We love hair cutting shears, however not all shears are created equal. There are so many different things to consider when buying a pair of shears. We are here to help you make sense of all the different types of hair cutting shears you will come across.
Thinning shears and texturizing shears
These two types of shears are very different from regular hair cutting shears, so why not start with them? Regular scissors have a handle and two blades. Thinning shears and texturizing shears have a handle, one straight blade and a blade with teeth.
Thinning scissors or shears usually have between 25- 40 teeth. These teeth are specifically designed to remove weight without removing any length. Thinning scissors can be used for weight removal, texturizing, blending and softening lines. They are very versatile and can be used on most hair types, if used correctly.
Similar to thinning shears, texturizing shears are great for removing weight. They usually range from 10-25 teeth. They are used for a more obvious, chunky texture and are best used on thick or coarse hair.
The Different Blades and Edges
Different cutting edges are made for different cutting techniques, which is why it is important you understand which edge you are choosing. Too often hair stylists choose the wrong edge and then find that their shears are not giving them the desired results.
- Beveled Edge- This edge is a popular edge for shears made from german steel and for barber shears. The beveled edge is a strong, sharp edge that is as hardworking as you. It is sharp but does not come to as sharp of a point as other edges do. This means that beveled shears are great for blunt cutting and scissor over comb work. The shear blades will grab the hair strands better, making it easier to cut straight lines. The beveled edge is popular on barbering scissors and makes taking sections for scissor over comb easier.
- Convex edge- True convex blades are found on high quality tools made in Japan, hence why it is endearingly called the japanese edge. The edge comes to a super fine, sharp point. Because it has such a fine edge only the highest quality steel can hold a convex edge. If you are an extension specialist or you do alot of slide cutting, point cutting and slicing this edge is a must for you ! You may struggle to blunt cut with this edge as it is so sharp and fine it is meant to push the hair to a sharp point. The convex blades will also dull quickly if used for blunt cutting hair as it causes the two blades to rub together too often.
- Semi Convex edge- The semi convex cutting edge is a great all rounder edge. It is not as fine and sharp as the Convex edge so you can use it for blunt cutting, point cutting and everything in between.
Blade Lengths
This may not be the first thing you consider when buying the right pair of shears but your blade length can make all the difference.
- Longer blades- Longer shears are sized between 6.5- 8 Inches. The long blades are best for cutting perfectly straight bobs and barbering techniques. In fact the long blades are most common on barber scissors. A longer blade means less hand fatigue and more control because there is less opening and closing the blades as you are cutting. This helps make a very straight, perfect line.
- Normal Blades- A normal sized blade or shear is usually from 5.5 Inches- 6 Inches. When we say normal we mean that this blade is what most stylists will use. Thinning and texturizing shears will come in these sizes, and so will most other shears.
- Short Blades- Shorter blades are great for a lot of detail work, especially for a short hair specialist. You can use a shorter shear to cut hair around the ears or neckline and add texture as well. This makes a big difference for your pixie cuts and mens haircuts.
Scissors handles
Scissor handles are part of what makes hairdressing scissors so different from your ordinary everyday regular scissors. Scissor handles have evolved over time and are now designed with the hair stylist in mind. They are ergonomically designed to help keep our wrists and hands safe for many years. Scissor ergonomics and design are a must for protecting us from carpal tunnel syndrome and ensuring long healthy careers behind the chair.
- Offset handle- The offset handle is ergonomically designed to place your thumb closer to its natural position. This will put less stress on your hand when you're cutting hair all day.
- Crane handle- The crane handle has a dropped handle with a straight bottom blade. This helps drop your wrist, elbow and shoulder into their most natural and comfortable position.
- Swivel scissors- These are the ultimate in ergonomically designed hair shears. They have a 180 degree rotating thumb hole. This thumb hole helps to keep your hands in their most natural position, and allows your thumb to move to what feels right.
The best hair cutting shears..
are the ones that help make your daily life behind the chair better! Hair cutting scissors are designed to be very different from any other regular scissors like kitchen or craft scissors and we always want to help you choose the best hairdressing scissors for you !
