A Guide to Professional Hair Shears: Choosing, Using, and Maintaining the Right Tools
Professional hair shears are among the most critical tools in any stylist’s arsenal. Designed particularly for cutting hair with precision, these shears go beyond the capabilities of household scissors. A good set of hair shears can significantly impact the grade of a haircut, making the difference between a flawless finish and uneven results. Here’s an in-depth go through the different types of professional hair shears, methods for choosing the best ones, and help with 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-steel or cobalt alloys, they give blades that are sharper, more durable, and made for precision. Here’s a quick breakdown of some common forms of professional shears:
Straight Shears: The most common type, straight shears have two smooth blades, providing clean, sharp cuts. They’re versatile which enable it to be used for most hair-cutting techniques, from simple trims to complex styles.
Thinning Shears: These have either blades with teeth, permitting 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 widely-used to add dimension and volume, creating 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 utilized in techniques requiring precision around the hairline or even in intricate layering.
Swivel Shears: Featuring a rotating thumb ring, swivel shears help in reducing hand and wrist strain, giving stylists 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 come into play. Here’s things to keep in mind to be sure the right choice:
Blade Material: High-quality shears are generally made from Japanese stainless-steel or cobalt alloys, both known 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 which might be parallel. It works well for a few stylists but could strain the wrist as time passes.
Offset Grip: One handle is over the other, allowing for a natural hand position, reducing hand and wrist fatigue.
Crane Grip: An extreme version from 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 they are popular for slide cutting.
Beveled Blades: These use a slightly serrated edge, suitable for beginners and those cutting thicker, coarser hair. They’re less sharp but more forgiving.
Size: Hair shears are often available in sizes including 4.5 to 7 inches. Smaller shears (4.5-5.5 inches) are ideal for detailed work, while larger shears (6-7 inches) are perfect for techniques like over-the-comb cutting. Many stylists have multiple sizes to accommodate different cutting needs.
Weight and Balance: The weight and balance of your shear affect comfort and control. Lighter shears are easier on the hands, while balanced shears provide consistent results and better ergonomics.
Techniques for Using Professional Hair Shears
Holding the Shears: The proper grip is important for control and precision. Place your thumb inside lower ring along with your ring finger in the top ring, letting your pinky rest around the tang for stability.
Point Cutting: This technique involves cutting into the ends in the hair at an angle to create texture and soften lines. Point cutting is conducted with straight shears so it helps reduce bulk and add movement towards the hair.
Slide Cutting: Best performed with convex-bladed shears, slide cutting involves gliding the scissors on the hair to create a soft, tapered effect. It’s excellent for layering and texturizing without harsh lines.
Blunt Cutting: Achieving a clean, straight edge by cutting horizontally across the hair. This technique works well with smaller shears and is perfect for creating solid, defined lines, specifically in bob cuts.
Scissor Over Comb: A classic barbering technique, in which the stylist holds hair available 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 be sure they stay sharp and effective. Here are a few maintenance tips:
Clean After Each Use: Wipe shears using a soft, dry cloth after every cut to take out hair and any product residue that may dull the blades.
Oil Regularly: A drop of oil involving the blades reduces friction, prevents rust, and keeps the shears operating smoothly.
Store Properly: Always keep shears in a protective case when not in use. Avoid leaving them in humid environments, as moisture can result in rust.
Sharpen as Needed: Most professional shears need sharpening every few months, according to frequency of usage. It’s far better to have shears sharpened with a professional to make certain they maintain their edge.
Check the Tension: Proper tension helps ensure even cuts. To adjust tension, utilize screw between the blades. If the shears feel too loose or too tight, tweak the screw prior to the shears move smoothly without requiring excessive force.
Benefits of Using High-Quality Professional Hair Shears
Precision Cuts: With sharper, specialized blades, professional shears enable 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, because they cut cleanly without tugging or pulling.
Time Efficiency: Professionals can work more efficiently with quality shears, lowering the time needed for adjustments and corrections.
Investing in premium hairdressing shears is crucial for any stylist planning to deliver high-quality results. From understanding the different types to choosing the right material and maintaining the tools, every facet of handling hair shears requires attention to detail. With good care and the best techniques, these shears continues to offer precision, control, and long-lasting performance in most cut. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned stylist, the right set of hair shears can truly elevate the caliber of your work.