Can Haircutting Shears Damage Hair

May 24, 2024

We know it seems almost counter productive that by cutting hair you can damage it. It can happen! But don't stress, we are here to help make sure it doesn't happen to you !

Using hair cutting scissors

To help prevent hair damage it is important to know the proper way to use haircutting scissors. There are different types of hair cutting scissors that you will use on a regular basis, regular scissors, thinning shears and texturizing shears. Knowing how to use them correctly is very important.

  • Regular Haircutting Shears

Regular scissors are used for many different cutting techniques. Knowing your scissors are what they are designed to do will help you deliver the best cuts every time!

Everyday haircutting shears can have three different types of edges on them. Using the correct edge for the technique you are doing can help prevent breakage and damaged hair. A sharp convex edge is perfect for slide cutting and slicing. However it is not meant for blunt cutting. Blunt cutting with a convex edge can damage the edge of the scissor, and give sub par haircuts. A semi convex edge is not as sharp of an edge but can slide cut and cut blunt lines. A beveled edge is best for blunt cutting and can be used for techniques like point cutting. Using a beveled edge to slide cut hair can damage the cuticle of the hair causing split ends.

  • Thinning shears

Thinning shears also known as hair thinning scissors are a must have as a hairdresser, however it is very important to know how to use them correctly. Thinning shears if used wrong can cause frizzy and damaged hair, however when used correctly, on the right kind of hair they are a life changer.

Thinning shears are shears that have one blade that is straight and one blade that has teeth. There are anywhere between 14-25 teeth on a thinning shear. 

When using thinning shears it is important to know what type of hair to use them on. They are great for removing weight from thicker hair. To remove unwanted weight from thick hair u can use them to cut into sections of hair, below the mid shaft. Cutting hair above mid mid-shaft or closer to the scalp can cause pieces of hair to stick straight up, which is not a desired look!

Not only are thinning shears used to remove weight, but they are also an amazing tool to help soften lines. If you create hard, blunt lines and want to soften the ends, use your thinning shears lightly to dust the ends. This technique can be used on thin hair or thick hair. You just must be careful not to over thin the ends if your client has finer hair. 

Sometimes clients with longer hair and thick hair may struggle to get soft, blended layers. Blending thick hair with hair thinning scissors is a great way to achieve this look. Always remember to stick to the mid shaft to the end of the hair to achieve the best results.

It is also recommended to always use thinning shears on dry hair. Wet hair can stick together, causing you to remove hair in larger chunks. This can lead to removing too many hair strands, or over "thinning" the hair. 

It is not recommended to use hair thinning scissors on curly, frizzy or coarse hair. Hair thinning shears can cause frizzy, damaged ends on these types of hair. We can not stress enough how important it is for a hair stylist to understand their tools!

  • Texturizing shears

Similar to thinning shears, texturizing shears are a great tool, for certain hair types. They have teeth like thinning scissors, just not as many. Usually texturizing scissors have between 7-14 teeth. 

The wider teeth are used to remove weight, but in larger pieces. This means they should only be used on thicker hair. They help to give a more aggressive look. If you use them on short hair you can get a very textured, chunky look. This look is not for everyone. Thin or fine hair will end up with holes and all around bad haircut. 

Knowing your scissors...

is so important. We always recommend hair stylists invest in advanced education to make sure you are giving your clients hair the most love you can! 




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