Hair scissors are the unsung stars of perfect cuts for both professional hairstylists and people who do their own hair at home. Hair scissors, which are also called hairdressing shears or barber shears, are carefully made tools for precise and clean hair removal, unlike their blunt office peers. But because there are so many choices, it can be hard to find the right hair tools. Do not worry, prospective hair masters! This detailed guide will give you all the information you need to choose the best hair scissors for your needs.
How a Hair Scissor Works: A Look Inside
Before we talk about specific features, let’s go over the most important parts of a hair scissor:
Blades: The blades are what the scissors are made of and are usually made of high-quality stainless steel so they last a long time and stay sharp. They come in different styles and lengths, and each one is best for a certain way of cutting.
Finger Rings: These two rings fit the thumb and fingers, making it easier to control and move the device. When used for a long time, ergonomic designs put ease first.
Tang: The finger rest, or tang, is this part of the blade that sticks out. It helps keep you balanced and gives you more leverage for accurate cuts.
Screw: A centre screw mechanism lets you change the tension, which makes sure the blades are under the right amount of pressure for smooth cutting.
How to Read Hair Scissor Features: A Guide for Smart Buyers
Now that we know the basic parts of hair scissors, let’s look more closely at the important differences between them:
Good stainless steel is the gold standard when it comes to materials. For the best longevity and sharpness retention, look for numbers like 440C, VG-10, or 9CR18. Steel types that aren’t as good may get dull faster and cut less cleanly.
Blade Length: The length of the blade affects how you cut and how much control you have. Shorter blades (about 5 inches) are easier to move around for fine cuts and detail work, while longer blades (up to 7 inches) give you more power to get rid of thicker hair.
Style of Blade: Each type of blade is best for a certain type of cutting job.
Offset Blades: These blades are slightly angled, which makes it easier to hold the knife with your hand and lessens wrist pressure during long cutting sessions.
Straight Blades: You need to hold your hand more precisely when using a straight blade because they are best for making fine lines and blunt cuts.
Texturizing Blades: These blades have random teeth that are meant to make hair less bulky and more textured.
Tension Adjustment: A screw that is properly set makes sure that the blades meet with just the right amount of force. If it is too loose, the blades will get caught or not cut neatly. Too tight, and you have to use too much force, which can hurt your hands and break the blades.
Finger Rest: The tang, or finger rest, has a big effect on comfort and control. Look for tangs that are made in a way that makes them comfortable for your hand size and the way you cut.
Handle Design: Scissors have different types of handles, such as regular, offset, and crane handles. Handles that are symmetrical feel balanced, while handles that are angled are easier on the wrist. Some stylists like crane handles because they give them more power and leverage.
Reputation of the Brand: Buying from a well-known brand gives you peace of mind because you know the materials, craftsmanship, and possible warranty choices are good. Some well-known hairdressing names are Joewell, Yasaka, and Kamisori.
Beyond the Basics: Other Things to Think About for People with Special Needs
The above factors are the main ones used to make the choice, but based on your needs, some other things may also be important:
Left-Handed Options: Southpaws, don’t give up hope! There are left-handed scissors with mirrored blades that make cutting easier and more comfortable.
Dry Cutting: Scissors with convex blades that run easily through dry hair are best for stylists who specialise in dry cutting.
If you want to thin out thick hair and add texture, these special scissors are perfect for you. One or both of the blades has teeth or holes on it.
Budget: The price of hair scissors varies a lot based on the material, brand, and features they have. Professional-grade scissors can cost a lot, but they last a long time and cut very well.
Keeping the Edge: How to Take Care of Your Hair Scissors
Taking good care of your hair scissors will make them last longer and work better, just like any other fine tool. Here are some important care tips:
Clean Often: After each use, wipe the blades down with a cleaning wipe or a damp cloth to get rid of hair and styling products.
Oil the Screw: To keep the screw mechanism moving smoothly, put a small drop of professional blade oil on it every so often.
How to Store: To keep your scissors from getting broken by mistake, put them in a case that’s made just for them.
Using more advanced techniques and specialised scissors will help you cut through more things.
Once you know how to choose the right hair scissors and take good care of them, you can move on to more advanced cutting methods and specialised scissors. Here’s a look into this fascinating world:
Slide Cutting: This method uses slicing motions with off-set shears to make haircut changes smooth and seamless. For making good slide cuts, scissors with blades that are longer (about 6-7 inches) give you more force.
Point Cutting: To get rid of extra hair and add texture, this method includes cutting hair at an angle. Look for scissors with slightly curved blades that make cutting hair easier by letting you glide through it smoothly.
dull Cutting: You need sharp, straight-bladed scissors to get dull, straight-across ends. For clean blunt cuts, it’s important to align the blade correctly and set the tension correctly.
For this texturizing method, you’ll need thinning shears with notches strategically put on one or both blades. How rough or smooth the texture is depends on how many cuts are used.
Specialised Shears: Hairdressers use a wide range of tools that are designed to do specific jobs.
Curving shears have bent blades that are great for making smooth, layered cuts and giving hair more volume.
V-Notch Shears: One blade of these shears has a deep V-shaped notch that is great for making hair parts that are defined and have different textures.
Blunting Shears: These special scissors have a sharpened blade that helps smooth out the ends of haircuts, making them look more natural.
These advanced methods and specialised scissors can help you cut things better, but you need to practise and get the right training to get good at them. To learn more about advanced cutting techniques and how to use specialised shears correctly, you might want to go to classes or watch online tutorials.
Why professional sharpening is important
After a while, even the best hair tools will become less sharp. A professional must sharpen the blades on a regular basis to keep them working at their best and to protect their purity. Most of the time, barber supply shops or companies that specialise in sharpening scissors offer sharpening services. Look for sharpeners with a lot of knowledge who use professional tools and methods.
Here are some signs that your hair tools need to be sharpened:
Having trouble cutting hair cleanly
When you cut hair, it feels pinched or pulled.
Hand tiredness while cutting has grown
By getting your hair scissors sharpened on a regular basis, you can be sure that they will continue to work well for years to come.
In conclusion, a sharp investment that will pay off for years to come.
Getting the right pair of hair scissors is an investment in your ability to cut hair in a beautiful way. You can get the best tool to bring out your inner stylist by learning about the main features, looking into specialised choices, and putting proper care first. Remember that a well-kept pair of high-quality hair scissors will become a trusted friend throughout your career as a hairdresser, giving you endless ways to be creative and achieve perfect results.