How to Choose Your Next Hairdressing Scissors: A Guide for Stylists

Any hair professional will know that having the right hairdessing scissors is fundamental for creating that perfect cut, but what do you do when you need to purchase new scissors, and everything looks the same online? At CoolBlades, we’ve got some top tips for what to look out for, to ensure you can keep delivering those flawless haircuts and protect your wrist whilst doing so!

Understanding Scissor Anatomy

Whether you’ve purchased hairdressing scissors multiple times before, or this is your first time, it’s worth understanding all the different choices you can get when selecting your perfect shears. All of these areas covered below will not only have an impact on your cutting style, but also on the positioning of your wrist and elbow. So, if you’re used to one type of scissor, we recommend not switching styles without thorough research on how this will affect your stance!

Blade types – Convex edge or beveled edge? A convex edge blade will offer a smoother cut but it will be more expensive (though, in our opinion, well worth it!) whereas a beveled edge is cheaper but you may need to use additional force to achieve the same finish.

Handle types – Handle design will impact the way you hold your shears and the strain on your wrist! For less strain, you want to opt for a more ergonomic handle type which will be the swivel or crane handles.

With a swivel handle the thumb ring rotates or swivels freely, allowing greater mobility. With a crane handle, you’ll see a more pronounced offset with a downward-angled handle which keeps your elbow in a more natural position when cutting.

An offset handle means that the thumb ring is slightly shorter and angled below the finger ring which helps reduce overextension.

The least ergonomic handle is the opposing handle which has finger and thumb rings aligned symmetrically for a traditional cutting style – though this does cause more strain on the hand and wrist.

Tension systems – Tension systems and screw types play a crucial role in the performance and longevity of your hairdressing scissors. A properly adjusted tension ensures smooth cutting without excessive strain on your hands or the blades. There are two main types of tension systems: traditional flat or slotted screws, which often require a screwdriver for adjustment, and more modern click or dial systems that allow for easy, tool-free fine-tuning. Whichever type you choose, regularly checking and adjusting the tension helps prevent blade misalignment and ensures clean, precise cuts every time.

Choosing Based on Experience Level

Beginners – If you’re new to hairdressing, it may be overwhelming to know exactly what to choose. But there are a few things you might want to prioritise:

Comfort: If you’ve already started training with a certain handle style, stick with what feels natural and comfortable. A familiar grip can help you build confidence as you develop your cutting technique.

Control: Choose the blade that gives you the most control over your cut – for beginners this is usually a shorter blade (around 5" to 5.5"), as it’s easier to manoeuvre and safer while learning precision work.

Budget: You don’t have to spend a fortune on top-quality scissors. Know your budget and do your research – there are excellent entry-level options available. Some of our favourite scissors are some of our cheapest solutions – like the Kobe Nebula Hairdressing Scissors.

Intermediate Stylists – It’s likely you’ve levelled up your skills and now you’re cutting more frequently, so its time for some tools that work with you! You’ll want blades that stay sharper for longer, offer greater cutting precision, and reduce hand fatigue during back-to-back appointments, and you might want to consider investing a little more in scissors that can grow with you – like the Yasaka Offset Lightweight Scissors.

Advanced Professionals – At this level, precision, efficiency and specialisation are paramount. Whether you specialise in precision cutting, texturising, or advanced layering techniques, there’s a scissor tailored to your needs—from slide-cutting scissors with convex edges to specialist thinners and texturisers. Ergonomic features such as crane handles, ball-bearing tension systems, and ultra-lightweight designs help reduce fatigue during full appointment books. Plus, you can invest a little more and make your tools go a long way – we recommend the Migiwa Offset Swivel Thumb Scissors.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Scissor Life

It’s not just about buying the right scissors, it’s about maintaining them too. The correct storage and maintenance will help you prolong their lifespan, getting the most out of your tools and ensuring your clients are happy with their cuts time after time.

Below, is a handy video, outlining exactly what is needed to maintain your scissors, from oiling them correctly, to adjusting the tension!

The other thing that is vital for maintaining scissors is scissor sharpening. Around once every 6 months, you should look to get your scissors resharpened because a dull blade = a dull cut and no one wants that! At CoolBlades, we offer a quick and efficient sharpening service that will have you up and running again in no time.

Helping You Choose Your Scissors

We hope these handy tips will help you to choose the perfect scissors to upgrade your hairdressing tool kit, but if you need any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our experts today!

If you’re looking for hairdressing equipment, scissor servicing, or salon furniture, why not visit us at CoolBlades today and discover our range of high-quality, affordable hair and beauty salon supplies.

If you enjoyed this guide, why not visit the CoolBlades blog for more content tailored to salon and beauty professionals in 2025?