Hairdressing Scissors

Sizes of Hairdressing Scissors

Hair scissors sizes are usually measured in inches, form 4.5 inches up to 7 inches. The measurement is not the length of the blade but the size of the scissor from the tip of the blade to the finger ring (but not the finger rest). Smaller sized scissors tend to be better for detail styling and larger (5 – 6 inch) for straight line cutting. Longer scissors are more efficient because more hair can be can cut at a time.

Blade Metals

The composite of the blades define the quality of the scissors. Most hairdressing scissors are made from a stainless steel alloy; stainless steel with other substances added to improve strength and blade sharpness. The stainless steel blades then go through a heat treatment which increases the strength even further. Stainless steel blades are stronger than cobalt however, cobalt is far more resistant to wear and last longer.

Higher end hair scissors can be made from an alloy with a cobalt base. Cobalt scissors do not require heat treatment because the material is already strong enough. Other advantages include; greater resistance to chemicals and rust.

Handles

Lower end hairdressing scissors may have plastic handles although most have stainless steel for strength making the handle difficult to loose it's shape.

Hair scissor handles come in two standard designs; symmetric and offset. Symmetric handles (both finger holes are level) make it possible to use both sides of the scissors or to change the way the scissors are held allowing greater freedom. With offset or ergonomic handles the length of the handle grip differs between the moving and still blades. Offset handles are usually more comfortable, meaning the wrist, elbow and shoulder tire less. Ordinary blunt cuts are particularly easy with ergonomic handles.

Finger holes are available in regular or small sizes. Finger rings can be attached to regular to reduce the size of the finger hole.

Shape of the Blades

There are a few blade shapes although convex and bevel are the most popular. Convex blades have the sharpest cutting edge angle and are more powerful. They are usually sharpened by hand to achieve an artistic cut.

Flat single bevel blades are the most popular and easy to use because the blade is flat and lighter.

Blade Lines

The regular hairdressing scissor blade is called willow and is slightly curved, also available are straight and bamboo leaf (curved). Straight scissors are better for beginners because they hold hair better without hair sliding. The greater the curve, the hair will slide for smooth, soft cuts. Bamboo leaf blades are ideal for slide cuts and slicing.