How to Choose Hairdressing Scissors: Start from Function, Not Size
To choose the right hairdressing scissors, start from their function, not from size or price. Each stage of a cut needs a different movement: precision, style, line, barbering, volume and texture. A single all-purpose pair forces compromises, while a system of professional scissors built around functions gives every technique the right tool.
In this guide you will find the six functions of cutting, the right model for each, how to read size, steel and blade type, and the most common mistakes when buying professional scissors.
Why size alone is not enough
Many hairdressers choose scissors by length in inches or by price, and end up with several pairs that do the same job. Two 6-inch scissors can behave in opposite ways: one with a very flat blade is made for blunt cuts and geometry, one with a convex sword blade for slide cutting and slicing.
The right question is not how long it should be, but what result I want from this tool. Size, blade shape and steel follow from that.
The 6 functions of cutting and the right scissors for each
1. Precision: details, outlines and geometry
The pair you use most: wet cutting, outlines, finishing, daily work. Two options:
- ELLE PRO Cut (TL55 / TL60, 5.5 or 6 inches, 440C steel): straight blade and fine tip, versatile for wet cutting, outlines and scissor over comb on short areas.
- TK Master (TK55 / TK60, 5.5 or 6 inches, 440C Aichi steel): very flat blade for clean lines, precise point cutting, blunt cuts and geometric shapes.
2. Style: movement and personalisation
Advanced techniques need a blade that glides through hair without tearing it. X SERIES (TU57 / TU65, 5.7 or 6.5 inches, VG10) has a full convex sword blade with Teflon Tech: ideal for point cutting, slide cutting, slicing and dry cutting.
3. Line: bobs, perimeters and wide sections
On a bob, every extra close risks a step in the line. TSS68 (6.8 inches, VG10) has a sword blade with a reinforced spine, full convex edge and Teflon Tech, to cut wide sections with fewer closes.
4. Barber: comb work, fades and men's cuts
In scissor over comb, the blade must follow the comb along its full length. TS7 Barber (7 inches, 440C) has a long straight blade with a fine tip. See our guide to barber scissors for scissor over comb.
5. Volume: thick hair
Very dense hair needs thinning shears that remove weight decisively. DENTATA PRO CUT (TEU630, 6 inches, 440C) is a pair of 30-tooth thinning shears.
6. Texture: blending and transitions
Texture is not about removing lots of bulk but about blending without visible lines. Suprema (TUX625, 6 inches, VG10) has 25 double teeth and Teflon Tech. The difference from thinning shears is explained in thinning vs texturizing shears.
Quick comparison
| Model | Function | Size | Steel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Master | Precision | 5.5 / 6″ | 440C Aichi | Geometry, blunt cuts |
| ELLE PRO Cut | Precision | 5.5 / 6″ | 440C | Outlines, wet cutting |
| X SERIES | Style | 5.7 / 6.5″ | VG10 | Slide cutting, dry cutting |
| TSS68 | Line | 6.8″ | VG10 | Bobs, perimeters |
| TS7 Barber | Barber | 7″ | 440C | Scissor over comb |
| Suprema | Texture | 6″ | VG10 | Blending |
| DENTATA PRO CUT | Volume | 6″ | 440C | Thick hair |
How to read the specs of professional scissors
Size in inches
1 inch = 2.54 cm: 5.5 inches is about 14 cm, 6 inches 15.2 cm, 6.5 inches 16.5 cm, 6.8 inches 17.3 cm and 7 inches 17.8 cm. Shorter sizes give more control; longer ones cover wider sections and follow the comb better.
Steel: VG10 and 440C
VG10 is a high-performance Japanese steel used on models designed for sliding techniques. 440C is a tough, reliable stainless steel, ideal for everyday scissors, thinning shears and long barber blades.
Technologies that matter
Full convex blade, Teflon Tech (on X SERIES, TSS68 and Suprema) and a ball bearing with micrometric adjustment. Read our guide to convex blades, Teflon Tech and ball bearings.
How many scissors do you really need?
Not many – just ones that cover different functions without duplicates. See how many scissors a hairdresser needs.
Common mistakes
- Buying two pairs that do the same job.
- Choosing only on price.
- Thinking longer is always better: a long blade is great for bobs and scissor over comb, but awkward for details.
- Texturizing with thinning shears: they remove bulk; soft blending needs double-tooth shears.
- Forgetting maintenance.
Maintenance and sharpening
All TOUCH models come with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Our sharpening and maintenance service restores edge geometry, blade alignment and adjustment.
FAQ
What size hairdressing scissors should I choose?
It depends on the function: 5.5–6 inches for precision and outlines, 5.7–6.5 inches for slide and slicing, around 6.8 inches for bobs and perimeters, and up to 7 inches for scissor over comb.
What is the difference between VG10 and 440C steel?
VG10 is a high-performance Japanese steel suited to convex blades and sliding techniques. 440C is a tough stainless steel for daily work, thinning shears and long blades.
How many scissors should a professional hairdresser own?
At least three covering precision, style and volume. A fourth adds the long blade for bobs or barbering, a fifth adds texture.
Not sure where to start?
TOUCH was founded in 2012 by professional hairdressers. Browse all scissors or contact us for personal advice.