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For such a small bit of kit, there are a surprising number of factors that come into play when shopping around for a good pair of hairdressing scissors.
At a minimum, the scissors should be durable, rust-resistant, and comfortable to use for extended periods.
But for professionals, a myriad of other factors are just as – if not more – important.
The size, weight, metal type, handle design and even the convexity of the cutting blade all need to be weighed up.
So how do you decide which pair to go for?
Let’s find out.
Metal Type
When it comes to the metal used to craft a professional-grade pair of hairdressing scissors, it’s often a trade-off between durability and sharpness.
That‘s because the tougher and more durable the metal used for the blades, the more difficult it is to give them a super-sharp cutting edge that allows for precision cutting.
The exception to this rule, says Julie Bannister, co-founder of CoolBlades, is scissors made from top-quality Japanese steel.
Japanese steel’s high carbon content means that scissors fashioned from it can be tempered at extremely high temperatures and also honed to give an ultra-fine cutting edge, meaning they are both ultra-durable and super sharp.
Blade Type
Convex or bevelled? That is the question when it comes to the business end of a pair of scissors –that is, the blades used to cut the hair.
The type of blade and its curvature also determine how the scissors feel in the hand when cutting.
Convex blades, being slightly curved and extremely sharp, slice through hair with minimal pressure, affording the scissors a ‘light-touch’ feel as you don’t have to use a lot of hand pressure to chop the hair.
Conversely, bevel-bladed scissors are both flatter and sturdier, and the geometry of the cutting edge means they make it slightly tougher to cut the hair, giving the scissors a decidedly more ‘heavy-duty’ feel.
Size
When it comes to scissors, size matters.
A typical pair ranges between 4.5” and 7.5” in length.
For general day-to-day hairdressing, many cutters find a blade length of between 5.5–6” works well, offering the range of a longer blade but useful for more detailed work, too.
If you’re looking for a pair exclusively for detailed work and precision cuts, a 4.5” blade length is often the go-to size, as it allows you to get close to the head.
Handle Type
It’s surprising how tiring and painful lengthy cutting can become.
This means the ergonomics of the handle are all-important for many hairdressers, especially for the workhorse pair they use for the bulk of their cuts.
Straight-handled scissors are known to cause hand fatigue after sustained use, so many pros nowadays plump for a pair with an offset handle to accommodate the thumb, which affords extra comfort.
For extra control and comfort, swivel handle scissors are growing in popularity, as they give free rein to the thumb loop handle, and so they can be manoeuvred to give ultimate comfort.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all pair of scissors that will suit all barbers.
But by understanding what you’re looking for from a pair in terms of precision, control and maintenance, the decision becomes much more straightforward.