfect for wisping out the ends of thick blunt hair or wisping out bangs that are simply not sitting right. Much like with the hair thinning shears, please, please be careful when texturizing because one wrong snip can cost you a chunk of your client’s hair!
If you’ve made it this far, you probably want to know how to take care of your shears. Read on to learn our step-by-step maintenance routine. Feel free to customize it and turn it into your personal checklist!
If you’re at all stuck on any of this then feel free to watch this short video below for a quick step-by-step approach to help you oil and take care of your scissors.
The majority, if not all hairdressers have a trolley or tool belt for their hair cutting tools, but what are the main things you need to get you started!? Well, look no further! The list below will help you put together your equipment so you have everything on hand and ready to go. So, what should be in your pro kit for salon or freelance work?
As you can see, there are many factors that can influence your decision regarding your go-to hair shears. There are all these technical details, and then you have more pleasing aspects of style and design. Hopefully, we managed to describe them in a helpful way but still, it all boils down to this moment - choosing your hair shears.
We get it - it's a daunting task, with so many different brands and stores competing for your attention. If you want to make a purchase in an online store, the process will be faster and more convenient, but you won't have the chance to test the hair shears you're interested in, weigh them in your hands, and see for yourself how they feel when you hold them. Does that mean you're less likely to be satisfied with your purchase? Absolutely not! We're here to help you choose the best hair shears in your professional career.
If you want to be a real pro, you need to ensure your hairdressing kit is equipped with a wide selection of scissors. After all, you can't do all the haircuts with just one pair! We get that making a decision can be difficult, even if you're choosing the most basic set of tools for your inventory but even beginners need to start somewhere! Since you're at Scissor Tech, don't worry - you're in good hands and we've got you covered.
Below, you'll find some of the most important factors you need to consider before you buy the hair shears of your dreams.
If you've come this far, by now you should be aware of the importance of technical details that make or break (quite literally!) the hair cutting tools. That's why you should always pay attention to the materials and design of the ones you consider buying.
When it comes to hair cutting shears, the grading of the steel they're made from is the most important. Keep in mind that Hitachi ATS 314 is the lowest, and 440A is the highest standard. Then, you should carefully choose the design of your tools. Do you want to buy swivel shears or offset shears? Are you opting for forged or cast shears? Do you want your scissors to have finger rests, and will you need to put in or remove finger inserts? And maybe most importantly: what color and finish you're going for? There are so many options to choose from, which won't help you make your mind at all! However, you need to find answers to these questions each time you're buying a new pair of hair-cutting scissors. Then, you can think about other factors.
Every hair stylist is different, and so are the clients you meet in your salon. As such, you need to consider your needs and their wants before you commit to a certain pair of hair-cutting scissors. No, there is no universal type of shear that would work for all hair. Every brand knows that, and this is why there are so many different models out there. We know it can be confusing but don't fret! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you must be prepared - you never know who will come to your salon and ask you for a haircut!
Still, you can make some predictions and with time and regular practice, you'll gain the much-needed experience and confidence in your skills. You can start by getting the right tools for your hairdressing kit. Once you purchase basic items like hair cutting shears (duh), combs, brushes, clips, clippers, a hairdryer, and a scissor case, you can think about other details. These include the preferred length of your shears and various model types, finger inserts and finger rests, and so on. Most certainly, you'll need hair-thinning shears and texturizing scissors. If you're left-handed, you should look at the selection of left-handed shears. Your comfort at work is a value in itself - don't buy a beautiful pair of scissors simply because it looks nice.
We get it - it's a lot, and the price you'll see in the end may cause you to lose your grip for a moment. But don't worry - the cost doesn't outweigh the benefit of your work as a hairstylist. We've all been there! Keep your eyes on the prize and focus on your needs. Think about your clients and choose the tools you think you'll be using very often. This will narrow down your choices and help you make your mind!
Here at Scissor Tech, we believe that you should never compromise on the quality, comfort, and beauty of your hair-cutting shears. That's why we have an extensive offer of shears from some of the most reputable Japanese shear brand names - Matsui, Yasaka, and Joewell. If you want to learn more about them, read on!
Established in 1998, Matsui is a brand that produces professional hair-cutting scissors from Aichi steel. Each pair has an ergonomic design, excellent quality, and is simply beautiful to look at and handle. The range of Matsui scissors is really extensive - the shears come in many colors and finishes, from rainbow and neon pink to matte black and royal gold. There are also models with Swarovski Crystals embellishments, perfect for those who need some bling in their lives. We sure do!
Yasaka shears are truly one of their kind - they are made for pro stylists like you! These scissors hold their edge for ages, and they're exceptionally corrosion-resistant. The models are available in the all-time favorite silver color, and the best thing is that you won't have to break the bank for their sharpness and classic beauty! Finding scissors like the ones offered by Yasaka in the open market is mission impossible. Make sure you give them a try - you and your clients will love the results!
Last but not least, let's talk about this over a century-old brand. The company was established in 1917 under the original name Tokosha and changed to Joewell in 1975. The award-winning design and a wide selection of hand-finished shears with unparalleled sharpness and beauty contribute to the brand's longevity and reputation. You'll pay a fair price for control, precision, quality, master craftsmanship, and leading technology in the hairdressing industry.
