What Kinds of Hairdressing Shears Should You Use in a Salon?

When it comes to professional hairdressing, using the right shears makes all the difference. While regular household shears are often too rough and can tug at the hair, salon shears are specially designed to deliver clean, smooth cuts thanks to their sharp, long blades. The precision of hairdressing shears ensures a softer and more refined cutting experience for both the stylist and the client.

Scissors vs. Shears: Know the Difference

Cutting instruments longer than six inches, having two finger holes of varying sizes and frequently double-ground edges for comfort and precision, are referred to as "shears" in the professional world. On the other hand, "scissors" are often smaller than 6 inches and are employed for more intricate tasks. Men like to use slightly larger sizes, such as 6" or 6.5", for their grooming needs, whereas women usually prefer to use 5.5" to 6" scissors for styling.

Types of Hairdressing Shears and Their Functions

The best tools for cutting and styling hair are hair-cutting shears. Compared to regular scissors, these shears are sharper and aid in producing crisp lines without fraying the edges. Texturizing shears are perfect for bulk removal. With their 12 to 16 notches, these shears are great for thinning off heavy or thick hair without sacrificing length. Conversely, thinning shears are made expressly to soften and merge layers of hair in order to minimize volume. In contrast to ordinary shears, thinning shears help control hair thickness rather than drastically cutting it short.

Brands and Specialty Models

Hairdressing shears from trusted brands like Fromm Professional, 1907, and Diane are available at wholesale prices for salon professionals. Diane's facial shears come in styles such as D55 (plastic handle) and D5755, which includes opposing handles, a micro-serrated blade, and a clear handle—ideal for stylists looking for precision tools.

Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed Scissors

For professionals, comfort is key. Left-handed hairdressers often struggle with standard tools, which is why left-handed hairdressing scissors are essential. These have reversed blades that align with natural hand movement, making it easier to see the cutting line and reducing wrist strain. Right-handed scissors, of course, follow the same ergonomic principles for right-hand users.