A barber shop with mirrors and chairs

A Guide to Different Types of Barber Shears

When it comes to barbering, using the right tools is essential for achieving the best results. Among the most important tools a barber uses are shears. Barber shears, also known as barber scissors, are specially designed scissors that are used for cutting and styling hair. They come in different types and styles, each with their own unique features and uses. Understanding the different types of barber shears can help barbers choose the right tools for their specific needs.

Straight Shears

Straight shears, also known as straight-bladed shears or standard shears, are the most commonly used type of barber shears. They are characterized by their straight blades and are suitable for most barbering techniques. Straight shears are versatile and can be used for cutting hair, creating basic haircuts, and performing various styling techniques.

They come in different lengths to accommodate different cutting styles and hair types. Shorter straight shears are ideal for cutting close to the scalp and creating shorter hairstyles, while longer straight shears are suitable for cutting longer lengths of hair with precision and control.

Some straight shears also feature different blade designs, such as convex blades or beveled blades. Convex blades are razor-sharp and provide a clean and precise cut, making them ideal for advanced cutting techniques and creating intricate hairstyles. Beveled blades, on the other hand, have a serrated edge that helps grip the hair, making them suitable for slide cutting and removing bulk from the hair.

Thinning Shears

Thinning shears, also known as thinning scissors or texturizing shears, are specialized shears used for thinning out and texturizing hair. They feature teeth-like notches on one or both of the blades, which helps to remove bulk from the hair without completely cutting it. This makes them particularly useful for reducing thickness and adding texture to the hair.

Thinning shears are commonly used in techniques like layering and blending. They allow barbers to remove excess weight from the hair, create seamless transitions between different sections, and add movement and texture to the overall hairstyle. Thinning shears come in different tooth variations, with fewer teeth producing more aggressive thinning and more teeth producing a softer, more gradual thinning effect.

Blending Shears

Blending shears, also known as blending scissors or blending scissors, are designed to blend different sections of hair seamlessly. They feature one serrated blade and one straight blade, which create a subtle blending effect when cutting through the hair. Blending shears are commonly used in techniques like feathering and point cutting, where the goal is to create soft, blended transitions between different sections of hair.

These shears are also useful for blending cut lines and removing any hard edges or lines that may be visible after cutting. They allow barbers to create natural-looking haircuts where the hair flows and blends together seamlessly. Blending shears come in different sizes and tooth variations, with fewer teeth producing more aggressive blending and more teeth producing a softer, more gradual blending effect.

Barber with scissors

A Guide to Different Types of Barber Shears

Welcome back to our blog series on barber supplies! In the first part of this series, we discussed the importance of choosing the right haircutting shears for your barbershop. Now, let's dive deeper into the different types of barber shears that are available on the market.

1. Cutting Shears

Cutting shears are the most commonly used tools in any barbershop. They are designed specifically for cutting hair and have sharp, straight blades that come together and cut the hair cleanly. These shears are available in various sizes, ranging from 5.5 inches to 7.5 inches, to cater to different cutting techniques and personal preferences.

When choosing cutting shears, it's important to consider the length and width of the blades. Longer blades provide more control and stability, while shorter blades allow for precision cutting and detailed work. Additionally, the width of the blades affects the amount of hair being cut - wider blades can remove more hair with each cut, while narrower blades are better suited for point cutting and texturizing.

2. Thinning Shears

Thinning shears, also known as blending shears or texturizing shears, are used to remove bulk and create texture in the hair. These shears have teeth or notches along one or both blades, which remove some hair while leaving other strands untouched. Thinning shears are particularly useful for blending layers, reducing weight in thick hair, and adding texture to the ends of a haircut.

When selecting thinning shears, you have a few options to consider. Single-sided thinning shears have teeth only on one blade, while double-sided thinning shears have teeth on both blades. Single-sided shears are ideal for blending shorter hair, while double-sided shears are more versatile and can be used on hair of various lengths. Additionally, thinning shears come in different tooth configurations - the more teeth they have, the more hair they remove with each cut.

3. Texturizing Shears

Texturizing shears, also known as chunking shears or notch-cut shears, are another type of barber shears that are used to create texture and movement in the hair. Unlike thinning shears, which remove hair in a more systematic manner, texturizing shears have wider gaps between the teeth, resulting in a more sporadic and organic texture.

Texturizing shears are commonly used for creating choppy or layered haircuts, as well as adding volume to fine or thin hair. The size and spacing of the teeth on texturizing shears can vary, offering different levels of texture and removing different amounts of hair with each cut. It's important to select texturizing shears that align with your desired styling outcome.

4. Left-Handed Shears

For barbers who are left-handed, it's crucial to have a pair of shears designed specifically for their needs. Left-handed shears are crafted with reversed blade and handle positioning, allowing left-handed barbers to use them comfortably and effectively.

Using shears that are not designed for left-handed individuals can lead to discomfort, strain, and even poor cutting technique. Therefore, investing in a good pair of left-handed shears is essential for left-handed barbers to provide quality haircuts and ensure their own comfort while working.

5. Swivel Thumb Shears

Swivel thumb shears are an innovative type of barber shears that feature a thumb ring that pivots or rotates. This design allows barbers to hold the shears in a more natural and relaxed position, reducing strain and fatigue on the thumb, wrist, and shoulder.

The rotating thumb ring on swivel thumb shears allows for a greater range of motion and flexibility, making them an excellent choice for barbers who experience discomfort or repetitive strain injuries. These shears are also particularly beneficial for barbers who perform intricate or elaborate cutting techniques.

Conclusion

There you have it - a guide to different types of barber shears! Each type of shear serves a specific purpose and offers unique benefits for hairstylists and barbers. Whether you're looking for cutting shears, thinning shears, texturizing shears, left-handed shears, or swivel thumb shears, it's important to choose high-quality shears that fit comfortably in your hand and cater to your specific cutting and styling techniques.

Remember, investing in professional-grade barber shears is a crucial step in providing quality haircuts and ensuring the satisfaction of your clients. So, take the time to explore your options, try out different shears, and find the ones that feel right for you. Happy cutting!

This blog provides a comprehensive guide on the different types of barber shears. Whether you're a professional barber or someone interested in maintaining their hair at home, this guide will help you understand the various types of shears available and choose the right one for your specific needs. From straight edge shears to thinning shears and left-handed shears, this guide covers it all, ensuring you make an informed decision when purchasing barber shears.