Best Scissors for Apprentice Hairdressers in Australia (2026 Guide)

Choosing your first professional scissors as an apprentice is one of the most important investments you will make in your hairdressing career. The wrong choice can teach bad habits, cause hand fatigue, and cost you more in the long run than spending a bit more upfront. This guide covers exactly what apprentice hairdressers in Australia need to know.

Why Cheap Scissors Cost More Long-Term

It is tempting to buy the cheapest scissors available when you are starting out. But consider the true cost over three years:

Quality scissors actually cost less per year of use. And that does not account for the frustration of working with dull blades, the hand fatigue from squeezing harder, or the compromised cuts that affect your learning.

What Apprentices Need in a Scissor

Size: Start with 5.5 Inches

A 5.5 inch scissor is the ideal starting size for virtually every apprentice. It is versatile enough for all the techniques you will learn during training: blunt cutting, layering, point cutting, and basic texturising. You can specialise with different sizes later once you know which techniques dominate your daily work.

Handle: Offset Ergonomic

Start with an offset handle from day one. Learning on an even handle teaches your body bad ergonomic habits that are difficult to unlearn later. The offset position drops your elbow, reduces shoulder strain, and helps prevent the repetitive strain injuries that end careers.

Steel: Invest in Quality

At minimum, look for Japanese cobalt alloy (56-58 HRC). Ideally, go for VG10 or ATS-314 if your budget allows. The better the steel, the longer the edge lasts, and the more consistent your cuts will be as you develop your technique.

Edge: Convex

A convex edge teaches you to cut properly from the start. It slices cleanly with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on your technique rather than fighting a dull or rough edge.

Sizing for Smaller Hands

Many apprentices, particularly women, have smaller hands than the industry average. If a 5.5 inch scissor feels too large, try a 5.0 or 5.25 inch. The hand measurement method: place the scissor on your palm with the finger hole at the base of your thumb. The blade tip should reach between the last knuckle and fingertip of your middle finger.

Read our complete sizing guide for detailed advice.

What to Look for When Shopping

• Steel grade stated clearly: The brand should tell you exactly what steel they use
• Warranty: A strong warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind the product
• Offset handle: Non-negotiable for long-term hand health
• Convex edge: Teaches proper technique from day one
• 5.5 inch size: The all-rounder that covers every technique in training
• Adjustable tension: Allows you to fine-tune the feel as you develop preferences

Affording Quality Scissors as an Apprentice

We understand that apprentice wages make premium scissors seem out of reach. That is why we created SlicePay — our zero-interest payment plan that lets you spread the cost over weekly payments. No interest, no hidden fees. Start cutting with professional scissors from day one and pay them off gradually.

Your Apprentice Scissor Checklist

1. 5.5 inch size (or 5.0 for smaller hands)
2. Offset ergonomic handle
3. Convex edge
4. Japanese steel (cobalt, VG10, or ATS-314)
5. Adjustable tension screw
6. Comes with a protective case
7. Backed by a meaningful warranty

Browse our apprentice scissor range to find the right pair for your career.

Apprentices looking for a salon position can browse hair-only listings on findme.hair — the directory is filtered to exclude beauty, nails and spa, so it actually surfaces hair workplaces.