How to Choose Hairdressing Scissors: The Ultimate Guide for Australian Stylists

Choosing the right hairdressing scissors is one of the most important decisions you will make as a professional stylist. The wrong pair leads to hand fatigue, imprecise cuts, and frustration. The right pair becomes an extension of your hand. This guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

Steel Types: What Your Scissors Are Made From

The steel determines how sharp your scissors get, how long they stay sharp, and how they feel in your hand.

• Japanese ATS-314 (58-60 HRC): Premium alloy with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Used exclusively by ShearGenius.
• VG10 (57-59 HRC): Good Japanese steel, slightly softer than ATS-314. Common in mid-range scissors.
• Cobalt alloy (56-58 HRC): Lighter weight with decent edge retention. More affordable entry point.
• 440C stainless (54-56 HRC): Budget steel. Dulls faster, requires more frequent sharpening.
• German stainless (52-56 HRC): Softer, more forgiving, but shorter edge life.

For a detailed comparison, read our steel comparison guide.

Handle Types: Ergonomics Matter

Offset Ergonomic

The thumb handle sits lower than the finger handle, allowing your elbow to drop naturally. This is the most popular choice for reducing strain and is recommended for most stylists.

Crane Handle

An extreme offset that positions the thumb even lower. Excellent for stylists with existing wrist or shoulder issues, or anyone who wants maximum ergonomic benefit.

Even (Classic) Handle

Both handles are the same length. Preferred by some stylists for specific cutting positions, but places more strain on the shoulder over long days.

For more detail, see our offset vs crane handle guide.

Blade Edges: Convex vs Bevelled

Convex edge: Smooth, curved blade profile. Ideal for slide cutting, point cutting, and effortless slicing. All ShearGenius scissors use convex edges.

Bevelled edge: V-shaped profile. Easier to sharpen but less precise. Better suited for blunt cutting only.

Sizing Guide

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.

• 5.0": Precision and detail work, point cutting, pixie cuts
• 5.5": The all-rounder. Best starting size for most stylists
• 6.0": Long layers, scissor-over-comb, thick hair
• 6.5-7.0+": Barbering and heavy scissor-over-comb work

Read our full scissor sizing guide for detailed advice.

Cutting vs Thinning vs Texturising

Cutting scissors have two solid blades and are your primary tool for all cutting techniques.

Thinning scissors have 30-40 teeth and remove bulk evenly without changing the shape of the cut. Best for reducing weight in thick hair.

Texturising scissors have 7-16 teeth and create movement and texture. Best for adding shape, blending layers, and creating lived-in finishes.

Learn more in our thinning vs texturising guide.

Budget Considerations

• Under $200: Budget scissors. Expect frequent sharpening and shorter lifespan. Acceptable for students.
• $300-$600: Professional quality. Good steel, proper ergonomics, 5-10 year lifespan with care.
• $600+: Premium range. Best steel, finest edge geometry, longest edge retention. A career-long investment.

Cheap scissors cost more in the long run through frequent sharpening, faster replacement, and potential hand strain injuries.

What to Look for in a Brand

• Steel transparency: The brand should clearly state what steel they use. Vague claims like "premium steel" are a red flag.
• Warranty: A strong warranty indicates confidence in the product. ShearGenius offers an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee.
• Sharpening support: Does the brand offer or recommend professional sharpening?
• Industry experience: Look for brands designed by working hairdressers, not just marketed to them.

Red Flags When Buying Scissors

1. No steel grade specified
2. Unrealistically low prices for "Japanese steel"
3. No warranty or a very short one
4. Generic designs with no ergonomic options
5. No information about the people behind the brand
6. Claims that sound too good to be true

Ready to Choose?

Browse our cutting scissors and thinning and texturising scissors, all forged from Japanese Hitachi ATS-314 steel with an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee.

Not sure which model suits you? Visit our FAQ page or contact us directly. With over 30 years in the industry, we can recommend the right scissors for your hands and your technique.