Choosing a Hair Scissors

There are many different types and styles of hair scissors and hundreds of manufacturers around the world. Scissors can be purchased for as little as $10 and as much as $1000. There are options such as size, material, quality, and of course price.

Most people will select a well-known brand and stick with it, but if you want to know more about selecting scissors, then this post will give you the information you need to make a great choice!

Never have there been so many varieties of hair scissors! Learning how to select a pair of hairdressing scissors that will satisfy a novice or expert is difficult.

In this post, we cover how to choose hair scissors, including what size, what handle type, what materials, and what scissor blade to use. Scissors HQ sells a variety of hair shears and scissors, so hopefully with this information, you will be able to make an informed decision.

Choose the Right Size Scissors

  • Scissors size is measured in inches. Choose a size based on the distance between the handle's end and the blade's tip.
  • Measure your fingers and hand palm to determine the ideal size for you.
  • 5" and 7" scissors with longer blades are usually used by barbers for over-the-comb and other barbering methogs. Scissors that are larger than 6” are typically called shears vs. scissors.
  • 5" and 6" scissors are the most popular among hairdressers since they can be used for 80% of cutting techniques.
  • By using offset handles, cutting fatigue is reduced. A professional hair cutter will want to be sure they’re cutting with an ergonomic set of scissors because all day cutting can result in wrist pain and fatigue.
  • Japanese 440C, VG10, and German Steel convex edge blades are sharper and offer greater precision while cutting hair. Premium steels will stay sharp longer and require less frequent sharpening. A premium set of hair scissors should never be sharpened by anyone who isn’t a trained professional with the proper equipment. Trying to sharpen scissors at home is likely to damage the shears and will probably void the warranty.

Hair Scissors Handle Types

Let's now discuss your unique cutting style, including the ergonomics, polishing, and straight (traditional), offset (semi-offset and full offset), and crane offset handles.

  • The Classic Handles: The finger rings in a classic handle match up with the top ring and the upper and lower blades are aligned. Classic handle scissors are a more conventional style and are often used.
  • Offset and Semi-Offset: The offset and semi-offset handles are highly popular because they are slightly tilted and feature a shortened handle shank with the thumb ring, which puts your hand in a more relaxed and comfortable position while cutting with these hairdressing scissors. These are the most popular and best-selling scissors on the market.
  • Crane Handle: The upper blade of the crane offset handle scissors is entirely straight, but the handle shank and thumb rings are sharply angled downward. Scissors HQ offers a variety of scissors with a crane handle design.

Hair Scissors Blade Types

  • The Hair Scissor Blades: Serrated scissors tend to grasp the hair and provide a simple straight hair cut, so look for them if you're seeking for beginner scissors for practicing on mannequins, students, and apprentice hairdressers and barbers. Slicing or chopping is not permitted with these hairdressing scissors. For most professionals, these are not the recommended type of scissors.
  • Convex Cutting Blade: These are ideal if you're looking for professional-grade scissors since they feature superb edges that provide the smoothest and sharpest cuts that are ideal for slice cutting and chopping. You will find the most of the convex blade scissors designed for professional use are constructed from Japanese steel.

How You Hold the Scissors

Barbers spend hours every day cutting hair, so proper ergonomics is essential to reduce fatigue and wrist pain. The offset scissors are suggested because of their angle and capacity to retain your hand in a natural and comfortable position when cutting if you hold the hairdressing scissors vertically for cutting and straight-line cutting. Scissors on Scissors HQ are designed with ergonomics in mind, most of the shears we carry are comfortable, lightweight and easy to use.

When Do I Need to Sharpen My Scissors?

Razor sharp scissors are essential to ensure that the professional haircuts you deliver to your clients are precise and detailed. The frequency with which professionals use their hairdressing scissors and the type of blade will also affect how frequently you should sharpen your scissors.

A professional hairdressing scissor sharpening service should be used to ensure your instruments are not damaged. All hairdressing scissors should be sharpened and serviced at least once a year to ensure they are well maintained. We are frequently asked how to sharpen hair scissors at home. It is our recommendation to never try to sharpen your own shears. It is likely that you will damage them.