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The Top 10 Hair Cutting Shears For American Hairstylists

by Jun Oh March 06, 2021 13 min read

The Top 10 Hair Cutting Shears For American Hairstylists - Japan Scissors USA

If you're a hairstylist or barber, then you know that having the best haircutting shears is essential for your trade.

Not only do they make it easier to cut hair accurately and efficiently, but they can also help reduce hand fatigue.

In this article, we will discuss the 10 best haircutting shears on the market today!

Because there are lots of scissors claiming ‘the best’, you must do some research. In this article, you get an insight into the top-rated and best-reviewed hair cutting scissors from Japan, Germany, and more.

Let's jump right into it!

Quick Summary

We have chosen these best 10 hair cutting scissors in the USA based on top-selling pairs, reviews, customer ratings, scissor manufacturer history and reputation,  and the best value for money.


The Best Japanese Yasaka Offset Scissors Yasaka Offset Hair Cutting Scissors
  • Made in Japan with a precision cutting convex edge blade
  • 100% Japanese Hardened Hitachi Steel
  • Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue
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Jay 2 Most Affordable Scissors Jaguar Jay 2 Hair Cutting Scissors
  • German Chrome Steel
  • Best value for money
  • Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue
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The sharpest barber scissors Kamisori Sword Professional Haircutting Shear
  • Japanese 440c Japanese Steel
  • Unique 3D Ultra-Sharp Convex Edge Blade
  • Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue
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The best value hair scissor Juntetsu Offset Hair Cutting Scissors
  • Premium Japanese VG10 Steel
  • Sharp Japanese Convex Edge Blade
  • Premium Tension Adjustor
  • Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue
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The Ichiro Sakura premium haircutting shear Ichiro Premium Sakura Shear
  • Japanese 440C Steel
  • Sharp Convex Edge 
  • Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue
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Shop the best Joewell Classic haircutting shear in the USA Joewell Classic Haircutting Shear
  • Premium Steel
  • Slim Design
  • Classic Blade
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Best entry level hair cutting scissor Mina Umi Hair Cutting Scissor
  • Stainless Steel
  • Best price for quality
  • Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue
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Best Pink Hair Scissor Jaguar Pink Pre Style Ergo Hair Cutting Scissors
  • Pink Colour Coating
  • German Micro Serration Blade
  • Lightweight ergonomics
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Premium Japanese Steel Barber Shear Under $300 Ichiro K10 Hair Cutting Shears
  • Premium Barber Long Blade
  • Sharp Japanese Convex Edge Blade
  • High Quality VG10 Steel
View Product →
Yasaka Barber Hair Cutting Scissors Yasaka Barber Shears
  • Premium Barber Long Blade
  • Unique Japanese Design
  • ATS314 Cobalt Stainless Steel
View Product →

There are many different types of hair cutting scissors, so let's take a look at what you need to know before buying hair cutting shears in the US.

3 Important factors to consider before buying scissors for cutting hair

Before you decide on buying a good pair of hair-cutting scissors, you need to consider a few things. And, make sure that the pair fulfils your hairstyling needs. Here are some basics that you need to know when buying hair shears before handed.

1. The right size of your cutting scissors

An example of the different sizes of hairdressing shears

Specific reasons compel people to return hair scissors purchased from online shopping stores. And, it is due to the incorrect size. Even an expert hairdresser finds difficulty in getting the right size for hair scissors.

Standard shear sizes for barbers

  • 7-inch shears
  • 6.5-inch shears
  • 6-inch shears

Standard shear sizes for hairstylists in a salon

  • 6-inch shears
  • 5.5-inch shears
  • 5-inch shears
Here are some steps you can follow to find the right scissor size:
Before you plan to buy a brand new hairdressing scissor online, follow these steps.
  • Arrange an old pair of hairdressing scissor or get a ruler
  • Place the ruler on your left-hand palm
  • Next, measure the ruler against your palm, or the hair scissor
  • Place the ruler at the end of your mid-finger, or the tip of the scissor blade
  • Now, measure the ruler against your finger, or the blade
If you are still in doubt about the right scissor size, you can opt for a 6-inch hairdressing shear. It suits most hairstylists. Also, it covers different hair-cutting techniques.

Moreover, 7-inch shears are suitable for different barbering techniques like ‘Over the Comb.’ And, 5.5-inch shears are best suited for precision hairdressing techniques.

2. Different types of hairdressing scissors

The different types of hairdressing shears used in a salon for haircutting

This list shows you the most common kinds of hair shears used for thinning and cutting hair.

Short blade hairdressing shears

The short blade scissors have sizes between 4 and 5.5 inches. Shorter blade scissors are the most common ones and work fine with many hair techniques. These scissors are best for hairdressers with smaller hands.

Long blade hairdressing shears

The long blade scissors have sizes between 6 and 7.5 inches. The longer ones are best suited for certain hair styling techniques such as ‘Over the Comb’. Hairstylists with larger hands love this kind of hair shear.

Texture thinning shears

Thinning scissors with 30 to 40 teeth are suitable for texturizing hair. It helps to avoid taking off large portions of your hair. The 40-teeth is perfect for using on thin hair. Every tooth consist of a V-shaped blade.

Wide chomping thinning shears

Thinning hair scissors come with a different set of teeth. With fewer teeth, these scissors take off more chunks of hair. The chomping scissors have 10 to 20 V-shaped teeth. They are best for thicker hair.

You can understand why the chomping scissors are useful when you use a 40-teeth texturizing hair shear on thick, long curly hair.

3. Different types of hairdressing scissor handle

Hair scissor handles

There are a few different types of scissor handles based on ergonomics for barbers and hairdressers.

Offset hair scissor handles

An example of the offset handle hairdressing shears

The offset hair scissor handles are widely found in USA & Canada. These hair-cutting scissors have an offset that gives you a relaxed grip. It helps reduce fatigue during hair-cutting for extended periods.

Classic hair scissor handles

An example of the straight (opposing/classic) handle hair shears

The classic handle design found on particular hair scissors is the oldest style. And, you can find them on many hair shears in recent times. Classic handle design provides very little to no ergonomics. However, they work best for people who cut hair for a shorter time.

Crane hair scissor handles

An example of the ergonomic crane handle hairdressing shears

The crane-styled ergonomics is the revised version of the standard offset ergonomics. These kinds of hair scissors have a much deeper offset design. It pushes the ring situated at the bottom away from the top.

They are best suited for hairdressers who cut hair for more extended periods. The specialized ergonomics help them reduce fatigue from their fingers while trimming hair .

Left-handed hair scissor handles

This kind of scissor handles is quite similar to the other ones aforementioned. And, the difference is that only left-handed hairdressers can use them.

Summary

So, that was all about the different types of hair scissor handles. However, if you are not sure which type to buy, there are other options to consider. Here are some of the commonly purchased hair shear handles.
  • Male barbers – Offset 6.5 to 7.5 inch longer blade hair shears
  • Female barbers – Offset 6 to 6.5 inch longer blade hair shears
  • Male hairdressers – Offset 6 inch shorter blade hair shears
  • Female hairdressers – Offset 5.5 inch shorter blade hair shears


      

    The Top 10 Best Hair Cutting Shears


    1. Yasaka Offset Hair Cutting Scissor

    Yasaka Hair Cutting Scissor Offset

    Yasaka hair scissors are manufactured in Japan. They are quite affordable and don’t cost you more.

    The Yasaka Hair Cutting Scissors are rated as best-sellers in USA & Canada.

    Barbers and hairdressers praise this brand for the premium build quality and affordable price compared to ordinary Japanese brands.

    Yasaka is different from Chinese brands. And they have earned a good name in the international hairdressing community.

    They have more than 60 years of experience in producing professional-grade hair-cutting tools. Hitachi premium Japanese steel used in the tools is the most sorted brand worldwide.


    Pros

    • ✔️ Ergonomic design
    • ✔️Well-balanced look
    • ✔️Manufactured in Japan
    • ✔️Sharp convex-edged scissor blade

    Cons

    •  Requires trained sharpener to prevent damage to the blade

    Summary

    Yasaka hairdressing scissors are manufactured in Nara, Japan, with premium quality Japanese materials.

    These offset hair shears are popular for their ergonomics, design, and quality.

    No doubt they are the #1 most popular selling Japanese haircutting shear in America!




    2. Jaguar Jay 2 Hair Cutting Scissors

    Jaguar Jay 2 Hair Cutting Scissor

    Jaguar is another brand that produces high-end hair cutting scissors at affordable prices.

    And, they are the best-seller and most popular hair shear brand in USA & Canada. The Jay2 variant from the company delivers all-around performance.

    The Jaguar Jay2 is the right kind of hair shear for apprentices, professionals, and home hairdressers.

    Jaguar is one of the most popular manufacturers of hair scissors in Europe. Moreover, they have over 80 years of experience in this area.

    The company produces reliable hair scissors, and they are extremely popular among barbers and hairdressers.

    So, if you are looking for an affordable or entry-level hair shear, the Jaguar Jay2 is the best choice. 


    Pros

    • ✔️ Great design
    • ✔️ Bevel-edged cutting blade
    • ✔️ Affordable

    Cons

    • Needs to sharpen often

    Summary

    There is no question that Jaguar produces high-quality hair-cutting scissors for the last 80 years. And, Jay2 is popular because of the reliability and affordability. Moreover, they are the best-sellers for the last 3 years in USA, Canada and Australia.




    3. Kamisori Sword hair cutting scissor

    Kamisori Sword Hair Cutting Scissor

    Another great variant of hair shears comes from the brand Kamisori. The Kamisori Sword has earned a good reputation among the barbers and hairdressers.

    The Kamisori Sword has a premium offset design with good ergonomics. They are made from 440C Japanese steel.

    This premium hairdressing shear comes in 7.5, 7, 6.5, and 6-inch sizes. Barbers and hairdressers all over the world love this premium quality shear.

    That’s because the long blade design of the Kamisori Sword is perfect for barbering techniques like ‘Over the Comb’.


    Pros

    • ✔️ Sharp convex-edged scissor blade
    • ✔️ Built with premium Japanese materials
    • ✔️ Long blade

    Cons

    •  Only for right-handed hairdressers
    • ❌ Higher price expensive

    Summary

    Kamisori is a reputed brand producing hair scissors for different barbering and hairdressing techniques. And, they are very popular worldwide.

    The company focuses more on creating premium hairdressing scissors. The Kamisori Sword is the best long blade barber shear, perfect for professionals.




    4. Juntetsu Offset Hair Cutting Scissors

    Juntetsu Hair Cutting Scissor

    Like Yasaka, Juntetsuis an international brand that produces great hair scissors.

    You can get premium-quality hair shears at affordable prices. The Juntetsu Offset hair shears are rated as the best value hair scissor because of the premium build quality at a much cheaper price.

    Juntetsu manufactures its hair scissors using high-quality VG10 steel. The VG10 is one of the best steel used to make great hair shears.

    The Juntetsu Offset shear consists of a convex-edged blade. The simple offset design helps you cut hair while reducing fatigue.

    The tension screw keeps the shear sharp. Also, it helps in a smooth haircut.


    Pros

    • ✔️ Best value for money
    • ✔️ Offset ergonomics for professionals
    • ✔️ Sharp convex edged scissor blade
    • ✔️ Premium quality steel for hair shears

    Cons

    • Straightforward design

    Summary

    When it is about the best quality and affordable Japanese steel, the Juntetsu Offset Scissors is the popular choice.

    This scissor gives silent, sharp cutting motions that you can’t find on other scissors.

    In short, ordinary scissors are not capable of producing amazing results like the Juntetsu. While these scissors are the latest in USA & Canada, they are rated top-class products. The price range, feedback, and quality from the scissor are overwhelming




    5. Ichiro Sakura Haircutting Shear

    Ichiro Premium Sakura haircutting shears for professional hairstylists

     

    Introducing the Ichiro Sakura Premium Haircutting Shears! These scissors are handcrafted with superior 440C steel and designed to be lightweight and have a perfect balance for professional use.

    The award-winning Sakura Handle design is ergonomically crafted for comfortable, all-day use by hairstylists of any level.

    And the craftsmanship of these excellent edges makes for sharp, effortless cuts that are tug-free and pull-free – perfect for hours of use without straining or injury.

    So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, don't go another day without the Ichiro Sakura Haircutting Shears. Order yours today!


    Pros

    • ✔️ Premium Haircutting Steel
    • ✔️ Great ergonomic offset design
    • ✔️ Ultra-Sharp Haircutting Blade

    Cons

    •  Only available in 6" Right handed

    Summary

    Ichiro is undoubtedly the best value and high-rated scissor set you can find. The brand delivers more than simple style with their range of premium hairdressing shears. The Ichiro Sakura haircutting scissor is suited for professional hairdressers.




    6. Joewell Classic Haircutting Scissor

    Shop for the premium Joewell haircutting scissor

    Introducing the Joewell Classic hair cutting scissor! This premium-quality Japanese scissors has been a best seller for 50 years for good reason - it's perfect for professional hairdressers and barbers.

    With its classic opposing handle design, this scissor is made with durable, high-quality steel that will make quick work of your hair. So why not pick up a pair today?


    Pros

    • ✔️ Sharp Haircutting blade
    • ✔️ Lightweight design
    • ✔️ High-quality 440C steel

    Cons

    •  Slim design isn't as powerful for barbering

    Summary

    The Joewell haircutting shears have been used by American hairstylists and barbers for over 50 years. Each pair is handcrafted to perfection and they make haircutting effortless. 




    7. Mina Umi Hair Cutting Scissor

    Umi Hair Cutting Scissors

    Mina produces reliable and affordable hair cutting scissors with ergonomic designs. Moreover, the Umi hairdressing shear is a best seller pair under $150. This hair scissor is made of stainless steel and has a sharp convex-edged blade.

    In addition, the offset design adds to the comfort of the user. Moreover, the Umi hair cutting scissor is great for a student, professional, or a home hairdressing enthusiast.


    Pros

    • ✔️ Sharp-edged convex scissor blade
    • ✔️ Very affordable
    • ✔️ Great ergonomics and professional design

    Cons

    •   Needs to sharpen when used daily

    Summary

    The Mina Umi hairdressing shear is a cost-effective pair under $150. The scissor pair has a great ergonomic design and a convex-edged sharp blade. Moreover, the price tag is something that makes the set very popular.




    8. Jaguar Pink Pre Style Ergo Hair Cutting Scissors

    Jaguar Pink Hair Cutting Scissors

    Jaguar hairdressing scissors are manufactured in Germany. Further, the brand is known for producing high-quality barbering and hairdressing scissors at competitive prices.

    The Pre Style Ergo scissors are made in Germany, too. Moreover, it uses a traditional handle design, sharper blades, and high-quality steel. In addition, the micro serrations make sure that it gives effortless cutting motions.

    Pros

    • ✔️ Micro serrated scissor blades
    • ✔️ The pink coating is allergy neutral
    • ✔️ Manufactured in Germany

    Cons

    •  Classic opposing handle

    Summary

    Jaguar scissors are made in Germany. In addition, they have professional ergonomics, unique styles, and micro serrations on the blades. The pink color of the shear is popular both in USA & Canada.




    9. Ichiro K10 Hair Cutting Shears

    Ichiro K10 Hair Cutting Shears

    Ichiro manufactures high-quality scissors made of VG10 steel. As a result, the scissors perform smooth and silent cutting motions.

    The offset and lightweight design produce great ergonomics. The Japanese convex-styled edge and superior hardness give sharp cuts.


    Pros

    • ✔️ Professional ergonomics
    • ✔️ Premium VG10 quality steel
    • ✔️ Convex edged blades

    Cons

    •  Smaller finger holes

    Summary

    Ichiro produces premium quality scissors in an affordable price range. The K10 uses the best steel to give sharp cutting motions.




    10. Yasaka Barber Shears

    Yasaka 7" Inch Barber Shear

     

    Yasaka produces one of the best hairdressing scissors. They use the highest quality Japanese steel to manufacture barber shears.

    They have offset ergonomics, premium engineering, and simple design. In short, Yasaka barber shears are affordable and easily available in USA & Canada. 

    Pros

    • ✔️ Made in Japan
    • ✔️ Convex edged scissor blade
    • ✔️ Cobalt ATS314 stainless steel

    Cons

    •  Requires a trained convex-edge sharpener

    Summary

    Yasaka long blade 7-inch scissors are the most affordable Japanese shears. Also, they are available in USA & Canada with ease.




    5 Easy Tricks To Cut Hair

    How to cut hair

    A sharp pair of hair shears is the first requirement for all hairdressing enthusiasts. However, there are a few useful tips to cut hair both at home or work.

    To sum up, all you need is a great pair of hair shears, a comb, a spray bottle, and a person to get you the cut.

    Here are 5 tips you can follow to cut hair with a new pair of hair shears. .

    1. Spray hair with little water

    Take the spray bottle and use it all over the areas. However, don’t drench or soak the hair. A little water helps you to cut hair with ease.

    2. Start combing

    This is an important step to free your hair from knots. The comb easily runs through the hair after that. Also, you get to know about the length and thickness of the hair.

    3. Start cutting your hair

    After that, start cutting the hair by grabbing a small area and holding the tip of the hair with your fingers. Furthermore, leave 1 or 2 inches of hair from the top of your fingertips.

    Cut hair diagonally and grab it behind the section to cut in the same way. Continue the process until you are done with all the areas of your head.

    4. Review the work

    Using your hand, run it through the hair to find out if you have missed a spot. Sometimes, you can find long patches of hair. If a specific section needs more cut, you can run the process again.

    5. Trimming Hair Bangs (Fringe)

    Depending on your hairstyle, trimming the fringes could be easy. Comb the hair down and find out how you can trim.

    Difference between hair scissors and shears?

    When you are looking for hair shears, you come across the terms ‘scissors’ and ‘shears’. But, what’s the difference between them?

    However, in the barber and hairdressing industry, there isn’t a great difference between them. When it is about hairdressing, ‘scissors’ are most common.

    However, ‘shears’ are commonly used for barbering. Shears are longer in size and have a long blade. It is good for barbering techniques. Also, they are good for the ‘Over the Comb’ hairstyling technique.

    Scissors, on the other hand, are shorter compared to shears. They are between 5 and 6 inches in size. In other words, it is greatly used for precision cutting and hairstyling.

    Often texturizing and thinning hair tools are called scissors. They have 10 to 40 teeth and are used to thin the hair.

    Both scissors and shears use hybrid, bevel, and convex blades. The convex-edged scissor blade is great for precise haircuts. However, the downside is that most sharpeners can’t help in maintaining the blade edges.

    In short, there are very few differences between scissors and shears. Moreover, most scissor brands don’t limit themselves based on the differences.

    Therefore, when you are planning to buy a pair of shears or scissors, keep in mind that both of them are quite similar..

    In conclusion: What is the best hair cutting scissors?

    So, we have a complete list of the best hair cutting scissors depending on reputation, style, quality, and affordability. You don’t have to look out for them aggressively.

    There are hairdressing shears intended for apprentices, students, professionals, and home dressing enthusiasts.

    You can get the right size of the hair scissor by placing the scissor blade against your finger. Most female barbers and hairdressers use 5 to 6 inches. Whereas, most male barbers and hairdressers use 6 to 7-inch sizes.

    For professionals, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $400 on a decent pair. However, for home hairdressers and students, you can expect between $100 and $200.

    Every scissor pair is built with premium steel. As such, it gives them an amazing sharp edge for a precise haircut.

    If you are looking for a pair of hair thinning scissors in Australia, then check out JapanScissors.com.au here!.

    We have selected these best hair cutting scissors depending on the reviews, feedback, quality, and overall reputation. That way, it serves the needs of every customer.

    Read about the History Of Hair Scissors At The Academia.edu here!

    Read more about the top 10 hair scissors from Scissor Hub here!

    Read more about the top 10 Japanese style hair scissors from Japan Shears here!

    Read more about Canada's guide to the top 5 hair scissors at the Japan Scissor Shop!

    If you are looking for Hair Scissors in New Zealand, check out HairScissors.co.nz here!

    Browse hair scissors in Australia at HairScissors.com.au here!

    Jun Oh
    Jun Oh

    Jun is a professional journalist for barbers and hairdressers. She is a huge fan for high-end hair scissors. His top brands to review include Kamisori, Jaguar Scissors and Joewell. She instructs and educates people about cutting hair, haircuts and barbering across America, Canada and the UK. USA, UK, Australia and Canada.


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