7 best hair-cutting scissors, per a professional barber

Table Of Content

• Usability and Handling
• JW Shears Xo Professional Shear and Blending Kit
• Eagle Sharp Professional Kit
• Join 8,982 users to get special deals on barbers and hairstylist equipment EVERY month
• Shopping Guide: 6 Things to Consider When Shopping For Quality Barber Scissors
• Hattori Hanzo HH8 Talon Shears
• Diane Home Cut Kit

Ahead, our professional barber expert shared the 411 on what to look for in a quality pair of hair-cutting scissors, along with how to appropriately trim and tame your hair at home. When it comes to the best hair cutting shears, stainless steel is the way to go. Preferably Japanese stainless steel, too, because it’s very fine-grained and strengthened more than regular steel. If you can’t get Japanese quality, then regular stainless steel or 440c stainless steel will do, because it’s tough, anti-rust, and will drastically increase the lifespan of your scissors. The ideal pair possess high-quality blades, regardless of price.

Usability and Handling

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JW Shears Xo Professional Shear and Blending Kit

The first thing to keep in mind is that not all hair shears are created equal. Celebrity hair stylist Clayton Hawkins cautions against using regular household shears you might have lying around the house. If there are some uneven strands, they will not be too noticeable if you cut your hair upwards as it blends the hair together. Toni&Guy Mark 35 Scissors are among the cheapest the company sells.

Eagle Sharp Professional Kit

The type of handle, or grip, is another key factor to consider when choosing shears. Smaller shears also work better at cutting around the ears and on the back of the neck, because you’ll have better overall control. Though this model lacks a taper lever for finessing a fade or blend, most of our testers didn’t miss it for at-home uses (none of our haircutting novices attempted to do their own fades). As is true of blades, when it comes to motors, most home users wouldn’t notice much difference between types—other than their loudness.

Premium scissor blades are made of high-carbon steel, which is the best material for cutting shears. It does not rust or corrode easily, making it ideal for salon use. Stainless steel is also a good option as this metal resists corrosion and discoloration. However, this kind of metal may lose its edge after a while. You’ll be happy to learn that these shears have convex ground blades that cut through coarse hair with minimal effort. Moreover, the blade is hand-sharpened to an incredibly fine edge for added precision.

Shopping Guide: 6 Things to Consider When Shopping For Quality Barber Scissors

You won’t spend more than $15 on them and they’re sure to get the job done — and get the job done well. You know, those bad (like really bad) hair days where you’re at a loss on how to style your locks anymore. Even the best volumizing shampoos, foaming hair mousses and styling treatments may falter on you out of the blue. Take a long look at the hair after you’ve finished trimming. Feel free to go back and trim those areas some more, but be careful not to trim too much hair in the process. The collection comes with a set of combs in several different widths, which adds to the versatility, and to top it off, you get a great little case to keep the whole set safe together.

The Best Hair Scissors and Shears for Cutting Hair — Expert Picks - Allure

The Best Hair Scissors and Shears for Cutting Hair — Expert Picks.

Posted: Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

If you work fine with an even handle, where both handles are the same size and level, go for this. If the tension screw needs to be tightened or loosened, use a small screwdriver, without forcing or damaging the screw. For more on this, check out the ‘Adjustment’ section in the Scissor Care guide from SharpandSharper.com. While you’re at it, take a look at the best hair removal products on the market to kick your grooming routine into full-speed. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order.

Diane Home Cut Kit

They use Japanese steel and a highly versatile length to provide the perfect cut for experienced snippers and beginners. For a handy dandy, highly-rated budget pair, check out Utopia Care Hair Cutting Scissors. In my view, this mini pair of scissors is an indispensable tool for grooming, combining functionality with convenience.

Trimming the bangs

We’ve included picks for each kind of scissors as well picks for a few different sizes and we think professionals and amateurs alike will find something long-lasting and usable below. It makes sense that the bigger the blade gets, the less control one has over the shears. Ideally, you want blades that are anywhere from 5.5 to 6 inches. As you become more skilled, you can handle longer lengths on your blades. Professional barbers and stylists don’t have the time to mess around with a pair of crappy shears. Too much is at stake, not the least of which is money and building a long list of repeat customers.

Okay, these are really not cheap, but if you’re happy going your own way in the hair department and want the tools to match, these HH8 shears are gold glass. They feature a permanent finger rest, tension control, even balance, and a screw-in bumper for a precise cut every single time. While a splurge, they come with a lifetime warranty as well. Among the clippers we tested, there was some variety in blade materials. But our experts agreed that for most home users, even a low-end blade will dutifully cut hair for years or even decades. When oiled, carbon models self-sharpen, but they are susceptible to rust.

There is also a tensioning screw located in the middle of each shear, allowing you to adjust the shears’ resilience to your liking. This provides greater control when cutting through thick strands. The performance is enhanced by the convex edge design, which ensures a clean cut. These scissors also have a tension screw which you can use to adjust their level of resilience, giving you more control.

“It’s wireless and powerful, [and] it’s easy to use,” remarked Simon He. Join 8,982 users to get special deals on barbers and hairstylist equipment EVERY month. I’ve provided you with a few shopping tips to help you make informed purchases in the future. Pay attention to the screws which you use to adjust the scissors.

Since the pandemic hit in 2020, more and more people have been doing at-home hair maintenance—for themselves and others. If you plan to continue maintenance trims or shaves between professional cuts (or skip salons and barber shops entirely), it’s worth investing in a tool that you like to use and is easy to maintain. In conclusion, selecting the best hair scissors is crucial for achieving professional-grade haircuts, whether you're a seasoned stylist or a DIY enthusiast. To ensure you make the most of these tools, consider familiarizing yourself with their specific features and care instructions. Additionally, practicing your cutting techniques can further enhance your skills.