Barber scissors: why 7 inches for scissor over comb

For scissor over comb, barber scissors of about 7 inches are used, because the blade has to follow the comb along its whole length. A long blade covers more hair with each cut, works parallel to the comb and makes the scissor fade more continuous, without steps. Short scissors, on the other hand, force you into many small cuts and easily leave marks.

In this guide we look at why length matters in men’s cutting, what kind of blade you need, how to work over the comb and how to fit barber scissors into a complete professional scissor kit.

Why length matters in scissor over comb

In scissor over comb the comb lifts the hair and acts as a guide: the scissors cut everything that sticks out beyond the teeth. If the blade is shorter than the section of comb in use, each cut only takes part of the section and you have to keep moving. Every move is a point where the line can vary.

With a 7-inch blade (approx. 17.8 cm) the scissors cover a wide section of comb in a single movement. The result is a more even fade, with fewer cuts and fewer corrections. The long blade is also more stable when working vertically on the nape and sides.

What blade you need for scissor fades

Working over the comb requires two features: a straight blade, which stays parallel to the comb teeth along its whole length, and a fine tip, useful for finishing outlines, sideburns and the area behind the ear without changing tools.

TS7 Barber: the TOUCH scissors for men’s cutting

The TS7 Barber is the scissors in the TOUCH system dedicated to barber work:

• Length: 7.0 inches
• Steel: 440C, robust and suited to intensive everyday work
• Blade: straight and long, with a fine tip
• Mechanism: ball bearing and micrometric tension adjustment

It is designed for scissor over comb, scissor fades, blending and men’s finishing. The ball bearing keeps rotation stable even with the fast, repeated cuts typical of working over the comb. To understand how these technologies work, read our guide on convex blades, Teflon Tech and ball bearings.

How to work with scissor over comb

1. Lift the section with the comb, starting from the bottom with the teeth facing up.
2. Keep the blade parallel to the comb. The scissors follow the angle of the comb, not the other way round.
3. Move only your thumb. The fixed blade stays still against the comb while the thumb opens and closes at a steady rhythm.
4. Work your way up gradually, moving comb and scissors together in one continuous movement.
5. Check the fade often from different angles and finish the outlines with the tip.

Scissors or clippers?

They are not alternatives but complementary tools. Clippers are fast for setting the base and the shortest areas. Scissors over comb are irreplaceable when the hair above the fade is longer, when you need a soft blend between the sides and the top, or when the client wants a more natural, less sharp result.

The barber kit: what to pair with the TS7

In the TOUCH system the barber scissors are part of the Evoluto system, together with:

• a precision scissor for detailing and outlines: TK Master or ELLE PRO Cut;
• a scissor for style and movement: X SERIES;
• thinning shears for very thick hair: DENTATA PRO CUT.

If you work a lot on soft blending, add the double-tooth texturizing shears. The difference is explained in the article thinning or texturizing shears.

The most common mistakes

• Using short scissors over the comb: it forces too many cuts and creates steps.
• Tilting the blade relative to the comb: the line becomes uneven.
• Moving both blades: the scissors shift and the cut loses precision.
• Tension too loose: the blades open up and the hair folds instead of being cut.
• Putting off sharpening: with a blade that pushes the hair, the fade will not be clean.

Maintenance

In barber work the scissors close hundreds of times a day. Daily cleaning, tension checks and regular sharpening keep the cut clean. The TOUCH sharpening and maintenance service costs €69 for sharpening and €89 with full maintenance; from outside Italy, please contact us before ordering.

FAQ

How long should barber scissors be?

For scissor over comb and scissor fades, long blades of around 7 inches are used. For detailing and outlines, add a shorter pair of 5.5 or 6 inches.

What is scissor over comb?

A cutting technique in which the comb lifts the hair and acts as a guide, while the scissors cut the part sticking out beyond the teeth. It is used for fades, the nape and the sides in men’s cutting.

Can you do a fade with scissors only?

Yes. A scissor fade takes longer than clippers, but gives a softer, more natural result, especially on longer hair.

What steel do barber scissors need?

A robust steel that is reliable in intensive work. The TS7 Barber uses 440C steel, combined with a ball bearing and micrometric adjustment.

How many scissors does a barber need?

At least four: a long blade for the comb, a precision scissor, one for style and movement and a thinning shear. Find out how to build your kit in our guide to choosing hairdressing scissors.

Choose the right scissors for your work

TOUCH was founded in 2012 by a group of professional hairdressers: scissors designed by people who cut every day. Discover the TS7 Barber or contact us for personal advice.