Thinning Scissors vs Texturising Scissors: What's the Difference?

Thinning scissors and texturising scissors look similar at first glance. Both have teeth on one or both blades. Both are used to reduce weight and add movement. But they do very different things to hair, and using the wrong one at the wrong time will produce results you did not intend.

What Are Thinning Scissors?

Thinning scissors (also called thinning shears or blending shears) typically have 30 to 40 teeth on one blade and a solid blade opposite. The high tooth count means they remove a small, even amount of hair across the entire section with each cut. The result is an even reduction in bulk without altering the shape or creating visible texture.

Thinning scissors are best for:

• Reducing bulk in thick, dense hair without changing the style shape
• Blending weight lines and graduation marks
• Softening blunt perimeters
• Even bulk removal through the mid-lengths and ends
• Creating a smoother, more blended finish on bobs and one-length cuts

What Are Texturising Scissors?

Texturising scissors have far fewer teeth, typically between 7 and 16. Each tooth is wider and more widely spaced. This means they remove larger, more defined chunks of hair, creating visible movement and texture rather than even bulk removal.

Texturising scissors are best for:

• Creating movement and separation in the hair
• Adding texture to layered cuts
• Creating lived-in, undone finishes
• Breaking up solid weight in specific areas
• Adding softness to short, textured styles like pixie cuts and shags

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Thinning Scissors	Texturising Scissors
Tooth Count	30-40 teeth	7-16 teeth
Hair Removed Per Cut	10-15% of section	40-70% of section
Primary Purpose	Even bulk removal	Creating movement and texture
Best For	Thick, dense hair	Layered, textured styles
Visibility of Result	Subtle, blended	Visible texture and separation
Risk of Over-Removal	Low (small amount per pass)	Higher (large chunks per pass)

When to Use Each

Use Thinning Scissors When:

• The client has thick, heavy hair that needs weight removed evenly
• You need to blend a weight line without creating visible texture
• You want to soften a blunt line without changing the shape
• The client wants their hair to sit flatter and feel lighter

Use Texturising Scissors When:

• You want to create visible movement and separation
• The style calls for a lived-in, piece-y finish
• You are finishing a layered cut and want to enhance the layers
• The client wants volume and texture rather than a smooth, blended look

Common Mistakes

• Using texturising scissors for bulk removal: Because they remove large chunks, they can create holes and unevenness when used for general thinning
• Over-thinning fine hair: Fine hair can look wispy and thin if too much is removed. Use fewer passes and work conservatively
• Texturising too close to the roots: This creates short spiky regrowth that sticks up as it grows out

Steel Quality Matters Here Too

The teeth on thinning and texturising scissors are smaller and more delicate than solid cutting blades. Poor-quality steel dulls faster on these fine teeth, and once dull, they grab and pull hair rather than cutting cleanly. Premium steel like Japanese Hitachi ATS-314 holds its edge longer even on these finer tooth profiles.

Browse our thinning and texturising scissors, all forged from Japanese ATS-314 steel. For more common questions, visit our FAQ page.