Choosing your hairdressing scissors

You will be using your hair scissors all your working day, comfort is most important . Many hair stylists have several pairs of scissors for doing different kinds of hair cutting styles. If you're new to hairdressing, do not spend lots of money on your first scissors as you'll want to upgrade them fairly quickly as your style and skill develop.

What size haircutting scissors is best?

Whatever you feel comfortable with, some stylists prefer short scissors, others prefer long. The length of hair scissors is measured from the very tip of the blade to the end of the longest finger hole (but not the finger rest).

Your ideal size is usually measured by placing a pair of scissors on the palm of your hand with the finger hole touching the base of your thumb, the tip of the blade should be in the last section of your middle finger.

What type of blade is best

There are two popular types of hair scissor blade: bevelled edge and convex. Which you choose depends on your personal preference and budget.

Bevelled-edge blades are lightweight. Most German and Italian scissors use this design often with micro serrations on one or both blades, scissors like the Jaguar GT1. Micro serrated blades are good when you're new to hair cutting because they stop hair sliding down the blade. They are also good for detail and cutting dry hair, but cannot be used for slice cutting. Polished bevelled-edge blades, like those on the Jaguar Jay2 can be used for slicing and most cutting techniques.

Convex baldes are usually referred to as "Japanese Style" and are the sharpest type of blade with a razor-like edge. All convex-edged scissors are hollow ground on the inside of the blade which gives a very smooth cutting action. They can be used for all cutting techniques but are especially good for slicing because of the ultra-sharp edge. They are best suited to more experienced hairdressers.

Convex blades are made from stainless steel which makes the blades a heavier. Convex bladed scissors are usually more expensive than bevelled-edge ones and also require specialist sharpening, but with care and regular servicing a pair of convex-bladed scissors will last. Some examples of convex blade scissors can be found in the Passion Scissors and Kasho Scissors ranges.

Cobalt or molybdenum?

Most high-end scissors have blades made from steel that has been improved by the addition of other substances usually to give them greater strength.

Cobalt is such an additive, while molybdenum as well as increasing the strength of the metal also adds flexibility.

Adjustable or Flat screw system

Many hair scissors have a flat or normal screw system which works well for adjusting the scissor tension, but you need a screwdriver to do it. For this reason, an adjustable screw is preferred by many people, since it allows you to turn the small screw by hand and either tighten or loosen the tension as required.

Types of handles

There are specific advantages to the different types of handle design, but the most important factor is which design feels comfortable for you. This will vary from stylist to stylist depending on the shape of your hand and your cutting style. The main types of handle design are:

• Level or Even handle—the basic design, the handles are symmetrical and look quite straight. Good examples of this are the Tri Classic Forge or the Jaguar Pre Style Ergo.

• Offset handle—one handle is longer than the other which allows a more open hand position and for the arm and elbow to be in a lower position when cutting which is generally more comfortable. Good examples are the Tri Colorline Offset or the Jaguar Jay2 range.

More advanced handle designs are also available like the twister or flex (such as the Jaguar Finesse Flex) styles, where your entire hand can rotate. These can dramatically reduce hand and arm fatigue.

Should I buy left handed scissors?

Because scissors have overlapping blades, they are not symmetric left handed scissors are specially made with the blades reversed so you can see the line you are cutting. They make cutting more natural and mean left handers do not have to use extra force to cut which helps prevent hand and wrist pain.

Maintaining Your Hair Scissors

Hairdressing scissors need daily cleaning and oiling.

You can check the correct scissor tension by fully opening your scissors and then allowing one blade to drop freely towards fully closed. When the tension is correct, it should stop smoothly at the ten-to-the-hour position.