Imagine this: you pick up a pair of scissors and they click. They’re light, balanced, and they cut so smoothly it almost feels like cheating. For us stylists, scissors aren’t just tools; they’re an extension of our hands. Comfort, control, creativity… it all lives in that little pivot screw.
To truly understand how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors, you have to consider your specific cutting style.
So, how do you pick the right pair? After sixteen years in the chair (and a few pairs that nearly ruined my wrist), here’s what I’ve figured out.
When you learn how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors, you build a foundation for your craft.
How to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors
Different Scissors, Different Jobs
Understanding how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors will make a significant difference in your work.
Not every pair is built the same, and you’ll feel it after a long shift.
Straight scissors – The classics. Clean lines, scissor-over-comb, all the traditional stuff.
Offset scissors – A lower thumb grip means less stress on your hand.
Crane scissors: Take that ergonomic design even further—more freedom, less strain.
Swivel thumb scissors: If you’ve ever had wrist pain, these can be a game-changer.
Thinners & texturisers – For softening, blending, or creating movement.
Investing time in how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors is essential for every stylist.
Left-handed scissors: If you’re lefty, don’t compromise. These are designed so that you can view your work correctly.
For the best hairdressing scissor brands, check out this post by Coolblades – they actually supply salons.
Getting the Right Size
Here’s where size really does matter. If you’re mostly working on detail – fringes, around the ears, those tight little neckline trims, short blades in the 4.5–5 inch range will feel like magic.
For everyday versatility, though, most stylists (myself included) reach for a 5.5 or 6-inch pair.
They cover most situations without fuss. Barbers often go longer, 6.5 to 7 inches, because those blades fly through scissor-over-comb and bulk removal like nothing else.
Remember, knowing how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors is key to perfecting your technique.
Blade Styles
The blade edge completely changes how your scissors behave. Serrated blades grip the hair, preventing it from slipping, which is ideal for those who are new or want extra control. Convex blades? They’re the divas of the scissor world – ridiculously sharp, silky smooth, and incredible for precision or slide cutting. The catch is, they need a little TLC. Mistreat them and they’ll lose that edge fast.
It’s crucial to know how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors to ensure your tools match your needs.
Beveled edges, though, are the opposite vibe. They’re the workhorses: tough, reliable, not fancy, just there when you need them—perfect for everyday, no-drama cutting.
Tension – Don’t Ignore It
When you learn how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors, you enhance your skills significantly.
It’s one of those little things you don’t think about… until your thumb joint starts yelling at you halfway through the day.
This one’s easy to ignore until your hand starts screaming at you. If the tension is too tight, you’ll feel it in your thumb joint within an hour. Too loose, and instead of cutting, your scissors will fold hair, something that used to drive me insane early in my career. Quick test: open the scissors halfway and let the blade drop. If it stops around a 45-degree angle, you’ve nailed it.
Budget vs. Investment
Yes, you can grab a pair under £100, and they’ll cut hair just fine… For a while, I used to question the value of professional scissors. However, once I tried a decent pair in the £300 range, I understood the hype. They felt well-balanced in hand and were much easier to cut hair with.
Ultimately, knowing how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors can save you time and frustration.
When I was training at Toni & Guy, my boss encouraged me to invest in my first “proper” pair of scissors. At first, I didn’t actually think there would be a difference until I actually tried them for the first time on my friend’s hair. The difference was astonishing; I never went back to my old ones and threw them in the bin!
Looking After Your Scissors
Think of them like a car. If you just run them into the ground, they’ll die on you quickly. But with a bit of care, they’ll last for years. Wipe them after every client to prevent hair and moisture from dulling the blades. A drop of oil on the pivot keeps them smooth, I swear by Camellia oil, though even WD-40 works in a pinch. Always store them in a case, not rolling around with combs and clips. And please, please, don’t cut paper or foil with them. That’s a fast track to Blunt-town.
Regularly maintaining your knowledge on how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors will keep your tools in top shape.
Breaking Them In
New scissors can feel stiff and even a little disappointing at first. Don’t panic. Give them a couple of weeks, keep them clean and oiled, and they’ll loosen up into that silky, effortless glide you’re chasing.
In conclusion, learning how to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors is vital for every stylist’s success.
Scissors aren’t just shiny pieces of steel; they’re the difference between aching hands and a smooth day, between “good enough” and “damn, that’s clean.” To excel, you must learn to Choose the Right Hairdressing Scissors.
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