Your hair is one part of your appearance you have a ton of control over. Picking your haircut, your maintenance routine, your color, you have a lot more control over hair than the rest of how you look. Hair is one of those things you can change at the drop of a hat, usually with few consequences.
But, whether you’re cutting your hair yourself, or getting it done by a professional, it’s important to make sure the best possible scissors are doing the job.
That’s why professionals pay for high-end scissors, sharpening services, and perform other maintenance on their scissors. But, even if you’re cutting your hair from home, a good pair of scissors will take you a long way.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best scissors for cutting hair, whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist hairstylist.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Elfina Hair Cutting Scissors Salon or Home Use |
| 4.4/5.0 |
| Length: 6 Inches |
| Type: Cutting and Texturizing Shears, Multi-Accessory Kit |
| Highly affordable and lots of flexibility & good ergonomic design, and suitable for thicker hair. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Kovira Hairdressing Scissors with Case |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Length: 6.5 Inches |
| Type: Cutting and Thinning Shears + Feathering Texture Razor |
| Three full-size styling tools, sharp, and edge maintaining blades. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Length: 6.5 Inches |
| Type: Cutting and Texturizing Shears |
| High-quality stainless steel, suitable for professional and home use, comfortable in your hand. |
| Check Amazon |
Buying Guide
It’s important when buying hair cutting scissors, it’s important to make sure you’re getting good quality materials and a good design. This buying guide will help you pick a good pair, even if you choose to go with a set that isn’t on our list.
Materials
Stainless steel is the most common material for hair cutting shears. But, not all stainless is the same. While any will get the job done, you want something that will take and maintain a good edge. Japanese steel is known for both of those qualities, and it’s worth looking for Japanese steel in your purchases.
Less common, but harder and sharper, are steel and cobalt alloys. These alloys combine the best properties of both metals. They’re bright, and take on a mirror finish in much the same way that plain stainless steel can.
But, they also can achieve a finer blade edge and hold that edge longer.
You don’t want to buy any scissors that don’t list the metal content, at least enough to tell you what metals were used. Aluminum scissors, and alloys that aren’t clear, don’t tend to perform as well. They are also more likely to corrode or rust than other types of scissors.
Size
While all the scissors on this list are 6 inches or 6.5 inches, those aren’t the only lengths that are acceptable. Shorter scissors may take a few more cuts, but they can also be more maneuverable and lighter.
Weight is an important consideration for professionals, although it may be less important for people cutting their own hair at home.
Think about holding an empty glass up your whole shift. No beverage, just the glass. It would be pretty heavy and difficult by the end of the shift, right?
Well, your scissors are the same, except that you need to be moving them and using them the whole time, not just holding them.
However, you don’t want anything too light either. That can be a sign that the metal isn’t stainless steel or another advertised alloy, or that other shortcuts might have been taken in the design.
Adjustability
Most of the time you’ll want to opt for a pair of adjustable scissors, not fixed. Fixed scissors work, assuming they come at a good tension for you, but they will loosen over time. Tightening can actually be worse since it will progressively stress your hands more as you use the scissors.
Unfortunately, a fixed pair of scissors won’t last as long. It will either tighten or loosen over time, and at some point, you will need to replace them to keep a functional pair.
Adjustable scissors, on the other hand, will need to be tightened or loosened occasionally but can be used much longer. Just keep an eye on the screw, and make sure you’re not getting product stuck in the threads.
Rounded or Sharp Tips
Most scissors have rounded tips, but that isn’t an advantage in hair cutting scissors. Think about it, have you ever seen a good pair of fabric scissors with a rounded end? No? That’s because the sharp tip can improve precision when you’re cutting through fibrous materials.
Hair is fiber, just a different type of fiber than you find in fabric.
Sharp tips not only improve precision, they can also make it easier to finish a cut, add texture, and perform other fine-adjustments to your client’s hair.
Unfortunately, sharp tips can be more difficult to use with small children. If you have lots of children as clients, or patients who cannot sit still due to temperament or disability, rounded tips may keep your clients (and you) safer in your styling chair.
Top 8 Scissors for Cutting Hair Comparison Table
| Product Name | Length | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series | 6.5 Inches | Cutting and Texturizing Shears | Check Price |
| Professional SM-60 Hairdressing Scissors by Zebra Scissors | 6 Inches | Scissors | Check Price |
| Elfina Hair Cutting Scissors | 6 Inches | Multi-Accessory Kit | Check Price |
| Robin-US Hairdressing Scissors Kit | 6.5 Inches | Multi-Accessory Kit | Check Price |
| ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors | 6.5 Inches | Scissors | Check Price |
| Eagle Sharp Hair Cutting Scissors | 6 Inches | Cutting and Thinning Shears | Check Price |
| Kovira Hairdressing Scissors with Case | 6.5 Inches | Cutting and Thinning Shears + Feathering Texture Razor | Check Price |
Top 8 Scissors for Cutting Hair: Detailed Reviews
We’ve selected from a wide range of scissors, although each pair is in the most common length for professional hair shears. Every pair on this list is sharp, reliable, and a maneuverable enough to let you make detailed cuts.
We’ve made a point of choosing from a range of prices. While there is some truth in the logic that you get what you’ve paid for, it’s also true that buying affordably is responsible and effective. Regardless of your price range, you deserve reliable, high-quality, tools.
1. Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0
While we could have gone straight to one of the most expensive picks for our top choice, the Equinox scissors line is impressive enough to earn Top Pick despite being one of the more affordable options on our list.
This is a two-pack, you’ll get a pair of cutting shears as well as a pair of thinning shears. Both are made from high-quality stainless steel, using a patented design. They’re sharp, cutting smoothly through hair without any pulling or breakage.
We also appreciated that Equinox clearly cares about protecting their scissors in transit. They come in a plastic vacuum-packed bag. When you first pull the scissors out, they’re coated in a thin layer of protective oil.
That oil helps ensure that you won’t have any problems, keeping the joints lubricated, and reducing the chance of corrosion affecting the steel. While it’s incredibly hard to make stainless rust, we still like to see companies taking good care of their products.
You will need to give the scissors a quick wash with hot water and soap to remove the oil.
The fine adjustment screw on this pair of scissors means you can customize the feel and cut of the scissors however you prefer. Loose or tight, the scissors are sharp enough to perform well.
That means you have a lot more options for customization.
As a two-pack, this set is geared more toward professionals, and people with a lot of cutting experience. Thinning shears take some practice and familiarity but can increase the range of haircuts even hobbyists can complete.
Equinox also cares about the people using their scissors. The ergonomic design allows stylists to maintain good posture and body mechanics without sacrificing mobility or good hair design.
The one design flaw we found with this set is that the cutting shears have slightly rounded ends. That can add some challenge if you use the scissors to help part hair or like to have a lot of tip control.
But the rounded tip also makes them safer to have and use around small children and with clients who struggle sitting still.
There’s a reason this is a popular pair of scissors for stylists. But they’re affordable enough for home use too! Whether you’re working your way through a shift at a salon or just trimming your kids’ hair at home, we’re sure you’ll appreciate having this set in your kit!
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 4.8 oz (per pair) |
| Size: 6.5 inches long |
| Construction: Japanese stainless-steel construction, adjustment screw standard in both pairs |
| The Pros |
|---|
| High-quality stainless steel |
| Comes in protective packaging to prevent damage in shipping |
| Stays sharper, longer |
| Suitable for professional and home use |
| Comfortable in your hand |
| Ergonomic design promotes good posture and body mechanics |
| Well-balanced |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Cutting shears have rounded ends |
| The scissors are on the heavy side |
2. Professional SM-60 Hairdressing Scissors by Zebra Scissors
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Zebra Scissors pride in their product should be obvious from the logo printed prominently on their blade. Fortunately, there are good reasons for their price.
Like our Top Pick, Zebra has spent some time ensuring that their scissors are comfortable to use for professionals and home-users alike. That’s an important consideration for anyone looking to cut a lot of hair on a regular basis.
The removable rubber handle grips are perfect for maintaining a good grip while cutting hair. But it’s nice to have the option to remove them to clean and sanitize. Removing the grips also makes a little extra room for stylists with larger hands.
We appreciated that the set came with a good PU leather case for long term storage. The scissors cloth is also good for quick cleanup and keeping them in good condition.
The razor-edged blades are sharp enough to go through hair cleanly. Cutting is buttery smooth, which means you get a lot of creative control.
These scissors are suitable for all hair types, like all the scissors on our list.
One flaw we found was with the large raised decoration near the blade handle. Not normally an issue, that raised bit can catch on hair and requires some getting used to if you’re someone who likes to work with your scissors close to your clients’ head.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 5.6 Oz |
| Size: 6 inches long |
| Construction: Japanese stainless steel, comes pre-sharpened |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Japanese stainless steel |
| Sharp and highly effective |
| Suitable for all hair types |
| Rubber grips are removable |
| Beautiful mirror finish |
| Smooth action |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Large decorative addition can catch on hair |
| Not very adjustable |
| Heavy |
3. Elfina Hair Cutting Scissors (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0
The first complete kit on our list, this makes our Best Bargain rating for a number of reasons. For one, it’s priced to be affordable for all users, not just professionals. But, since you get a lot more than just the scissors with this kit, it offers superior versatility.
In the package, you’ll receive a pair of cutting shears, thinning shears, a leather case, grooming comb, cleaning cloth, and a set of 2 stainless steel hairpins. It will also come with a small screwdriver for tightening the scissors, as needed.
Some customers have noted that the screwdriver gets lost in the packaging, so make sure you check for it before you throw the packaging away.
While this wouldn’t be our first pick for professionals, its more than serviceable in salon settings. These scissors really shine at home, however.
Like any set that includes thinning scissors, this set works especially well for people with thick hair that needs some extra attention to make it manageable.
Elfina’s included case is convenient and attractive. Perfect for long-term storage of your new kit, since it comes with enough space for all the included equipment.
However, this set also has rounded tips.
We also noticed that the decorative blue gem near the blades may come loose with extended use. But, that doesn’t impair it’s functionality, only their aesthetic. Fortunately, there are other versions of the set available that omit the gem.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 9.6 ounces |
| Construction: Stainless steel, adjustable screw |
| Construction: Comes with several accessories and a purpose-designed screwdriver, comes with removable rubber grips (couple choices of color) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Highly affordable |
| Comes with some of the additional accessories you need for hairstyling |
| Suitable for thicker hair |
| Lots of flexibility and good ergonomic design |
| Sharp |
| Rubber grips come in several colors |
| Optional decorative gem (also comes with 2 color choices, or can be omitted) |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Steel quality is slightly lower (only important for professionals) |
| Decorative gem might come loose |
4. Robin-US Hairdressing Scissors Kit
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
The second full-kit we decided to include, Robin-US has included even more of the gear you’ll need for a full styling service. Along with the cutting shears, thinning scissors, comb, and hairpins you’ll get in either kit, this one includes a hair razor comb and a neck dusting brush.
You’ll also get a 1-year warranty on this set. Moreover, Robin-US prides themselves on their customer service.
Their Japanese stainless steel design will never fade and is corrosion and rust-resistant. So long as you take good care of these scissors, and don’t leave product sitting on them too long, you’ll be able to use these scissors for years to come.
All of the steel is 420 stainless, meaning that it’s durable and hard-wearing. This type of steel also takes an edge particularly well.
They rate their thinning shears with a 25-30% thinning rate. Enough to make a significant difference in hair manageability, without over-thinning.
The offset grip, finger rest, and overall design make both sets of shears easy to use.
Both shears are reasonably lightweight, making them a good choice for professionals and users to anticipate holding and working with them for a long time in one go.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 8.8 ounces |
| Size: 6.5 inches |
| Construction: Japanese stainless steel |
| Includes: Kit includes cutting shears, thinning shears, neck dusting brush, comb, razor hair comb, and case |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Japanese stainless steel |
| Good customer service and 1-year warranty |
| Come very sharp |
| Ergonomic design |
| Suitable for professionals and home-users |
| Saves you money on other styling equipment |
| Adjustable |
| Designed for professional and home use |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Rounded tips |
| The scissors loosen more easily than some alternatives |
5. ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
These ULG shears come with a finer point than many of the shears you can get at this price point. While this is only a single pair of scissors for the same price as you can get multiple shears or a kit from other offerings on this list, ULG performs well enough to be more than worth the price.
Made of 440C stainless, you can be assured of long-lasting blades and a good edge.
The offset grip allows for more comfortable use in your hand. It also helps prevent the long-term problem of carpal tunnel that can plague professional stylists and barbers.
Unfortunately, the screw is fixed, so these scissors aren’t very adjustable. But, the sharp edge, and good design principles, meaning it’s unlikely that you’ll need to make adjustments.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 2 oz |
| Size: 6.5 inches |
| Construction: 440c stainless, 2 removable rubber grips, fixed screw |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Sharp, high-quality steel |
| Well designed |
| Mirror finish |
| Includes rubber grips |
| lightweight |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not an adjustable set |
6. Eagle Sharp Hair Cutting Scissors
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
This premium set is mostly designed for professionals.
While it is usable at home, the price is high enough that it won’t be worth it for most casual users.
However, for professionals, and even ex-professionals, there is no replacement for high-quality steel and good design.
You get both a set of cutting shears and a set of thinning shears in this kit, although they can also be bought separately. You also get the choice of several different sizes, ranging from 5.5 inches to 6.5 inches.
These are also a good option if you need new shears fast. They ship quickly and have a 30-day guarantee to make sure you’re satisfied with the purchase and the quality of the scissors themselves.
That said, these two scissors are among the heavier on our list, over 4 oz each. If weight is a concern for you, this may not be the pair for you.
The convex edge, on 440 c Japanese stainless steel, cuts beautifully. No snagging, no damage, no risk of causing new split ends with these shears.
We also appreciated that this set comes with a fine leather storage case, perfect for professionals, and nice enough to leave visible on your workstation.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 9.9 ounces |
| Construction: 440 C Japanese stainless, rubber grips |
| Comes with: Comes with cutting and thinning shears, a leather case |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Size variable |
| Beautiful, high-quality steel |
| Designed to last a long time without sharpening |
| Adjustable and comfortable in your hand |
| Designed with professional users in mind |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Designed for small hands |
7. Kovira Hairdressing Scissors with Case (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
While we could have gone with one of the multi-accessory kits for the best value, we were more impressed with the inclusion of a third stainless steel styling tool than the additional styling accessories. Further, the high-quality steel is wonderful and cuts through hair like butter.
This is a good option for home stylists (with some prior experience and skill) as well as professionals.
You’ll get a set of cutting shears, thinning shears, and a feathering razor.
The biggest downside on the design, on bot of the shears, is that they do not feature an offset grip. While that can pose a problem in the long term, this design is comfortable enough to make up for the grip.
The leather storage case that comes with the set fits all three tools easily. But, it’s not as protective or hard-wearing as a case purchased for t0hat purpose.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 8.2 ounces |
| Size: 6.5 inches long |
| Construction: 440 C Japanese steel, spring leaf tensioning system |
| Comes with: Cutting shears, thinning shears, and a feathering razor |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Three full-size styling tools |
| 440 c Japanese stainless steel |
| Good weight |
| Sharp, edge maintaining blades |
| Mirror polished finish |
| Flathead tensioning screw |
| The Cons |
|---|
| The grip is not offset |
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve gone over some of the best styling hair scissors, in a range of prices and kit-completeness. We’ve also provided a short buying guide to help you decide on which pair will be best for you, or otherwise find a pair that suits your style somewhere else.
We recommend really paying attention to what you need. While we’ve included several kits and several sets that include more than one pair of shears, you may not need those extras. If you only need a pair of cutting scissors, you should buy a set that only includes those shears.
If you need a more complete kit, buy a more complete kit. But don’t otherwise. The more specialized the set you buy, the more likely it is that the manufacturer focused on that tool in particular.
Whatever scissors you buy, may you never have a bad hair day again!
Contents
- Buying Guide
- Top 8 Scissors for Cutting Hair Comparison Table
- Top 8 Scissors for Cutting Hair: Detailed Reviews
- 1. Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series (Top Pick)
- 2. Professional SM-60 Hairdressing Scissors by Zebra Scissors
- 3. Elfina Hair Cutting Scissors (Best Budget)
- 4. Robin-US Hairdressing Scissors Kit
- 5. ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors
- 6. Eagle Sharp Hair Cutting Scissors
- 7. Kovira Hairdressing Scissors with Case (Best Value)
