How to Choose the Perfect Hair Cutting Scissors: A Guide for Beginners and Professionals

Finding the perfect hair cutting scissors can be a real challenge, but it’s crucial to your professional success. Whether you’re just starting out in the world of hairstyling or have significant experience, choosing the right scissors can transform your work.

In our guide, we will uncover all the secrets to selecting the best hair cutting scissors, examining various types, materials, and shapes to help you find the tool that suits you best. Let’s make your work more comfortable and effective together!

Key Aspects of Choosing Hair Cutting Scissors

In this article, we will delve into key aspects of choosing hair cutting scissors, including:

• Main Criteria for Choosing Cutting Scissors: How to find the perfect pair of scissors.
• Experience Level: How your experience affects your choice of scissors.
• Scissor Structure: Key parts and their functions.
• Quality Factors: What determines the quality of hair cutting scissors.
• Ergonomics: How to choose scissors for comfort.
• Handle Shapes: Which shape suits you best.
• Left-Handed Scissors: Features for left-handed users.
• Tension Adjustment: How to correctly adjust the tension of your scissors.
• Types of Cutting Edges: Choosing edges based on technique.
• Slicing Scissors: Features and applications.
• Quality and Price: Finding the right balance.
• Thinning Scissors: How they help and what to look for.
• Scissor Maintenance: How to ensure longevity.
• Conclusion: Summarizing and making recommendations.

Main Criteria for Choosing Hair Cutting Scissors

When choosing professional hair cutting scissors, it is important to consider several key aspects:

• Blade Length and Weight: The size of professional cutting scissors directly impacts your comfort and efficiency. Most techniques and styles are suited to scissors of 5.5" or 6.0" in length, which are versatile and provide precise cuts. Women typically choose 5.5" scissors, while men often use models of 6" or 6.5". For cutting larger volumes of hair or using comb techniques, longer scissors such as 6.5" or 7" are recommended.
• Material: The quality of steel plays a significant role in the durability and resistance of scissors to dulling. The most reliable hair cutting scissors are made from 440C steel, which ensures long service life and excellent cutting performance.
• Blade Type: The type of blade affects precision and comfort. Convex blades are best for maximum accuracy, beveled blades are ideal for beginners, and serrated blades are suitable for basic techniques.
• Ergonomics: For comfortable work, choose professional hair cutting scissors with ergonomic handles. Offset and crane handles reduce fatigue during prolonged use by providing a natural and comfortable hand position.
• Types of Scissors: Straight scissors are perfect for even cuts, while thinning scissors help create texture and volume.
• Size: Choose scissor size based on your hand size. For most techniques, scissors sized 5.5"–6" are suitable, while barbers may prefer 6.5"–7".

The Importance of Previous Experience for Experienced Professionals

When choosing professional cutting scissors, it is crucial to consider your prior experience and the type of tools you are accustomed to working with.

If you have used scissors with straight rings (classic handles) for a long time, transitioning to an ergonomic model might be challenging and require time to adapt.

Scissor Structure

Understanding the structure of hair cutting scissors will help you use the tool more effectively and improve your work quality.

Here are the main components to focus on:

• Upper and Lower Parts: The upper part of the scissors applies pressure on the hair during cutting, while the lower part provides stability. It is important that these parts are balanced for comfortable use.
• Inner and Outer Blade Sides: The inner side holds the hair for cutting, while the outer side ensures smooth gliding, achieving a clean and even cut.
• Blade: The blade is a key part of professional cutting scissors responsible for the cut. Blades come in various types: convex for precision, beveled for beginners, and serrated for basic techniques. The choice of blade type depends on your cutting techniques.
• Screw System: The screw system adjusts the tension of the cutting scissors, affecting their performance. Optimal tension should not be too loose or too tight to avoid hand strain and ensure smooth opening and closing of the blades.
• Connection and Pivot Point: These components ensure even functioning of both scissor parts and their durability. It is important that the connection is strong and reliable.
• Handle: The handle is the part of the scissors that the stylist holds. It can come in various shapes, affecting comfort and ergonomics. Offset and crane handles help reduce hand fatigue during extended work.
• Finger Rings and Stopper: The finger rings and stopper provide comfort and stability, preventing strain and ensuring ease of use.
• Finger Rest and Loop: These details can be removable or permanent. They allow you to adjust the scissors to your individual needs.

Quality Factors of Cutting Scissors

When it comes to hair cutting scissors, quality is a key factor. Consider the following aspects:

• Material: The best hair cutting scissors are made from high-quality steel, such as 440C or Japanese steel. This ensures long service life and resistance to dulling.
• Blade Finishing: Good cutting scissors have perfectly polished blades, providing a smooth and even cut without irritating the client's skin.
• Finish: High-quality scissors have good finishing to prevent rust and corrosion. Check the scissors for any possible manufacturing defects.
• Tension Adjustment: It is important to check how easily and comfortably the tension of the cutting scissors can be adjusted. Excessive tension can cause discomfort and hand fatigue.
• Balance and Weight: Good cutting scissors have excellent balance and appropriate weight for comfortable work.

Ergonomics of Cutting Scissors

The ergonomic design of hair cutting scissors affects your comfort and work efficiency. Consider the following aspects:

• Handle Shape: Handles can be straight, semi-ergonomic, or fully ergonomic. Semi-ergonomic or fully ergonomic handles reduce hand strain and allow for a natural working position.
• Handle Size: Handles should match the size of your fingers and palm, providing a comfortable grip and control.
• Handle Softness: Some cutting scissors have soft handle pads to reduce friction and discomfort.
• Weight: Lightweight scissors may be more comfortable for extended use, while heavier models might be more stable and comfortable for certain techniques.

Handle Shapes of Scissors

The shape of the handles affects your comfort while working. Consider various options:

• Straight Handles (Classic): Classic design, suitable for beginners.
• Semi-Ergonomic Handles (Offset): Reduce hand strain and provide better control.
• Fully Ergonomic Handles (Crane): Ideal for professionals who need a high level of comfort and precision.

Left-Handed Scissors

If you are left-handed, choosing hair cutting scissors can be a bit more challenging. Scissors specifically designed for left-handed users ensure optimal comfort and precision.

Tension Adjustment of Scissors

Adjusting the tension of cutting scissors helps achieve the best results and ensures comfort during use. It is important to set the tension so that the blades operate smoothly and effortlessly.

Types of Cutting Edges

The choice of cutting edge type affects the cutting technique:

• Convex Blade: Provides a precise and clean cut.
• Beveled Blade: Ideal for beginners, as it provides stability and control.
• Serrated Blade: Holds hair in place, making it perfect for basic techniques and cutting wet hair.

Slicing Scissors

Slicing scissors feature convex blades with minimal friction. They allow for precise work with minimal effort, ensuring a clean cut. They are especially popular in techniques that require smooth and clean cutting lines.

Price and Quality of Hair Cutting Scissors

The cost of professional cutting scissors can vary widely. Scissors made from high-quality steel, with ergonomic handles and polished blades, are typically more expensive. However, it is essential to invest in quality, as better scissors will last longer and offer better performance.

Thinning Scissors

Thinning scissors help create texture and volume by thinning the hair and removing excess bulk. These scissors have teeth on one or both blades and are used for precise detailing and finishing touches.

Maintaining Hair Cutting Scissors

Proper maintenance of hair cutting scissors is essential to prolong their lifespan and keep them in good condition. Regularly clean the blades, apply oil, and store them properly to avoid damage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hair cutting scissors is crucial for every stylist. From material and blade type to ergonomics and maintenance, every detail matters. By investing in high-quality scissors that match your technique and hand size, you can enhance your comfort, efficiency, and the quality of your cuts. Consider all aspects such as material, blade type, ergonomics, and price to find a tool that meets your needs. With our guide, you can make the right choice and enjoy more comfortable and effective work.

Feel free to explore our collection of hair cutting scissors in the SPL category and find the best model for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hairdressing scissors and regular scissors?

Hairdressing scissors are specifically designed for cutting hair and their construction is significantly different from regular scissors. They feature extremely sharp blades that provide a clean, precise cut without damaging the hair. Hairdressing scissors are typically longer, ranging from 13 to 18 cm, which allows for various cutting techniques.

Additionally, they often come equipped with ergonomic handles and blade tension adjustments to ensure comfort during prolonged use and precision in cutting. This specialized design enables professional results.

How is the length of scissors measured?

The length of hairdressing scissors is measured in inches, where 1 inch equals 2.54 cm. Common sizes for professional scissors range from 5.5 to 6 inches. The optimal length depends on the size of your fingers: the scissors should match this to ensure maximum comfort and control while cutting.

Short scissors are suitable for precise details, while longer models are better for quickly cutting larger sections of hair. Choosing the right size ensures comfort and effectiveness in your work.

What does the class of hairdressing scissors mean?

The class of hairdressing scissors defines their level of quality and functionality. Scissors can be rated from 0 to 5 stars: the more stars, the higher the quality of materials, design, and technologies used in manufacturing. High-class scissors provide a more precise cut, greater comfort, and longer durability. They often feature improved ergonomic properties that reduce hand strain, making them a choice for professionals.

The class rating helps determine investments in tools that best suit your needs.

What are thinning scissors used for?

Thinning scissors are an essential tool for professional hairdressers, used for thinning out hair to reduce volume and create natural transitions between layers.

They give hairstyles a softer appearance and improve hair texture, making styling easier. Thinning scissors also help smooth out harsh cut lines, adding lightness and movement to the haircut. They are a crucial tool for creating modern and complex hairstyles, ensuring a professional result.

How to choose thinning scissors?

When selecting thinning scissors, pay attention to the size and shape of the teeth. Scissors with fine teeth are suitable for delicate or thin hair, providing softer transitions without damaging the hair structure.

Models with thicker teeth are better for dense and voluminous hair, allowing you to remove more volume at once. Ideally, having both options allows you to adapt the tool to different hair types and cutting techniques, ensuring versatility and efficiency in your work.

How to lubricate hairdressing scissors?

Use a special oil designed for hairdressing scissors to lubricate them. Avoid using oils intended for other purposes to prevent damage to the blades or mechanism.

Before applying the oil, clean the scissors of hair and any residual oil using special wipes or a clean, dry cloth.

Apply a few drops of oil to the pivot mechanism and open and close the scissors several times to distribute the oil evenly. This will help maintain their smooth operation and extend the tool's lifespan.

When should you trim hair ends?

Trimming hair ends is recommended every 6-8 weeks. Regular trims prevent split ends from spreading along the length of the hair, which can make it thin and brittle.

The longer you delay a trim, the more prone your hair becomes to breakage. Regular trims not only maintain hair health but also promote strength and a better appearance, as the hair grows more evenly and tangles less.

What should a hairdresser consider when choosing a haircut for a client?

When choosing a haircut for a client, a hairdresser should consider several key factors:

• Individual Features: Head, face, and neck shape, hair density and texture, hairline, and overall physique. This helps select a haircut that highlights the client’s natural beauty and proportions.
• Age: The haircut should be appropriate for the client's age, reflecting their personal style and life stage.
• Profession: The haircut should suit the client’s professional activity, taking into account its specifics and stylistic requirements.
• Trends and Fashion: It’s important to consider current trends while adapting them to the client’s personal preferences to ensure the haircut is both fashionable and practical for daily maintenance.

How to disinfect hairdressing tools?

To disinfect hairdressing tools (scissors, brushes, combs), first clean them of visible debris using a special brush. Then sterilize the tools by immersing them in a disinfectant solution or spraying a disinfectant on their surfaces.

Follow the instructions on the disinfectant packaging to ensure effective elimination of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and to keep the tools in excellent condition.

For disinfectant solutions and equipment, visit the "Hairdressing Accessories" category on our website.

How often should hairdressing tools be sharpened?

The frequency of sharpening hairdressing tools depends on several factors. Most professional hairdressers recommend having tools sharpened 1-2 times a year. If you use budget tools, they may need sharpening more often due to the faster wear of cheaper steel. The quality of the steel significantly affects sharpening frequency: high-quality tools dull less often and last longer.

For optimal care, pay attention to the feel during use: if cutting becomes more difficult or less comfortable, it may be a sign that the tools need sharpening. Improper disinfection and cutting dirty hair can also affect the speed of dulling. If your scissors are used very frequently, they will need sharpening more often. Investing in high-quality scissors can be beneficial in the long run, as they last longer and require less maintenance.