Professional hair shears are among the most critical tools in any stylist’s arsenal. Designed specifically for cutting hair with precision, these shears go beyond the capabilities of household scissors. A good set of two hair shears can significantly impact the caliber of a haircut, making the real difference between a flawless finish and uneven results. Here’s an in-depth look at the different kinds of professional hair shears, tips for choosing the proper ones, and guidance on their proper use and maintenance.
Understanding Professional Hair Shears
Professional hair shears are specially crafted to handle the unique needs of hair cutting. Made from high-quality stainless or cobalt alloys, they feature blades which can be sharper, stronger, and made for precision. Here’s a simple breakdown of some common types of professional shears:
Straight Shears: The most common type, straight shears have two smooth blades, providing clean, sharp cuts. They’re versatile and may be used for some hair-cutting techniques, from simple trims to complex styles.
Thinning Shears: These have one or both blades with teeth, allowing them to cut just a portion from the hair with each snip. Ideal for reducing volume, blending layers, and adding texture.
Texturizing Shears: Similar to thinning shears but fewer teeth, texturizing shears are used to add dimension and volume, making a softer, more natural look in hairstyles.
Curved Shears: With slightly curved blades, these shears continue with the shape of the pinnacle and are often found in techniques requiring precision round the hairline or even in intricate layering.
Swivel Shears: Featuring a rotating thumb ring, swivel shears reduce hand and wrist strain, giving stylists with additional control and flexibility, especially during long cutting sessions.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Professional Hair Shears
When selecting a pair of professional shears, several factors be important. Here’s what things to keep in mind to guarantee the right choice:
Blade Material: High-quality shears are usually made from Japanese stainless steel or cobalt alloys, both famous for sharpness and durability. Japanese steel is known for a finer cut, while cobalt blends offer increased strength and longevity.
Handle Style:
Opposing Grip: Traditional style with handles that are parallel. It works well for many stylists but sometimes strain the wrist as time passes.
Offset Grip: One handle is over the other, permitting a more natural hand position, reducing hand and wrist fatigue.
Crane Grip: An extreme version of the offset grip, this handle positions the hand naturally, reducing force on both the wrist and shoulder.
Blade Type:
Convex Blades: Sharp and smooth, these blades give a precise, clean cut and so are popular for slide cutting.
Beveled Blades: These use a slightly serrated edge, ideal for beginners and for those cutting thicker, coarser hair. They’re less sharp but more forgiving.
Size: Hair shears are often available in sizes ranging from 4.5 to 7 inches. Smaller shears (4.5-5.5 inches) are great for detailed work, while larger shears (6-7 inches) are perfect for techniques like over-the-comb cutting. Many stylists have multiple sizes to support different cutting needs.
Weight and Balance: The weight and balance of an shear affect comfort and control. Lighter shears are easier around the hands, while balanced shears provide consistent results and much better ergonomics.
Techniques for Using Professional Hair Shears
Holding the Shears: The proper grip is essential for control and precision. Place your thumb within the lower ring along with your ring finger inside the top ring, letting your pinky rest for the tang for stability.
Point Cutting: This technique involves cutting in to the ends from the hair in an angle to make texture and soften lines. Point cutting is conducted with straight shears so helping reduce bulk and add movement for the hair.
Slide Cutting: Best performed with convex-bladed shears, slide cutting involves gliding the scissors along the hair to make a soft, tapered effect. It’s excellent for layering and texturizing without harsh lines.
Blunt Cutting: Achieving a clean, straight edge by cutting horizontally through the hair. This technique works for smaller shears and it is perfect for creating solid, defined lines, specially in bob cuts.
Scissor Over Comb: A classic barbering technique, where the stylist holds hair in place with a comb and cuts over the length of the hair for uniform layering and tapering.
Tips for Maintaining Professional Hair Shears
Professional hair shears are an investment and require proper maintenance to make certain they stay sharp and effective. Here are a few maintenance tips:
Clean After Each Use: Wipe shears having a soft, dry cloth after every cut to get rid of hair and any product residue that could dull the blades.
Oil Regularly: A drop of oil relating to the blades reduces friction, prevents rust, and keeps the shears operating smoothly.
Store Properly: Always keep shears in the protective case keep. Avoid leaving them in humid environments, as moisture can lead to rust.
Sharpen as Needed: Most professional shears need sharpening every couple of months, depending on frequency of use. It’s best to have shears sharpened with a professional to be sure they maintain their edge.
Check the Tension: Proper tension helps ensure even cuts. To adjust tension, utilize screw relating to the blades. If the shears feel too loose or too tight, tweak the screw prior to the shears move smoothly without requiring too much force.
Benefits of Using High-Quality Professional Hair Shears
Precision Cuts: With sharper, specialized blades, professional shears allow for accurate, clean cuts which might be hard to achieve with standard scissors.
Reduced Hand Strain: Ergonomically designed handles make it easier for stylists to dedicate yourself extended periods with less hand fatigue.
Enhanced Hair Health: Quality shears cause less split ends or hair damage, as they cut cleanly without tugging or pulling.
Time Efficiency: Professionals can function more efficiently with quality shears, decreasing the time needed for adjustments and corrections.
Investing in matsui scissors review is essential for any stylist planning to deliver high-quality results. From understanding the different types to selecting the most appropriate material and maintaining the tools, every factor of handling hair shears requires attention to detail. With proper care and the best techniques, these shears continue to offer precision, control, and long-lasting performance in most cut. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stylist, the right pair of hair shears can truly elevate the quality of your work.