Hair-cutting scissor blades are crucial as they directly impact the precision, texture, and style of a haircut. Sharp, well-designed blades ensure clean cuts, while specific types, like convex or serrated, offer distinct effects on hair. The choice of blade affects ease of use, finish quality, and the ability to execute various cutting techniques, ultimately shaping the overall look and feel of the hairstyle. In this guide we have reviewed five different types of hair cutting scissor blades.
1. Beveled Edge Blades
Hair cutting scissors come in a variety of blade types, each designed to suit specific cutting techniques and hair types. Beveled edge blades are among the most common and have a distinct angled edge with tiny serrations. These serrations help grip the hair while cutting, making them ideal for dry cutting, traditional blunt cuts, or straight cuts. Because they offer more control and prevent hair from slipping, beveled edge blades are often favored by beginners. However, they are not suitable for precision or advanced techniques like slide cutting, as the serrations can leave a rough finish.
2. Convex Edge Blades
On the other hand, convex edge blades have a smooth, curved edge that is extremely sharp. These blades are hollow-ground on the inside, which provides a razor-like cutting action for smooth, precise cuts with less effort. Convex blades are preferred by professional hairstylists for advanced techniques such as point cutting, slide cutting, and texturizing, as they create a clean finish on both wet and dry hair. However, they are more fragile and prone to damage if mishandled and require more frequent sharpening. For those who seek a balance between the sharpness of convex blades and the durability of beveled edges, semi-convex edge blades offer a hybrid solution. Semi-convex blades are not as sharp as convex blades but still provide a smoother cut than beveled edges, making them suitable for both basic and advanced cutting styles. While they are versatile, they do not specialize in any one area and are less durable than beveled edges.
3. Serrated Edge Blades
Serrated edge blades, also known as micro-serrated or corrugated blades, have small serrations along one or both cutting edges. These serrations grip the hair effectively, making these blades ideal for beginners and for cutting thicker or more textured hair, such as curls. They excel in dry cutting and layering but are not suitable for techniques like slide or point cutting due to the risk of snagging, which can result in a rough finish. In contrast, straight edge blades have a completely straight cutting edge with no serrations or curves. They are perfect for blunt cuts and precision work, such as bob haircuts, where clean, straight lines are essential. While straight blades offer excellent control for straight cuts and are easy to sharpen, they may not perform well on textured or curly hair, as the hair can slip out of the blades easily.
4. Texturizing Blades
For those looking to thin out thick hair or create a textured finish without significantly altering the length, thinning or texturizing blades are ideal. These blades have teeth along one or both edges and are used for blending layers and softening lines, making them a go-to for stylists who want to add texture without drastically changing a hairstyle. However, improper use can cause damage to the hair. Chunking blades are similar but feature wider, more widely spaced teeth, which allows them to remove larger sections of hair quickly. These are excellent for creating dramatic texturing effects or reducing volume in thick or curly hair, but they can leave noticeable marks if used improperly and are not suited for fine hair or precision work.
5. Swivel Blades
Ergonomics also play a role in scissor blade types. Swivel blades have a rotating thumb ring, which allows for more natural hand and wrist movements during cutting. This design is especially favored by hairstylists who need to minimize hand and wrist strain during long cutting sessions, though the swivel motion may take time to adjust to and can be more expensive. Lastly, offset blades feature an ergonomic handle design where the thumb ring is positioned lower than the finger ring, promoting a natural grip that reduces hand fatigue. While these blades offer greater comfort and control for prolonged use, they may not be suitable for all users, particularly those who are accustomed to traditional scissor handles.
Each of these blade types provides unique benefits and is chosen based on the specific cutting technique, hair texture, and stylist preferences, allowing for a tailored approach to hair cutting.
