The Best Hair Scissors

Buying Guide for Hair Scissors

Why buy hair scissors?

If you plan on cutting hair at home, you’ll need a pair of sharp, specially designed hair scissors. Please don’t try to use your kitchen shears or all-purpose scissors on hair; they aren’t meant for the task and will lead to poor results. Hair-cutting shears are perfect for budding or amateur stylists that want to save money by cutting hair at home.

What should you consider in hair scissors?

• Grip: Opposing grip shears, offset handles, and crane handles are some common types of shear grips. How the scissors fit in your hand will determine if they put some stress on your elbow and thumb. Opposing grip shears force you to bend your elbow upward. Offset handles put less stress on your thumb, but you’ll either have to raise your elbow or plane it flat for the best angle against the hair. And crane handles allow you to cut with your elbow down, reducing stress in your hands, wrists, and elbows.
• Type: Most basic types of scissors are better suited for basic cuts and trims, especially if you are dealing with long hair. Others, like thinning shears, are ideal for texturizing, blending, and thinning hair. These work wonderfully for thick hair, curly hair, layers, or short hair with a lot of texture, but if you’ve never used them before, make sure you do some research on the best strategies to use before you start cutting.

How often should you get a haircut?

This will depend on the type of hair you have and the type of haircut you have. As general guidelines, consider the following: If you have short hair, cutting it every two to four weeks will keep it maintained and prevent it from looking overgrown. Long, thick hair can go longer between cuts than most hair types, usually up to six months. The same goes for curly hair—they can usually go about six months before needing a cut to freshen up the ends and maintain the curl pattern. Fine, straight hair is more susceptible to damage, so it should be trimmed closer to every six weeks. Those with bangs will need to have them trimmed about once a month (unless they’re growing them out). Ultimately, you might need to cut your hair more often than you think! That’s why having your own pair of hair scissors is a good idea to save some time and money.

Our Picks for the Best Hair Scissors

Pros: Cut hair just like a professional with these high-quality shears. Their specialized high-quality Japanese stainless steel blades have hand-sharpened edges. And with curved finger rests, they’re comfortable for salon workers, barbers, and at-home stylists. They’re 6.5 inches in length with a blade length of 2.5 inches. They’re quite lightweight at only 3.5 ounces, so your hands won’t get fatigued after cutting hair for a long time. You can effortlessly fine-tune them with the adjustment screw. Plus, they come vacuum-packed in plastic casing and are coated with lubricating oil. 

Cons: These scissors are a bit awkward for some users to hold, particularly since the finger holes are quite small. They take some getting used to.

Bottom Line: These scissors are extremely sharp, nicely weighted, and well-made. These will particularly work well for those with smaller hands.

 

Pros: These scissors are made with ultra-sharp Japanese stainless steel blades for precision cutting that won’t split or damage hair follicles. They’re perfectly balanced for smooth cutting, whether the hair is wet or dry. Additionally, these shears have a shock absorber at the end of the handle that can effectively reduce wear and noise, and they have an adjustable screw to fine-tune your technique. This set comes with a fantastic pair of shears plus a pair of precision micro-serrated scissors, two clips, a comb, a salon cape, a cleaning cloth, a thinning comb, a collection bag, and a regulator.

Cons: Though these shears are great for occasional use, they are not of professional quality and may not stand up to daily use.

Bottom Line: This set makes a fantastic gift for the occasional at-home stylist. Because it comes with a cape and a collection bag, it aids with the cleanup process, making at-home cutting more streamlined. The scissors are very sharp, so be sure to keep them covered for safety.

 

Pros: These thinning scissors have precise thinning blades and hand-sharpened edges to trim hair evenly. They’re beautifully designed with a luxurious blue stone in the intersection and a mirror finish. One side has a sharp set of teeth, and the other has a smooth razor edge for creating texture and thinning thick hair. The scissors measure 6.5 inches with cutting blades that measure 2.5 inches for precision cutting. And the finger handles are shaped for steady grip and comfort.

Cons: These scissors are not easy for beginners to maneuver.

Bottom Line: These sharp thinning scissors work really well on thick hair, thin hair, curly hair, and even wigs. They cut each follicle cleanly, so there’s no worrying about splitting ends or damaging the hair. And they’re a great value for the price point.

 

Pros: For a professional trim, these 6.5-inch hair scissors are fantastic. They come with a straight, precision hair comb to assist with the perfect cut. They’re made of high-grade Japanese stainless steel for extra-sharp blades and longevity. And the adjustable tension screws and finger rests provide comfort for the stylist. Overall, these scissors are very sharp and glide like butter through the hair, so they won’t damage the follicle. 

Cons: These are not currently available in a left-handed version.

Bottom Line: If you want a precision haircut for a fraction of the salon price, these hair scissors are a great option. They come with a comb to help you align your cut. And they’re easy for most people to use.

Final Thoughts

Cutting hair at home can be tricky. Without proper training (or at least a few YouTube videos) and a proper pair of hair scissors, you may end up with a not-so-fresh haircut. But if you’ve had some practice, or if you’re just going in for a simple trim, you can save a lot of money by using these hair scissors.