It’s no coincidence that hairdressing scissors are the essential, irreplaceable tool and an extension of the hairdresser’s hand. Their history stretches back thousands of years – from simple bronze and iron scissors in ancient Egypt and Rome to today’s modern designs crafted from premium stainless steel.
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just taking your first steps into the world of hairdressing, the quality and type of scissors directly affect the shape of the hairstyle, the precision of the cut and your comfort while working.
In the following, you’ll discover the different types of hairdressing scissors, how the material and handle design can influence your choice and which ones are our favourites.
How to Tell the Different Types of Hairdressing Scissors Apart
Hair type, cutting precision, trimming length, or adding volume… All of these factors determine which hairdressing scissors you’ll use and whether you’ll combine them. Let’s take a closer look at what each type does.
- Straight scissors – have two straight blades, with one blade sometimes featuring a micro-serrated edge. They are the basis for cutting and styling all hair types and are used for trimming ends straight and achieving a precise cut or layered effect.
- Sliding scissors – both blades are straight and smooth, without a serrated edge, allowing the hair to glide through them, just as their name suggests. These scissors are used for gradually reducing length and creating softer, more natural transitions, which is why they are used after straight scissors. On finer hair, they are used less often, only to gently “soften” a transition so as not to reduce volume further.
- Thinning scissors – usually have teeth on one blade, though some models have teeth on both, making them ideal for very thick hair. Thinning scissors are used to selectively reduce volume, as they don’t shorten the length but rather thin out the hair. For this reason, they’re often an essential third step when working with thicker hair. On the other hand, they are used sparingly on finer hair, to avoid removing too much volume. Their purpose is to give the hair added movement and lightness.
In essence, these three types of scissors are most often used in combination during a haircut. However, with certain hair types, sliding and thinning scissors are often “put on pause”. This is usually the case with fine, curly, or wavy hair, to avoid losing definition when thinning. However, with very thick hair, these two types become invaluable tools, helping to make the hair lighter and softer.
Hairdressing Scissors and Their Material
The material from which hairdressing scissors are made plays a crucial role in their quality, precision and durability.
The most commonly used materials are:
- Stainless steel – the basic and most widespread material. It provides solid sharpness and good resistance to corrosion, which is why it’s used in both entry-level and professional models. You’ll often see markings on scissors such as 420, 430, or 440, indicating the hardness and wear resistance of the steel. Among these, 440 is the star, as it represents the most durable steel, keeping the blade sharp for the longest time. However, longevity isn’t achieved through the choice of steel alone – the grinding method and heat treatment also play an important role.
- Japanese steel – a high-quality, premium type of stainless steel. What sets it apart is its precise alloy and heat treatment. It allows the blades to stay perfectly sharp for longer. The cut is smooth and precise, and the scissors offer maximum comfort during use. This is why Japanese hairdressing scissors are considered one of the top choices for professionals.
In addition to high-quality steel, professional scissors may feature a titanium coating. This makes the blades more resistant to wear and corrosion while reducing friction, resulting in more precise cuts. Scissors with this coating not only stay sharper for longer but also make cutting easier, making the entire haircut more comfortable and efficient.
Small Tips for Big Purchases
To be sure you’re choosing the very best hairdressing scissors, in addition to selecting the right type and material, it’s highly recommended that you also get a feel for them. You can recognise high-quality stainless steel by its smoothness. So, be sure to check the blades and their edges, which shouldn’t feel rough.
Hold the hairdressing scissors in your hand and open and close them a few times. They should move smoothly, without catching or “clacking,” and shouldn’t feel too heavy. This is also a good way to assess whether they’re comfortable for you. The handle shape and finger space are crucial, as is the overall size of the scissors relative to your hand. Scissors that are too large or too small can make handling difficult. For this reason, professionals often choose an ergonomic design and a standard length of 6″ to 6.5″. This length provides a good balance of precision and comfort, making the scissors suitable for most hairdressers and cutting techniques.
Between the two blades, the tension is controlled by a screw. If it’s too loose, the scissors won’t cut precisely. If it’s too tight, the blades are hard to move, making cuts stiff and tiring your hand more quickly.
Some professional scissors feature adjustable blade tension, allowing you to set it yourself. This not only ensures more precise cutting but also helps the scissors last longer.
Hairdressing Scissors – Our Favourites
Once you take all these factors into account, the answer to the question “What makes a good pair of hairdressing scissors?” becomes much clearer. To make your choice even easier, we’ve selected scissors that stylists find comfortable to hold, allowing for smooth and precise cutting.
INFINITY Expert Titanium |
|
|
Infinity Expert Titanium hairdressing scissors are highly regarded because they are suitable for both straight and slide cutting, thanks to their smooth, toothless blades. Their ergonomic design makes extended use comfortable without tiring the hand. In addition, the combination of high-quality Japanese 430 steel and a titanium coating ensures durability, reduced friction and long-lasting sharpness. |
 |
KIEPE School Regular Set |
|
|
A real boost for beginners on their journey to mastering the craft is the Kiepe School Regular hairdressing scissors set. Housed in a compact black case, it includes very lightweight and comfortable scissors for straight cutting, as well as thinning scissors. Together, they are the perfect companions for classic cuts, layering, bangs and those finer details and soft transitions. |
 |
INFINITY Classic |
|
|
A favourite among left-handed hairdressing artists, the Infinity Classic scissors are specially designed for them. Intended for straight cutting, they feature micro-serrated teeth on one blade, providing greater control and precision. This makes them ideal for precise cuts, layering and shaping smooth hair, as the teeth prevent strands from slipping through the blades. |
 |
KIEPE Academy Standard Set |
|
|
Kiepe Academy Standard set, featuring thinning scissors and straight scissors, is designed for experienced, professional hairdressers. Complete with spare finger rings and scissor oil, these already highly durable stainless steel scissors are ready to accompany you through all your hairdressing adventures. |
 |
Hairdressing scissors are every stylist’s essential tool. Learn the types, the most durable materials and how to pick the best pair.