What kind of shears should i buy

Longer shears are better at cutting curves and long layers , whereas shorter shears are great for ends, bangs, short choppy styles, and crops. According to stylist and Raw salon owner Anthony Nader , at-home haircuts are a slippery slope, but possible if you take the approach that less is more. When it comes to serious style overhauls or technical shapes, Nader suggests waiting it out until you can see a professional.

Starting around the hairline, twist each section before you point and snip the very ends using your shears. If you want to lose more length, twist again and repeat the process. Cutting blunt, horizontal lines in the hair at home is dangerous and difficult to get right without proper training. Use a comb to section your bangs and separate into sections. Take tiny amounts of hair off and work slowly.

Nader suggests using a cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol to clean your shears in between each use. Emily Algar is an experienced freelance journalist who covers all things beauty. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact byrdie. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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Best Overall:. Don't let the price deter you—these shears are made with professional-grade Aichei Japanese Steel. Best Budget:. If you're on a tight budget, this kit is the thing you need to get started cutting at home. Best Drugstore:. The micro-serrated edge makes for sharp and long-lasting shears. Best Adjustable:. Featuring an adjustment screw, these shears allow you to quickly change the tension setting to your liking.

Hollis says that when shopping for professional tools like shears it important to hold them. Pacinos Signature Line Styline Shears are his favorite. If you're looking for a solid starter pair, hairstylist Olivia Smalley says Tweezerman's Spirit Styling Shears are excellent because they're made of high-quality stainless steel and feature micro-serrated edges to give you better precision and control.

The handle also has loops that are on the larger side, making them comfortable for most hand sizes. This pair also features a durable beveled blade and an opposing handle design, which offers a better grip — a benefit that's especially helpful if you've never cut your own hair. If you're one for details, then you may appreciate how Fromme makes its Explore 5.

The Japanese steel beveled blade has the ability to cut on wet and dry hair, which Smalley says is "essential for an even cut. Additionally, Chicago-based hairstylist Alex Brown says she's always been impressed with Fromme's high-quality products, including their shears.

In addition to the Japanese stainless steel, removable finger rings, and the ergonomic offset handle, Cricket Shear Xpressions has a built-in silencer that keeps it from making that skin-crawling metal-rubbing-against-metal sound. If you're looking for a pair of scissors that are as stylish as they are effective, you can't go wrong with Ninja's Rose Gold Shears, which are also available in rainbow, aurora, and other fun colors.

Made of superior Japanese stainless steel, these shears are razor-sharp, durable, and, therefore, likely to last in a pro's kit for years. This pair also features an offset handle that works by allowing your hand to acquire a natural and comfortable position — a factor that ultimately gives you better control while cutting. For instance, one aspect that sets this pair apart is that it's made of carbon steel, an extremely durable material that retains sharpness longer than traditional stainless steel.

The steel used in the manufacturing of your shears is largely responsible for the price that you pay. The quality of the steel in your shears also dictates how long your shears will perform well without needing to be serviced. The bottom line is that you may pay a higher price up front, but you will save time and money later. Traditionally, Japanese Hitachi Steel is known to be the ultimate manufacturer for producing superior cutting tools.

Remember, you get what you pay for. These bargain basement scissors will last you one to three months before you permanently stick them in the drawer or throw them away. Make sure you buy from reputable companies and always ask questions. If you come across a brand that no one recognizes, buyer beware. Titanium is used to apply unique colors to the steel surface of a scissor. This coating has no positive impact on the edge retention or overall performance of the shear since it is not on the edge of the shear.

It is done for esthetic purposes to make the shear appear more attractive. Keep in mind, titanium coating does not last forever. Exposure to harsh chemicals without regular care and maintenance will certainly shorten its lifespan considerably. In this process, liquid metal is poured into a mold and then allowed to cool and harden into one piece.

The one downside to casting, is that as the metal cools in the mold, it expands leaving the molecules more separated. This can allow the shears to become brittle and chip or nick more easily.

During this process, the handle and the blades are made separately, often in different grades of steel.

They are then welded together. A compression force is used to shape the metal pressing the molecules closer together. This process creates a longer lasting edge. It is virtually impossible to tell the two apart by sight. Both types of scissors can be made poorly and end up in your drawer never to see the light of day. This is where the integrity and reputation of the company you are buying from comes into play again since there is no way of knowing exactly what it is that you are buying.

You have better chances of buying quality product if you shop with a reputable company that has been around for many years. When it comes to the craft of shear making, it goes hand in hand with the quality of steel.

No manufacturer would want to waste expensive steel alloy by allowing inexperienced technicians do the finishing work. Therefore, it is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing your professional tool. Quality scissors are meticulously hand- finished by masters of the trade.

Polishing and honing the blades of a shear to a razor-like sharpness is a skill that has become an art form. Less expensive shears are machine made and sharpened. There are three common types of blades that you may encounter during your search: the convex edge, the semi-convex edge, and the beveled edge. Convex Edge. Making this type of shear is a much more labor-intensive and extremely detailed process. It produces a much smoother and more precise cutting experience.

Convex edge shears have a very sharp edge and require less force. These shears, however, do require a great deal of care. This powerful edge allows for more advanced cutting techniques. Semi-convex shears are a hybrid of the convex and beveled edge shears. It is a more narrow beveled edge, but it is not a true convex edge. Semi-convex shears are sharper than beveled edge shears and are very durable.

The beveled edge blade style is one of the oldest and least expensive designs. It can cut well, but requires more force than a convex blade. One of the main advantages of such an edge is the durability of the blade due to the thickness of the edge. A beveled edge shear can perform very well if made of very high quality materials. A significant drawback of this type of blade is that it is not suitable for more advanced cutting techniques such as slide cutting. People may come to your salon claiming that they know how to sharpen or are authorized.

There is no regulation when it comes to authorizing sharpeners and therefore just about anyone can make that claim.