No single tool is more important to stylists than their shears. It’s equivalent to a chef’s knives or a baker’s oven. Your shears are literally in your hands all day, every day, so when you’re shopping for scissors, you need to get it right.
The folks at Scissor Tech really know their shears—they’re an online global leader in shears and accessories for hair pros with hundreds of truly top-quality products to choose from. If you’re in the market for a new pair of pro shears, they recommend understanding the following factors to help you make your choice.
Get Schooled on Your Blade Edge Choices
When it comes to the cutting technique you’re performing, the choice of blade is critical. When it comes to blades, you have three options:
- Convex Blades
Our convex blade pick!
What they are: Convex blades are the sharpest tools in the shed—literally. They are so sharp, they slice through anything like buttah, which means they should only be handled by seasoned pros!
Best for: If you like to slice, feather, slide cut and point cut, a pair of convex shears like these are a must-have. Convex shears aren’t always your first choice for blunt and perimeter cutting since they’re so fine and razor sharp, but having a good pair in your kit is perfect for fine and detail work.
- Beveled Blades
Our beveled blade pick!
What they are: Beveled blades are the classic workhorses of the shear universe. They’re not as sharp as convex blades, but they get the job done and they’re affordable.
Best for: Blunt cutting and scissor-over-comb, which makes a pair like this an essential for barbers. Blunt blades probable aren’t the best choice for precision detail techniques like slide cutting.
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Semi-Convex Blades
Our Semi-Convex blade pick!
What they are: A bit narrower than a classic beveled blade, and less fine than a convex blade, the semi-convex blades offer the best of both worlds.
Best for: You can perform perimeter and interior techniques with semi-convex blades. If you’re using them to slide cut or point cut, be sure your sections aren’t too thick. If you already own a pair of shears with convex blades, a pair with semi-convex blades like this is a perfect companion.
Study Your Handle Design Choices
Blades are about achieving the most effective performance, while handle choice is all about comfort—namely yours. Here are the four top handle choices with tips on finding the perfect fit!
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The Classic Handle
Our Classic handle pick!
What it is: Just that—the classic side by side configuration. Look for a pair like this, which features plastic inserts to ensure a comfortable finger fit.
Best for: Haircutters who hold their scissors with their middle fingers rather than their ring fingers. If you do cut this way, be aware it could lead to problems like carpal tunnel syndrome in the future.
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The Offset Handle
Our Offset Handle pick!
What it is: Arguably the most common handle shape, the offset offers a relaxed, free-flowing grip that reduces risk of injury while keeping the thumb in a natural position.
Best for: Cutters who use their ring finger to hold the scissors while cutting. To diminish risk of injury even more, be sure to raise your elbow while cutting. Consider a pair of shears like this which features a tension system for extra smooth handling.
- The Crane Handle
Our Crane handle pick!
What it is: An even more angled version of the offset is the crane handle that doesn’t compromise on maneuverability.
Best for: Due to the angle in the arch, the crane handle encourages the cutter to drop the elbow and improve the body position while working, thereby preventing fatigue and injury. If you’re experiencing neck, shoulder or wrist pain, or you would like to prevent pain in the future, a pair of shears like this is the way to go.
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The Swivel Handle
Our Swivel handle pick!
What it is: This handle offers 360-degree rotation for ease and comfort regardless of your cutting angle or position. It may take some getting used to working with a swivel handle, but once you adjust to a set like this, you’ll never work with another type of handle.
Best for: Anyone who wants to banish neck, wrist or shoulder pain for good.
Learn the Difference Between Thinning Shears and Texturizing Shears
Is there a difference between the two? Absolutely! And mastering both types will greatly elevate your cutting skills!
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Thinning Shears
Our Thinning shears pick!
What they are: Thinning scissors feature 40 or more teeth on one blade and a smooth second blade.
Best for: No surprise here—they’re used to thin the hair and remove excess bulk! The more teeth on the serrated blade, the more hair will be removed. Thinning shears can also polish up a haircut by blending heavy lines. Keep in mind it’s important to use a light touch. With thinning shears like these, a little goes a long way!
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Texturizing Shears
Our Texturizing shears pick!
What they are: Texturizing shears are constructed with five to 25 evenly spaced teeth on one blade and a smooth second blade.
Best for: With fewer teeth, texturizing shears remove less hair than thinning shears, thereby offering subtle texturizing effects for body and dimension. The fewer the teeth, the more extreme the finished texture will be. Use shears like these to shatter a blunt bob or blend an unruly fringe.
Launch Your Career With a Starter Kit
New to the business and still not sure how to start building your scissor tool kit? Consider a starter pack like this one. The best-selling kit includes a 5.5-inch Matsui Apprentice Cutting Scissor, 6-inch Matsui Apprentice Cutting Scissor with serration for blunt cutting and 6-inch Matsui Apprentice Thinning Scissor, plus a case, razor, spare blades, scissor oil, cleaning cloth, tension adjuster and spare finger inserts. It’s everything you need to get started on your cutting career!
Regardless of where you are on your haircutting journey, check out Scissor Tech for a wide selection of cutting tools, shipped straight to your door and supported by in-depth information and a seven-day exchange or refund policy.
Here’s what stylists have to say about Scissor Tech!
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