by Jun Oh May 03, 2020 9 min read
If you're looking to improve your skills as a barber, then you need to know about the different types of hair shears used by American hairstylists.
Not all scissors are created equal, and it's important to use the right type of scissors for the job.
In this article, we'll discuss the different types of hair shears and how to choose the right pair for you.
So whether you're just starting out in hairdressing or you're looking for an upgrade, read on for all the information you need!
Let's jump into the Top 10 Different Types of Shears used by hairstylists and barbers in the USA!
Hairdressing scissors come in all shapes and sizes, but they can broadly be classified into two types: hair cutting shears and thinning shears.
As the name suggests, hair cutting shears are used for cutting hair, while thinning shears are used to thin out thick hair.
Thinning shears have teeth on one blade, which help to thin out the hair without reducing the length too much.
There are also a few different types of handles that you'll find on hair shears.
The most common type is the offset handle, which is when the thumb rests higher than the fingers.
An offset handle provides more control and comfort for the user and is suitable for most people.
However, if you have small hands or prefer a more delicate touch, then you might want to consider a straight handle scissor.
A straight handle scissor is smaller and more compact, making it easier to control.
The blades on hair shears can also be classified into two types: Convex and Concave.
Convex blades are curved outwards and are the most common type of blade. They're good for general cutting and provide a good amount of control.
Concave blades are curved inwards and are used for more detailed work, such as thinning hair or removing split ends.
Beveled edge blades are durable and long-lasting and are the most enduring model of the blade. Cutting edges can be sharp, but its angle blade's edge makes for more durability.
They're good for cutting through thicker hair and are perfect for blunt haircuts.
Now that you know the different types of hair shears, let's take a look at the top ten most popular scissors used by American hairstylists.
These hair-cutting shears are perfect for blunt haircuts and feature a convex blade that is good for cutting through thicker hair.
Convex blade hair scissors are curved outwards and provide good control when cutting hair.
Convex blade hairdressing scissors are useful for a variety of haircuts, including blunt cuts, bobs, and layers.
Only high-quality steel can hold a convex edge blade, so when hairstylists are searching for a professional hair cutting shear, they typically purchase one with the ultra-sharp convex edge scissor blade.
Convex edge shears are the most popular type of blade used by hairstylists in the USA!
A beveled edge scissor blade is one of the most popular hair-cutting scissor types. Originating from Germany, the bevel blade is the perfect all-rounder blade for haircutting.
Bevel shears are more robust than the other kinds of edges. The sharpness of the blade edges lasts longer than other common scissor types.
The cutting edge is extremely sharp, however, an angle on the edge provides longer durability.
The bevel edge is the most common type of blade used in hair scissors.
Beveled edge scissors are versatile and can be used for a variety of haircuts, including layers, bobs, and blunt cuts.
Short blade haircutting scissors are generally used for slicing and detailing. Their size usually ranges between 4 to 5.5 inches, which provides the barber better control.
The best thing about short-blade haircutting scissors is that they can be used for different hair techniques.
These kinds of blades are the most common scissors and are perfect for hairdressers who have shorter hands.
The length of the scissors plays a very major role as it can affect the overall cutting. That's why it is very important to choose the right type of scissors.
Short blade haircutting scissors are very lightweight that allow the stylist to perform better stroke and slide cuts.
However, cutting with short blade scissors takes more time than the regular one but if your client is strict about styling and detailing, then these scissors are the best option to execute the cutting.
Long blade haircutting scissors are another common scissors that are used to perform different barber techniques.
The most popular scissor-over-comb technique requires barber scissors over 6.0" size.
The size of these types of scissors usually ranges from 6 inches to 7.5 inches and they are perfect for hairdressers who have larger hands.
One great thing about long-blade haircutting scissors is that they provide amazing stability.
These haircutting scissors are used to perform techniques that require the scissor to cover a larger area of hair to cut it all off with just one snip.
These techniques include over the comb, which is one of the most popular hairdressing techniques.
The main benefit of the Long blade hair cutting scissors is that it makes sure that the cutting line is straight and not crooked in any manner.
Because of their longer size, they are perfect for blunt cutting techniques that require even cutting lines.
Thinning scissors are a very useful tool that every hairdresser must have in their toolkit.
These kinds of scissors feature a V-blade, which provides thinning motion. There are many new hairdressers who use regular cutting scissors to execute the thinning process.
This won't only make the thinning look unprofessional but it also increases the chances of overcutting the hairs.
A thinning scissor has 30 to 40 teeth make prevents you from cutting large chunks of hair and helps you complete the thinning easily.
It also gives you better control, which is very important when you are texturizing fine hair.
Thinning scissors are available in different shapes and varieties and chunking thinning scissors are one of them.
They are similar to regular thinning scissors but the main difference between them is that chunking thinning scissors have fewer teeth.
They have only 10 to 20 teeth, that's why they are also known as wide-tooth thinner scissors.
Due to having fewer teeth, these scissors can easily take out more chunks of hair.
As compared to the normal thinning scissors, it cuts a higher ratio of hair with every snip.
The benefit of chunking thinning scissors is that they help you save time and thin hair without putting in a lot of effort, especially if the clients have thick hair.
Offset handle scissors are also very popular and they allow you to execute cutting with ease and comfort.
They come with a longer finger and a short thumb handle.
As you know that traditional scissors and shears put a lot of stress on the thumb, that's why offset handle scissors were introduced to make cutting easier for stylists.
The shorter thumb reduces the strain on the thumb tendon, which reduces the risk of CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome).
Though the barber still has to raise the elbow for cutting different areas still its medium ergonomic design makes the cutting a lot more convenient.
This type of design protects your hand from coming into any unnatural position, which reduces the strain on the wrist.
As compared to other regular scissors, this design enables you to cut with an open hand.
This not only improves your cutting skills and also keeps you safe from potential injuries.
Swivel handle scissors feature advanced ergonomic design and it is one step ahead of the offset handle scissors in terms of functionality and comfort.
As you know that continuous cutting can put a lot of pressure on your hands and sometimes can cause severe problems.
Swivel handle scissors are a great way to protect and relieve your hands from pain.
If you are a regular hairdresser, then your work will surely involve cutting hair for long hours, which can be very painful if you use regular hairdressing scissors.
These scissors force you to place the thumb in one position which puts a lot of strain on your thumb.
The best thing about swivel scissors is that they come with a thumb ring with 360-degree rotation.
This provides full flexibility and control while cutting. The thumb ring also accommodates the natural movements of your hands, which helps in reducing pain and gives you a better hairdressing experience.
Opposing handle scissors are the traditional scissors that feature symmetrical handles and opposing rings.
These types of scissors have low-level ergonomics because their design places the finger's rings across from each other.
Due to this, a stylist who has an opposing grip will have to raise his elbows horizontally to execute different styling techniques, which will put a high strain on the shoulder.
The main objective of designing this handle was to provide leverage. However, it provides maximum leverage but it also reduces the ergonomics.
Apart from this, if you talk about the benefits, then a professional blending is the only shear that can be benefited from an opposing symmetrical grip.
Though it requires experience and skills if the stylist knows how to perform it correctly, then it can make the work easier.
The crane handle has also gained a lot of popularity and all credit goes to its high-level ergonomics.
Though if you look at the crane handle, then it is also an offset but there is a major difference that makes it slightly superior.
The main thing that makes the crane handle different from the offset is that when you will hold its blades horizontally, then instead of being centered, the handle will angle downward.
This reduces the pain and stress on the thumb and it also allows the stylist to execute the cutting with a more open hand.
Most stylists use it to make the work easier and protect themselves from RSI.
The forward set thumb is a new version of the crane handle and it is also referred to as an extended crane.
This design is made for professional hairdressers and in this design, then the thumb is very short.
This makes the thumb set in a balanced position all over from the index finger. It puts the hand at a resting state, which helps in reducing the stress in the arm and the overall hand.
Just like the crane handle, this forward set thumb or you can say neutral grip is also designed to reduce the risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
If you want to become a better barber and improve your hairdressing skills, then you must have all the information about different hairdressing scissors.
As you know that not all hairdressing scissors are created equal and it is important to choose the right type of scissors to execute the hairdressing properly.
Hairdressing is not an easy job, you need both skills and knowledge to become better at it.
Apart from this, you must have the right tools, so you can give your customers their desired hairstyles. Each hairdressing scissor has a different use and the quality of the cutting also depends on the type of scissors you are using.
So if you have just started your hairdressing career and want to know more about hairdressing scissors, then this article is very beneficial for you.
In this article, you will get to know about the different types of hairdressing scissors.
Along with this, all the necessary information regarding them will also be mentioned. So if this sounds useful, then stick to this article. Now without wasting a single minute, let's get started.
Now that you know about the different types of scissors, it is time for you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Remember, not all scissors are created equal and it is important to choose the right type of scissors to execute your desired hairstyle perfectly.
If you are a beginner, then I would recommend you to go for the regular offset hairdressing scissors.
But, if you are a professional hairdresser, then I would suggest you opt for the swivel handle scissors or the crane handle scissors.
Both of these scissors offer high-level ergonomics and can help you reduce the risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and choose the right scissors for yourself!
Read about the types of hairdressing scissors from JapanScissors.com.au here!
Read about how to choose the different styles and sizes of hair scissors at ScissorHub.com.au here!
Read about the best hairdressing scissors used by hairdressers and barbers from JapanShears.com.au here!
Read about choosing the best hair scissors for your salon at SalonScissors.com.au here!
Read about the best types of hair scissors for barber shops at BarberScissors.com.au!
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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