How many scissors does a hairdresser need? Essenziale, Evoluto and Completo kits
A professional hairdresser needs at least three pairs of scissors: one for precision, one for gliding techniques and one to manage volume. A fourth adds the long blade for bobs, perimeters or barbering; a fifth adds texturizing shears. More than the number, the basic rule matters: each pair must cover a different function, with no duplicates.
The problem: many scissors, few functions
In many salons the case holds five or six pairs of scissors, but often three are very similar straight 6-inch scissors and one is an old toothed pair used for everything. The result is twofold: more money spent than needed, and some functions left uncovered. Missing, for example, is a long blade for bobs or a pair that blends without leaving lines.
The TOUCH method works the other way round: first identify the functions your work needs, then choose the tool for each. There are six functions: precision, style, line, barber, volume and texture. Each is explained in our guide to choosing hairdressing scissors. All kits are collected on the Cutting system page.
Essenziale system: 3 scissors
The foundation that covers the core functions of every day in the salon.
- Precision: TK Master or ELLE PRO Cut, for detailing, outlines and geometric shapes.
- Style: X SERIES, for slide cutting, slicing and personalising the cut.
- Volume: DENTATA PRO CUT, 30-tooth thinning shears to manage bulk.
Who it is for: anyone opening a salon, young professionals building their first serious toolkit, and anyone who wants to renew their scissors from a solid base.
Available as a kit: Essenziale system.
Evoluto system: 4 scissors
It adds the long blade, chosen according to the type of work:
- TSS68 for the salon: 6.8 inches, sword blade with a raised spine, for bobs, perimeters and slicing on wide sections.
- TS7 Barber for barbers: 7 inches, long straight blade for scissor over comb and scissor fades. Learn more in our guide to barber scissors.
Who it is for: salons doing lots of bobs, one-length cuts and long perimeters, or barbers who work a lot over the comb.
Available as a kit: Evoluto system.
Completo system: 5 scissors
It adds texture with the Suprema: 25 double teeth for blending, transitions and soft finishes. From detail to bulk, every stage of the cut has its own dedicated tool.
Who it is for: stylists who work a lot on layers, blending and texture, and high-end salons that want uncompromising equipment. To see why thinning and texturizing shears are not the same thing, read thinning or texturizing shears.
Available as a kit: Completo system.
The 5 scissors in a layered cut, stage by stage
- Base line with the long blade. The perimeter is set with the TSS68, 6.8 inches: wide sections, few closures, a continuous line.
- Building the levels with the precision scissors. The layered sections are cut with TK Master or ELLE PRO Cut, which give control over angle and length.
- Managing weight with the thinning shears. If the hair is very thick, lighten inside the sections with the 30-tooth DENTATA PRO CUT, without touching the surface layer.
- Blending with the texturizing shears. The transitions between levels are softened with the Suprema, 25 double teeth: it takes little hair at a time and merges lengths without lines.
- Dry finishing with the sword-blade scissors. The final movement of the ends is built with the X SERIES, using slide cutting and point cutting.
Not every cut needs all five stages. But when they are needed, having the dedicated tool saves time and corrections.
The scissors that make the difference: double teeth
If you already have thinning shears, you often use them for blending too. But the result is different: thinning shears remove a lot of hair with each closure and can leave marks on transitions. Double-tooth shears have teeth on both blades, cut less and in a more distributed way, and make lightening progressive. The difference is explained in the article thinning or texturizing shears.
The three systems compared
| System | Scissors | Functions covered | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essenziale | 3 | Precision, style, volume | New salon, first professional toolkit |
| Evoluto | 4 | + line (salon) or barber | Bobs and perimeters, or scissor over comb |
| Completo | 5 | + texture | Layers, blending, high-end salon |
TK Master or ELLE PRO Cut: how to choose your precision scissors
Both are 5.5 or 6-inch scissors with a fine tip, ball bearing and micrometric adjustment. The difference is the blade:
- TK Master has a very flat blade in 440C Aichi steel: the choice for sharp lines, blunt cuts and geometric shapes.
- ELLE PRO Cut has a straight blade in 440C steel: the versatile scissors for wet cutting, outlines and everyday finishing.
You do not need both: choosing one avoids a duplicate and frees up budget for a missing function.
A kit or individual scissors?
A generic kit with three similar scissors costs little but rarely covers different functions. A system built on functions lets you start with the Essenziale and add one pair at a time, as your work requires, without ever buying a duplicate. The price shown for the TOUCH Cutting system kits is the sum of the individual scissors. Request a quote for the System: we will offer you our reserved terms.
The most common mistakes
- Buying similar scissors: two straight blades of the same length do the same job.
- Doing without toothed shears: without thinning shears, managing thick hair becomes slow and tiring.
- Using one toothed shear for everything: removing bulk and creating texture need different tools.
- Forgetting maintenance: a system only works if every pair stays sharp and adjusted. The TOUCH sharpening and maintenance service costs €69, or €89 with full maintenance; from outside Italy, please contact us before ordering.
FAQ
How many scissors should a hairdresser have?
At least three: a precision pair, one for style and movement and thinning shears. With four you add the long blade, with five the texturizing shears.
Which scissors should you buy to start with?
The Essenziale system: TK Master or ELLE PRO Cut for precision, X SERIES for style and DENTATA PRO CUT for volume.
Do you really need toothed shears?
Yes. Without thinning shears it is hard to manage thick hair and heavy sections. For blending and soft transitions you also need double-tooth texturizing shears.
How many scissors does a barber need?
At least four: the long 7-inch blade for scissor over comb, a precision pair, one for style and thinning shears.
Build your system
TOUCH was founded in 2012 by a group of professional hairdressers. Every system starts from the way you work, not from the most expensive model. Discover the Cutting system kits or contact us for personal advice.
