Hair scissors

Hair Scissors from Solingen

Hair scissors cut differently from any other pair of scissors: they have to part the hair without crushing it. Crushed hair splits at the cut edge – which is why a cut made with poor scissors looks frayed after two weeks.

Read more: types of scissors, size, marks of quality and care

That is why hairdressing scissors are hollow-ground and run under very fine tension. With us you will find models by Dreiturm, Erbe Solingen, Olivia Garden and Excellent – for the salon as well as for home use.

The three types of scissors

  • Hair cutting scissors – smooth blades, the standard for shaping a cut
  • Thinning scissors – toothed on one side, take out volume without changing the length
  • Texturising scissors – toothed on both sides, for soft transitions and texture

For thinning, you will find the range under Thinning scissors.

Which size fits?

Hair scissors are measured in inches. As a rule of thumb: the scissors should reach roughly from the ball of your thumb to the tip of your middle finger.

  • 5 to 5.5 inches – for detail work, fringes and outlines
  • 5.5 to 6 inches – the most common size, for most cutting techniques
  • 6 to 6.5 inches – for large hands and for cutting over the comb

How to recognise good hair scissors

  • Hollow grind – the blades touch at one point only, the hair is cut instead of pushed
  • Adjustable screw – the tension can be readjusted when the scissors become softer over the years
  • Ergonomic handle – offset shanks relieve the shoulder and wrist during long days in the salon
  • Finger rest – support for the little finger, removable on Danish-style handles

Care

Remove hair residue after every use and wipe the scissors dry. Now and then a drop of oil in the joint. Never drop the scissors – a single knock on the tip can permanently damage the way they run.

Important on resharpening: smooth-bladed hair scissors can be resharpened, toothed thinning and texturising scissors cannot – the teeth would be destroyed in the process. More on this on our sharpening service page.

For left-handers too

We stock genuine hair scissors for left-handers with mirrored blades. Why a right-handed pair simply turned around is no solution is explained in the article Scissors for left-handers.

Suitable models

Guides

Discover our categories

Thinning shears

Thinning shears

 Beard scissors

Beard scissors

 Nose and ear hair scissors

Nose and ear hair scissors

How do I test hair scissors for quality?

Good hair scissors cut cleanly and without pulling – it is best to test this on a single strand of hair: if the scissors glide through easily, that is a good sign. Also look for a smooth, even action and a correctly adjusted screw tension (not too loose, not too tight). If the scissors “push” the hair, click or get stuck, they are usually blunt or poorly made.

How to use hair scissors?

It is best to cut with hair scissors on cleanly sectioned, slightly damp hair. Hold the scissors loosely, cut small sections and work your way forward slowly. For more natural results, a point cut (lightly “pricking” into the ends) is better than cutting completely straight.

Are your hair scissors suitable for left-handers?

Yes, we have a special selection of left-handed hair scissors. These are ground in mirror image and have an ergonomic handle specially optimised for left-handers. When buying, make sure that you choose the left-handed version – normal scissors are difficult for left-handers to use.

Which hairdressing scissors are the right ones?

The right hair scissors depend on hand size, technique and intended use. For most people (including at home), 5.0–5.5 inches is ideal because they are easy to control. Professionals often use 5.5–6.0 inches for faster work. Look for an ergonomic handle, smooth action and high-quality steel.

What's different about hairdressing scissors?

Hairdressing scissors are extremely precisely ground and cut hair cleanly instead of crushing it. This results in smoother cut edges and the hair is less damaged than with normal household scissors.

What's special about hair shears?

What makes them special are their fine grind, exact blade geometry, and screw tension, which are designed for hair. Good hair scissors allow for clean lines, soft transitions, and cut without pulling.

Which scissors for cutting hair?

Ideally, use real hair-cutting scissors with a smooth blade. Not craft, kitchen, or paper scissors – these often fray the hair and can promote split ends.

Frequently asked questions about hair scissors

What makes hair scissors different from ordinary scissors?

Hair scissors have to cut the hair without crushing it. Crushed hair splits at the cut end – which is why a cut made with poor scissors looks frayed after two weeks. Hairdressing scissors are therefore hollow-ground and run with very fine tension.

Hair-cutting, thinning or texturising scissors – what is the difference?

The range for thinning out hair is available under thinning scissors.

Which size in inches is the right one?

As a rule of thumb, the scissors should reach roughly from the ball of your thumb to the tip of your middle finger.

  • 5 to 5.5 inches – for detail work, fringes and outlines, such as the 5-inch hair scissors
  • 5.5 to 6 inches – the most common size, suitable for most cutting techniques
  • 6 to 6.5 inches – for large hands and scissor-over-comb cutting
How do I recognise good hair scissors?
  • Hollow grind – the blades touch at only one point, so the hair is cut rather than pushed
  • Adjustable screw – the tension can be readjusted when the scissors become looser over the years, as with the professional hair scissors with screw joint
  • Ergonomic handle – offset shanks relieve the shoulder and wrist during long days in the salon
  • Finger rest – support for the little finger, removable on Danish-style handles

How a pair of scissors is constructed is explained in the guide Anatomy of a pair of scissors.

What are the benefits of micro-serration?

Fine micro-serration on one blade holds the hair in place instead of letting it slip away – helpful when cutting wet hair and when slicing. One example is the hair-cutting scissors with micro-serration.

Are there hair scissors for left-handers?

Yes – we stock genuine scissors for left-handers with mirrored blades. Why simply turning right-handed scissors around is no solution is explained in the article Scissors for left-handers.

Can my hair scissors be resharpened?

Smooth hair scissors can be resharpened – toothed thinning and texturising scissors cannot, as the teeth would be destroyed. For smooth scissors we offer our sharpening service.

How do I care for my hair scissors?

After each use, remove hair residue and wipe the scissors dry; now and then, put a drop of oil into the joint. Never drop the scissors – a single knock on the tip can permanently damage the action.

Which scissors are suitable for cutting hair at home?

For home use, handy cutting scissors of 5 to 6 inches are sufficient, such as the 5-inch hair scissors or the hairdressing scissors with rubber handles. Tips on technique are given in the guide Cutting hair at home.

Why should hair not be cut with household scissors?

Household and paper scissors have blunter, flat-ground blades. They squeeze the hair instead of cutting it – the ends split. For paper and everyday tasks, it is better to use household scissors and to reserve the hair scissors exclusively for hair.

Which branded hair scissors are available?

Alongside our Excellent models, we stock Solingen brand quality from Dreiturm and the Niegeloh hairdressing scissors. What "Made in Solingen" means in legal terms is explained in the guide Made in Solingen; how a pair of scissors is made is shown in How a pair of Solingen scissors is made.

Are there scissors for beards, nose hair and dogs?

Yes – for fine trimming of the beard, the beard scissors; for nose and ear hair, the nose and ear hair scissors with rounded tip; and for animal fur, the dog grooming scissors.

Where can I find an overview of all hair scissors?

All models are gathered under hair scissors. For thinning, there are the thinning scissors; for beards, the beard scissors.