What types of hairdressing scissors are there – classification

The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to hairdressing. Hairdressing scissors are among these tools that are necessary to achieve different cuts and styles. Selecting the ideal hairdressing scissors for your requirements and tastes can be made easier if you are aware of the various types available.

Hairdressing scissors are made for a variety of uses and are available in different sizes and shapes. There is a type of scissor that works well for thinning, texturizing, or cutting with precision. We’ll look at the primary categories of hairdressing scissors in this guide, along with the characteristics that distinguish each kind.

Every type of scissors, from straight-edges to more specialized ones like texturizing and thinning shears, has special qualities and applications. Understanding these variations will enable you to choose the appropriate scissors for various styles and haircuts.

Type	Description
Curved Scissors	These scissors have a curved blade, ideal for cutting around the contours of the head and achieving a softer, natural look.
Straight Scissors	Featuring straight blades, these scissors are used for precise, clean cuts and are often employed in traditional hair cutting techniques.
Thinning Scissors	With one serrated blade and one smooth blade, these scissors help to reduce bulk and add texture to hair, giving a more blended appearance.
Texturizing Scissors	Similar to thinning scissors but with more pronounced serrations, these scissors are used to create more dramatic texture and movement in the hair.
Convex Scissors	Featuring a curved blade edge that helps to make smoother cuts, these are often used by professionals for their precision and sharpness.

What do scissors consist of

A children’s riddle that describes scissors as having two ends, two rings, and a nail always comes up when the structure of scissors is being discussed. However, this description is only applicable to children; in reality, the structure of scissors used by professionals is far more intricate.

The composition of hair cutting shears:

• Rings with their inner and outer surfaces;
• Finger rest – a perpendicular protrusion in the upper part of the ring;
• Stop – a protrusion at the point where the rings close;
• Leg – the place where the rings transition to the cutting blades;
• Screw or screw group – the place where two blades are fastened;
• Heel – a curved transition from the rings to the main part of the blade;
• Outer and inner sides of the blade;
• Outer edge – the back surface of the blades;
• Cutting edge – the inner, sharpened side of the blades;
• The end of the blade is the tip.

What types of hairdressing scissors are there

Within the primary classification, which is based on function, scissors can be:

• For haircutting;
• For thinning;
• With micro-serration;
• Flag;
• For slicing.

By kind of sharpening the cutting edge of a blade:

• Standard;
• Convection;
• Semi-convection.

By form:

• Classic or straight;
• Ergonomic.

By kind of ring:

• Standard;
• With inserts;
• Insulated.

Using technology for tool surface treatment:

• Polished;
• Satin;
• With additional coating.

In terms of product length:

• Small – 4.5 and 5 inches;
• Universal, standard – 5.5 inches;
• Large – 6-6.5 inches.

By kind of screw:

• Screw;
• With screw group;
• With bearing group.

According to the little finger’s stop type:

• Removable;
• Fixed, cast;
• Straight;
• Curved;
• Smooth;
• Knurled.

According to steel hardness:

• 50-55HRC;
• 55-57HRC;
• 57-59HRC;
• 58-60HRC;
• 60-62HRC
• 61-63HRC.

Types of scissors by color:

• Standard;
• Creative;
• Combined.

The primary criteria that a hairdresser uses to select an appropriate tool are the classifications mentioned above.

Hairdressing scissors by purpose

As we’ve already established, the following are the purposes for which the scissors are meant to be used:

• Straight;
• With micro-notches;
• Thinning;
• Flag;
• For slicing.

Although the term "types of cutting edge design" can be used to refer to the same classification, the division’s essence is more accurately reflected by the purpose-based sorting.

Straight

Other names for haircuts are classic.

Straight scissors are a traditional tool with an even, smooth, and straight cutting edge. All-encompassing. Suitable for a variety of hair shaft types, including porous, thin, dense, curly, and hard.

Function: primarily intended for precise hair cutting, but it can also be used occasionally for point thinning.

Straight scissors can be sharpened at an angle of less than or equal to fifty degrees.

With micro-notches

Micro-notched scissors are straight scissors that have micro-notches applied to the cutting blade at a sharpening angle of more than 50 degrees. Unlike traditional scissors, the cut is more chopped than smooth, and the notches stop the hair from slipping.

Use: for trimming hairstyles and other applications not requiring a sliding cut.

Usually, the sharpening angle is greater than fifty degrees.

Thinning

Thinning scissors are a type of tool that resembles a comb but has sharp teeth on the cutting edge. Only the hair that falls into the space between the teeth is cut when the scissors tips close because of the "comb" on the cutting edge.

Goal: thin out thick hair, making a smooth transition between the layers of the haircut, like in a waterfall.

What do they consist of?

• Single-sided. One blade has sharp teeth, the second – a regular smooth edge.
• Double-sided. Both blades are equipped with teeth. Cut less hair, than single-sided.

Things to take into account when selecting serrated scissors:

• Material and quality of sharpening. Rare craftsmen undertake to sharpen thinning scissors due to the complexity of working with teeth, therefore, the better the quality of the tool and sharpening, the longer there will be no problems with their use;
• Cleanliness of teeth. There should be no burrs, protrusions, irregularities – all this complicates the work and injures the hair.

Flag

Flag scissors: a thinning technique. While the other cutting blade has enormous, massive teeth, the other has an even, smooth edge.

The goal is to create creative hairstyles with a ripped effect and textured haircuts.

For slicing

Slicing scissors: a tool for cutting hair with a sliding cut when utilizing the slicing method. These scissors’ cutting blades are convex. straight or curved is possible.

Goal: applying the slicing method for thinning.

Things to consider when making a decision:

• Sharpening sharpness. Only a perfectly sharpened cutting edge will give a smooth, easy cut;
• Cleanliness of the blade – there should be no notches or protrusions on the cutting part. If they are present, the hair will be pulled.

By edge type

The conventional convection or semi-convection method can be used to sharpen the edge of hairdressing scissors.

Standard

The typical cutting edge is a transparent strip that runs the whole length of the blade and is roughly 1.5 mm wide.

An inclined angle of 45 to 50 degrees.

The goal is universal and applicable to all hairdressing tasks.

Convection

Convection cutting edge, also known as convex arc sharpening, is rendered ineffective by processing the blade successively at various angles.

Angle of edge: 38° to 42°.

Use: excellent for slicing, pointing, and shading borders. produces a gentle cut.

Semi-convection

Cutting edge with semi-convection: a middle ground between convection and standard.

45° is the edge angle.

Goal: Depending on the cutting edge’s sharpness, you can make precise cuts as well as point, slice, and shade.

By shape

One of the key factors in selecting scissors is its shape, which has an immediate impact on the tool’s usability and durability.

Shape-specific hairdressing shears are:

• Standard;
• Ergonomic.

Draw an imaginary line from the closed ends through the screw to identify which pair of scissors is in front of you. You have a straight standard tool in front of you if the line passes through the rings exactly.

Standard

Other names for it: simple, classic, and straight.

Standard shape scissors: these are symmetrical, straight tools that follow the traditional form exactly.

They are appropriate for: thin-fingered hairdressers.

Ergonomic

Other terms for it: ergonomic, asymmetrical

Any scissors that stray from the typical straight shape are considered ergonomic. One or more asymmetry options, such as a curved leg or rings positioned off-center, are possible for ergonomic scissors.

Who should use it: hairdressers who get easily fatigued from their jobs and have "weak" fingers.

Semucergonomic

Alternate term: semi-ergonomic.

The semi-ergonomic scissors represent a middle ground between the ergonomic and standard direct options. They have the ability to maintain symmetry while also having displaced or "butterfly"-style rings.

Who is appropriate: hairdressers who frequently develop friction corns on their fingers or who get them quickly.

By the type of rings

Standard

The inner and upper surfaces of standard hairdressing scissors’ rings are composed of the same material as the tool’s overall construction.

With liners

Scissor rings with liners are an instrument worn in the ears that have customized silicone or rubber inserts placed within.

Insert-equipped scissor rings are made for comfortable use; they minimize friction, stop calluses from forming, and lower the possibility of allergies, which are frequently caused by nickel.

Ideal for artisans with slender fingers.

Insulated

Scissor rings with insulation: an extra layer of material covers the rings all the way up to the heel. This can be silicone, rubber, or plastic.

Insulated scissors, such as those with inserts, are more comfortable to use because they minimize slipping, ensure a tight fit for the tools in the hand, and help prevent calluses and friction.

By surface treatment method

A variety of surface treatment techniques for scissors aid in preventing iron oxidation within the composition.

The surface may be:

• Polished;
• Satin;
• With an additional coating.

Polished

A specialized machine polishes scissors to a mirror-like sheen. By polishing, you can get rid of any imperfections and create an absolutely smooth surface. Removing even the smallest of cavities prevents water from penetrating them and causing oxidation or corrosion, which is the main goal of polishing.

Satin finish

Additional names: matting and matting.

The processing technique known as "satining," derived from the English word "satin," involves applying a powder composition to scissors while they are under extreme pressure. The scissors are matte as a result, but they still feel perfectly even and smooth.

With a coating

Applying a thin layer of auxiliary material to the surface of hairdressing scissors is known as coating. Usually, Teflon or titanium is used for this.

Applying a second layer of coating to the scissors not only enhances their mobility and lowers the possibility of oxidation or rust, but it also lowers the risk of nickel allergies.

By length

Professional hairstyling scissors come in inches of various sizes. Since there isn’t a distinct division based on size, we conditionally separate them into:

• Small – 4.5 and 5 inches;
• Universal, standard – 5.5 inches;
• Large – 6-7 inches.

Small

The smallest ones are scissors that have a maximum overall length of 112-135 mm, or 4.5-5 inches.

Goal: Traditionally, small scissors are meant to be used in the women’s restroom.

Universal

Other terms: traditional, medium, and standard.

The overall length of universal scissors is 5.5 inches, or 140–145 mm.

Function: appropriate for all hands and processes.

If you decide to use hairdressing scissors at home, pay particular attention to this length. They work well for both men’s and women’s hair, whether it’s for bangs, short haircuts, or end trimming.

Large

A large pair of scissors has a length of 150–177 mm, or 6–7 inches.

Goal: They are meant to offer hairstyling services in the men’s room, as is widely understood.

It is advised to have multiple lengths of scissors in the hair salon supply set in order to accommodate various clientele types and haircut styles.

By screw type

The screws are used to join the two sections of the scissors together. The binding may be:

• Screw;
• With screw group;
• With bearing group.

Screw

The screw method of fastening involves joining two blades with a single screw and adding a washer to keep the screws from loosening. The screw is typically inserted deeply enough so that its head does not extend past the blade.

Screw group

Attaching the scissors’ blades together using a screw group requires three to five distinct fastening components. usually consists of a spring element, nut, and screw.

Because of the regulator above the blade, scissors with group screw fastening can be tightened even without a screwdriver.

Bearing group

When fastening scissors, a bearing group is used to connect using a screw, washers, and a bearing. With this method, you can guarantee a uniform and smooth movement while rejecting a methodical blade adjustment.

By type of stop

The stop, a tiny protrusion in the upper portion of the ring, guarantees comfortable operation and fortifies the hand and scissors to provide cutting stability and complete control over the instrument.

The quality of the haircut may suffer if there is no stop and the tool hangs loose in the hand.

The little finger’s stop could be:

• Removable – the protruding fragment can be unscrewed;
• Fixed – the stop is a cast part of the structure and cannot be removed;
• Straight – a straight piece is a straight protrusion with a small expansion at the top;

• Curved – the stop has an unusual shape and a slight slope;

• Smooth – has a well-polished, smooth surface;
• Knurled – the stop has engraved or additionally applied notches to prevent slipping;
• With two stops – finger protrusions are located at the top of both rings.

The decision to stop is a personal one. Every master makes their own decision, taking into account their comfort level and work habits.

By hardness

Steel comes in various grades for hairdressing scissors. Hardness is the deciding factor when selecting steel. The Rockwell scale is used to determine the hardness of the material used in hairdressing scissors. To preserve the product’s durability and sharpness, the steel should have a moderately high hardness.

HRC units are used to measure hardness, or the steel blade’s hardness.

Common categories of scissors hardness include:

• 50-55HRC-low quality soft blade;
• 55-57HRC – a blade of medium hardness, suitable for beginners stuffing a hand;
• 57-59HRC-a solid blade resistant to damage and well-being sharpened;
• 58-60HRC-high-quality blade, is perfectly sharpened and is characterized by increased strength;
• 60-62HRC-Optimum hard tool. Allows you to make a super -fast sharpening;
• 61-63HRC-the hardest type of steel, is expensive, but the price is justified by the service life and ease of operation.

The ideal range for hairdressing scissors is thought to be between 55 and 62 HRC. Too high of a hardness results in fragile tools and labor-intensive sharpening, while hardness levels below this threshold cause tools to lose their sharpness quickly.

Color types of scissors

The scissor blades’ color is known as their color type. It is chosen based on the master’s personal preferences, the corporate style, and the interior design of the beauty salon or office; it has no bearing on the tool’s functional features.

Standard

Standard scissors are an instrument with a distinctive steel hue. These scissors have the color that is inherent in the manufacturing material and are not processed in any way.

Black is associated with the standard types in addition to the silver shade. Scissors that have Teflon coated their blades turn black.

Creative

The tool known as the creative scissors is unusually colored for steel. They have metallic tints and are painted in shades of pink, gold, blue, or gasoline.

Combined

A product that combines a conventional and creative color type is called combined scissors. In these situations, the rings are colored-painted, and the cutting portion of the steel may stay intact. Additionally, there are scissors with a steel blade and a colored blade.

Selecting scissors is a difficult task, but if you know what to look for, it will be less difficult to locate the perfect instrument for you. And how do you decide which scissors to use?

Comprehending the distinct varieties of hair cutting shears is imperative in order to attain accurate and fashionable trimmings. The primary categories of hairdressing scissors will be discussed in this article, along with their distinct qualities and intended uses. Every type of shear, from texturizing and specialty to straight and thinning, has a specific function in professional haircuts, so it’s important for stylists of all experience levels to select the appropriate tool for the job.

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Anyone hoping to get the best results from their haircuts must be aware of the various kinds of hairdressing scissors. Each kind of scissor is made for a particular purpose, such as cutting, texturizing, or detailing. Both professionals and enthusiasts can choose the ideal tool for their needs by being aware of the features and advantages of different types of scissors.

You can make sure you have the right tools to handle various hair types and styles by becoming familiar with the classifications of hairdressing scissors. This information also helps with appropriate tool maintenance and helps you make wise decisions when adding to or upgrading your scissor collection.

In conclusion, taking the time to learn about the various kinds of hairdressing scissors can significantly improve the caliber of your styles and haircuts. Acquiring polished and professional results requires having the appropriate scissors, regardless of experience level as a stylist.

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