If you?re a rookie hairdresser just starting your brand new salon and don?t have the right tools just yet, we have a great guide for you! It must be a struggle to figure out what kind of scissors you need to get started with in order to cater to a wide variety of clients? needs. In order to make it easier for you, we have compiled a great list of tips on how to choose the right scissors for hairdressers.
Your Kit
Before we get into the characteristics of scissors, we want you to be aware that your kit will have to take into account the long run of your business. Make sure you at least have these 3 scissors in your toolkit:
- Normal scissors – for simple cuts
- Long blades – for cutting in hard-to-reach places
- Blending scissors – also known as thinning shears; these scissors make the cut more cohesive and give you more control
Right-handed? Left-handed? Ambidextrous?
Your most dominant hand plays a big part in what kind of hairdressing scissors you choose. Scissors are made based on whether you?re left or right-handed. If you?re left-handed, you might be more comfortable with left-handed scissors, though keep in mind that the blades are reversed, so there?s less force. It?s possible, if you?ve been working with right-handed scissors before, that you can just work with normal scissors if that?s what works for you.
Characteristics of Scissors for Hairdressers
Now that you have considered how you?ll build your kit and your most dominant hand, we can now get into the nitty-gritty of how to choose the right scissors for hairdressers.
1. Materials and Price
The material hairdressing scissors are made to correlate with price, which is why these two factors are combined when considering the kind of scissors you?re choosing.
- High-Cost Scissors – often priced $200 or more, these scissors are the best of the best, mostly made of German or Japanese Steel, which is considered the highest quality material for hairdressing scissors because they last for so long and rarely need to be replaced
- Average-Cost Scissors – these scissors range from costing $60 – $200; the steel is still high quality (often German steel made in Asian countries) and are still durable enough to last a good amount of time
- Low-Cost Scissors – ranging from $10 – $60, these are made of low quality steel or machine-manufactured steel that aren?t made too well, so they often need replacement every 3 months or so
Of course, it sounds the best to get high-cost scissors because they last the longest, though they do take a huge toll on your wallet. If it?s not in your price range, don?t worry about it! At the start, it?s okay to start with low-cost scissors as you?re working your way up.
2. Blade Type
The type of blades that the scissors have are also an important factor to consider when you choose the right scissors for hairdressers. There are 3 types of blades:
- Convex – also called a Japanese style blade, this kind of blade is often the most expensive of the three. This blade is really sharp and is curved slightly, thus the name. More skilled hands use this kind of blade because it?s for more advanced kinds of cuts such as slice cutting and requires more care compared to other blades.
- Beveled – this blade is much lighter than the convex blade, mostly because it?s often made of stainless steel. It?s also thicker, requiring more force when cutting, and making it much more durable and better for slow cutting.
- Semi-Convex – a combination of the convex and beveled blade, this is a good down-the-middle blade if you can?t choose between the two. It has a beveled blade that?s narrower and has a curved edge like the convex blade. It?s not as sharp as a convex blade but it?s sharper than a beveled blade.
3. Blade Length
Length is also important when you choose the right scissors for hairdressers, because it determines how much control you want when you cut. Blades range from 4 – 7 inches in length, though the most common length for hairdressers is 5.5 inches. Shorter blades – 5.5 inches or less – are better for more precise cuts such as cutting hair close to the skin. Longer blades – longer than 5.5 inches – are best for more efficient cuts such as slide cutting, cutting long hair or if you?re giving someone a bob.
4. Handle
Lastly, consider how the handle is designed and what features are in it when you choose the right scissors for hairdressers. This is important because when working at a salon, you?ll be cutting hair for prolonged amounts of time, so you need a comfortable pair of scissors to prevent any hand cramps or injuries.
It?s best to find scissors that have an ergonomic handle. This handle has offset rings that are designed in a crane-like way to prevent fatigue.
Also, look into the thumb ring style. There?s standard, flat, removable, angled, and swivel. Swivel is the most natural for the hand, as it moves with your thumb to prevent and strain.
Bumpers are also a nice feature to have. These are between the finger rests and were made to silence the scissors when you cut as well as protect your scissors.
An adjustable screw is nice as well, as it adjusts the tension between the blade and the handle to allow you to customize how your scissors are.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
