What Are The Best Scissors For You?

There are few things that excite us more than talking about scissors, especially with all of the options out there. Everyone is different when it comes to needs, preferences, and personality. And your scissors should reflect that! So with so many choices out there, how do you pick the right pair for you?

First of all, the MOST important thing to remember is that these are YOUR scissors, so you should pick the scissors that work for YOU. You want scissors that make you comfortable, give you the best results, and cater to your individual needs and preferences.

We know it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options, but fear not! This handy guide will help you figure out which shears are the best for you.

How Will You Use Them?

Before we go any further, let's identify what you’ll primarily be using your scissors for and how often you’ll be using them. Your answer will greatly influence which shears do – and do not – belong in your shopping cart.

• Professional Stylist: Unsurprisingly, many if not most scissor shoppers are professional stylists who own or work in salons. If this is you, you’re probably performing many cuts every day. Your clients are likely women or those who require more precise styles. Shorter shears and texturizing blades will help you nail the detail-oriented cuts your clients are looking for.

• Professional Barber: As a barber, you spend your days cutting men’s hair. You may see tons of clients throughout the day, but the cuts you perform tend to be on shorter hair and usually don’t involve long layers. In this case, you’ll likely want a pair of long shears that you can rely on to quickly knock out straight, even cuts.

• Student: If you’re a student, apprentice, or new stylist, you may not be ready to invest in top-of-the-line shears. But you still want to look for a quality pair that’ll enable you to achieve consistent results while practicing and learning new techniques.

• At-Home Stylist: Are you looking for a pair of shears to trim your bangs or clip split ends between salon visits? Even if you offer the occasional cut and style out of your home chair, you can probably get away with mid-range, affordable shears. Small, infrequent uses won’t wear down your scissors as often as they would in a professional setting. Mid-range scissors are easy to use and they produce great results.

How Many Pairs Do You Own?

Depending on your needs, some hairdressers own one pair of scissors and some own four or more pairs. (Variety is not only the spice of life; it’s how we rock our style!)

If you find yourself working with a variety of hair types and styles, you’ll quickly realize how much better you can do your job if you own several different kinds of shears – including long, short, texturizing, and thinning shears.

Another reason to consider investing in multiple pairs? If you rotate usage, each pair will last longer between servicing and replacement, potentially saving you money in the long run.

What’s Your Budget?

With all the options available, it’s possible to find a great pair of shears to fit any budget.

Seasoned stylists and barbers who see 100 or more clients in a week understand the importance of having the perfect pair of scissors that will stay sharp and hold up for years. For these professionals, shelling out hundreds of dollars may seem like a no-brainer when you consider the cost per use and the decreased need for servicing and replacement.

As a student stylist or apprentice, you may find yourself on a stricter budget. Another reason to start out on the lower end is that, as a newer stylist, you may still be working out what types of shears you’re most comfortable with. Fortunately, some of the best scissor manufacturers understand the needs of newbies and offer more affordable shears and kits. When you choose the right kit, you’ll still find yourself with quality products backed by excellent customer service and warranties.

When it comes to home cuts and touch-ups, there is absolutely an argument for saving money on your shears. Infrequent use and smaller jobs cause less wear and tear on your scissors and require less maintenance. Even still, home stylists need to make sure to choose scissors that are specifically designed for hair and made of decent quality that won’t cause damage to your locks.

While there are scissors available for every budget, haircutting shears often prove the idea that the more you spend, the more you get. Luckily, if you have your heart set on buying your dream shears today, there are a lot of financing options that will help you pay off your shears as you earn, instead of all at once.

Make Your Shears Your Own

Because your shears are such an important part of your day, don’t be afraid to choose a pair that reflects your specific needs and personality. Here are a few more customizations you might want to consider when choosing a pair.

• Lefty? We all know having the right tools makes all the difference when it comes to performance. So why settle on a pair of shears that aren’t made for your hand? Some of the best scissors manufacturers offer shears that meet the specific needs of left-handed stylists.

• Ergonomics: Pain, hand discomfort, and fatigue shouldn’t prevent you from doing your job correctly. Haircutting scissors are available with a variety of different handles, so you can be sure to find a pair that protects your hands over time. Stylists who have been in the game for many years may even appreciate a bit of relief in the form of swivel handle shears.

• Design: Nowadays there are so many shears on the market, feel free to splash out on a pair that reflects a bit of your personality. Why stick with basic silver shears when you can use pink ones, or the even more sophisticated rose gold? Aside from colors, you can even find fancy shears with Swarovski crystal details that offer just the perfect amount of bling.

Asking for recommendations and reading reviews are great ways to get started on your journey to choosing great shears. But at the end of the day, you want scissors that work for you – not what works for your aunt who has been in the business for 20 years. As hairdressers, we’re unique – our shears should be too!

With so many options available, it’s worth the time and research to make sure you’re investing in a pair that will meet your needs and allow you the best haircutting experience possible. At Scissor Tech, we have a wide range of high-quality shears for you to choose from. So you can find a pair that fits your budget, specialty, and style!