Expert Tips for Finding the Best Shears for Your Salon Needs
As hairstylists, high-quality cutting shears are an essential part of our toolkit. The right shears can make all the difference in comfort, safety, and the quality of our work. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know what to look for when choosing new shears. To help you make the best decision, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best professional hair cutting shears.
First and foremost, it's important to know your goals. Consider what tasks you need the shears to perform in the salon and choose a tool that is tailored to your needs. It's also crucial to select a shear that feels comfortable in your hand and that you can easily control. Blade length should be chosen based on your cutting technique, not your hand size. An ergonomic handle is also important for reducing strain on your hand, wrist, and shoulder. Look for an offset or crane handle, which helps to keep your hand and wrist in a neutral position.
When it comes to quality, it's worth investing in shears that are made with high-grade materials and excellent craftsmanship. Avoid cheaper shears that may have opposing grip handles, which can lead to repetitive wrist strain over time. Instead, choose shears with features such as high-grade Japanese steel, handcrafted convex blades, and polymer lining in the pivot. Make sure to buy from a trusted, established company and look for a solid warranty to protect your investment.
It's also important to build a kit of different shears to serve various functions. As a beginner, start with a wet cutting shear, a longer dry cutting shear, an invisible blender, and a texturizing shear. As you continue to grow in your craft, consider investing in more specialized tools that align with your most frequently used techniques.
There are several different types of hair cutting shears to choose from, including convex, beveled, and serrated blades. Convex blades are the most common, with a curved outer edge that allows for clean, precise cuts. Beveled blades have a flat inner edge and a curved outer edge, which is great for blending and adding texture to hair. Serrated blades have a saw-like edge that helps to grip and cut through thicker, coarser hair.
Shear blade lengths also vary, from short and stubby to long and slender. Short blades are great for detail work, while longer blades are better for making clean, straight cuts. It's important to choose a blade length that aligns with your cutting technique and the type of hair you're working with.
When it comes to shear handles and grips, there are several different options to consider. Opposing grip handles are the most common, with one blade shorter than the other to allow for a comfortable grip. Offset handles have a shorter thumb blade, which helps to keep your hand and wrist in a more neutral position. Crane handles are the most ergonomic, with a design that opens up your hand and allows you to work with your elbow in a relaxed, lowered position.
Shear tension is another important factor to consider. Shears with adjustable tension allow you to customize the blade's tightness to your preference and the thickness of the hair you're cutting. Shears with good tension will feel smooth and effortless to use, while shears with poor tension may feel too tight or too loose.
The quality of the steel in your shears is also essential. Look for shears made with high-grade Japanese steel, which is known for its durability and sharpness. Avoid shears made with low-grade steel, as they may not hold an edge as well and may require more frequent sharpening.
Proper maintenance is also key to keeping your shears in top condition. Make sure to clean your shears after every use and store them properly to prevent dulling and damage. It's also a good idea to have your shears professionally sharpened every six to twelve months, depending on how often you use them. By taking care of your shears, you'll be able to extend their lifespan and get the most value out of your investment.
One brand to consider when choosing professional hair cutting shears is Saki Shears. Known for their high-quality Japanese steel and innovative design, Saki Shears are a popular choice among stylists. Their shears feature a unique convex edge design, which allows for precise, smooth cuts without pulling or snagging on the hair.
In addition to their superior performance, Saki Shears are also designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind. Their offset handle design helps to reduce strain on the hand and wrist, making them a great choice for stylists who need to cut for long periods of time.
Saki Shears are a reliable and professional choice for hairstylists looking for top-performing shears that are comfortable and easy to use. With a wide range of blade lengths and styles to choose from, there's a Saki Shear for every cutting technique and preference.
We will highlight three of the best shears from Saki Shears, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find a shear on this list that fits your needs and preferences.
Saki Shears Tanto Hair Cutting Shears
The Saki Tanto is a versatile and comfortable hair cutting shear that is suitable for both wet and dry cutting. Its unique straight neck and slight offset handle help to reduce fatigue in the wrist, making it a great choice for stylists who need to cut for long periods of time. The wider blades of the Tanto are perfect for creating a range of cuts and styles, and the movement of the shear is smooth and effortless.
In terms of durability, the Saki Tanto is covered by the company's lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind and protection for your investment. The shear is made with 440C stainless steel and features a permanent finger rest, locking tension control, and a screw-in bumper for added comfort and precision. With an ergonomic design, the Saki Tanto is a great choice for stylists looking for a high-performing and comfortable shear.
Saki Shears Precision Hair Shear
The Saki Precision shear is a top-of-the-line hair cutting tool that is perfect for stylists looking for exceptional performance and durability. Made with Japanese ZA-18 stainless steel, this shear is handcrafted for added precision and quality. The ZA-18 steel is known for its superior hardness, corrosion resistance, and durability, making it a superior choice compared to other types of steel.
The Saki Precision shear is suitable for all types of cutting and comes in a convenient 6.7 inch size. It features a blade with a hardness of 61-63 HRC, ensuring that it stays sharp and precise for longer. Whether you're working on precision cuts or creating a more textured look, the Saki Precision shear is an excellent choice.
Like all of Saki Shears' products, the Saki Precision shear is covered by the company's lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind and protection for your investment. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Saki Precision shear is a reliable and high-performing tool that is sure to become a staple in your salon.
Saki Shears Sakura Swivel Shears
The Saki Sakura Hair Shear is a top-quality hair cutting tool that is perfect for stylists looking for comfort and precision. Its offset handle features a single swivel thumb that allows for horizontal cutting action, creating a natural cutting position that helps to alleviate wrist and thumb fatigue. The Sakura Swivel Scissors is handmade using Japanese 440C stainless steel, ensuring durability and a smooth, clean cut every time.
In addition to its superior performance, the Saki Sakura Hair Shear is also designed with comfort in mind. Its single swivel thumb allows for 360 degree rotation, allowing you to work in a variety of positions without straining your hand or wrist. The shear is suitable for slide cutting and can be used for both wet and dry cutting.
The Saki Sakura Hair Shear comes in a convenient 5.5 inch size and is handmade using Japanese 440C stainless steel. It features a Japanese-style convex blade with a hardness of 60-61 HRC, ensuring that it stays sharp and precise for longer. The shear also comes with a hair razor and a leather carrying case, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Like all of Saki Shears' products, the Saki Sakura Hair Shear is covered by the company's lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Choosing the best professional hair cutting shears involves considering your goals, selecting a comfortable and ergonomic shear, investing in quality materials and craftsmanship, building a kit of different shears for various functions, and properly maintaining your tools. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to find the perfect shears for you and your needs.
