Finding the best hair cutting scissor brands involves a combination of research, professional recommendations, and personal experience.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you explore and identify top brands in the industry, ensuring you choose the best tools for your needs.
1. Research Online
Read Reviews
Websites like Amazon, specialized beauty supply stores, and professional forums often feature reviews from other hairstylists. Reading these reviews can provide insights into the performance, durability, and comfort of different scissor brands. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to get a balanced view.
Look for Expert Opinions
Many professional hairstylists share their experiences and recommendations through blogs, YouTube channels, and articles. These expert opinions can be invaluable in understanding the pros and cons of various brands. Follow industry influencers and reputable hairstyling websites for in-depth reviews and comparisons.
Check Professional Organizations
Associations like the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) or the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) often have resources or recommendations for professional hair-cutting tools, including scissors. These organizations may conduct surveys or publish reports on the most popular and reliable brands used by industry professionals.
2. Visit Trade Shows and Conventions
Interact with Brands
Industry events such as trade shows and conventions provide a unique opportunity to interact with representatives from different scissor brands. You can see and try out various products firsthand, ask questions, and learn about the latest innovations and technologies.
Get Recommendations
Networking with other professionals at these events can help you learn about their favorite hair-cutting scissor brands. Experienced stylists often have valuable insights and can recommend scissors based on your specific needs and cutting style.
3. Consult with Colleagues
Ask for Recommendations
Your colleagues can provide firsthand experiences with various brands. Ask them about their favorite scissors, the pros and cons of the tools they use, and any brands they recommend or advise against.
Test Their Tools
If possible, try out the scissors your colleagues use. This hands-on experience can help you determine if a particular brand or model suits your cutting style and ergonomic preferences.
4. Consider Your Needs
Specific Techniques
Different brands may excel in various cutting techniques. For example, some scissors are designed for precision cuts, while others are better for texturizing or layering. Identify the techniques you use most often and look for brands that offer specialized hair-cutting tools for those purposes.
Handle Comfort
Ergonomics are crucial, especially if you cut hair all day. Look for scissors with comfortable handles that reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Some brands offer customizable options to fit your hand size and grip style.
5. Read Industry Magazines and Websites
Product Features
Stay updated on the latest innovations and trends in hair-cutting tools by reading industry magazines and websites. These publications often feature articles on new products, brand spotlights, and detailed reviews.
Brand Spotlights
Magazines and websites may also highlight top brands and provide in-depth information on their history, manufacturing process, and product lines. This can help you understand the brand’s reputation and commitment to quality.
6. Test Before Buying
Trial Periods
Some suppliers offer trial periods or return policies, allowing you to test the scissors before making a final decision. Take advantage of these offers to ensure the scissors meet your expectations.
In-Store Testing
If you’re buying from a physical store, ask if you can try the scissors. Testing the hair-cutting scissors in person can give you a better sense of their weight, balance, and cutting performance.
Top Hair Cutting Scissor Brands
1. Kasho
Kasho is renowned for their precision and high-quality Japanese steel. Their scissors are popular among professional stylists for their durability and sharpness. Kasho offers a range of products, from entry-level to high-end models, ensuring there’s an option for every stylist.
2. Joewell (Tokosha)
Joewell is known for their balance and ease of use. They offer a wide range of scissors suitable for various cutting techniques, including thinning, texturizing, and point cutting. Joewell’s reputation for reliability makes them a favorite among many hairstylists.
3. Mizutani
Mizutani is a high-end brand known for their handcrafted scissors. Praised for their ergonomic designs and superior steel, Mizutani scissors are favored by top professionals who require precision and comfort in their tools.
4. Hikari
Hikari specializes in creating lightweight and extremely sharp scissors. Their products are favored by many top hairstylists for intricate cutting work. Hikari’s commitment to quality ensures their scissors maintain their sharpness and performance over time.
5. Yasaka
Yasaka offers high-quality, affordable scissors made from premium Japanese steel. Their products provide excellent performance and are suitable for both beginner and experienced stylists. Yasaka’s scissors are known for their sharpness and durability.
6. Kamiyu
Kamiyu is known for their innovative designs and comfortable grip. They provide a variety of scissors catering to different cutting styles, making them a versatile choice for any stylist. Kamiyu’s focus on ergonomics helps reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
7. Shark Fin
Shark Fin focuses on ergonomics and comfort, offering customizable options to fit individual stylists’ hands perfectly. Shark Fin scissors are designed to reduce strain and improve cutting efficiency, making them a great choice for long hours of work.
8. Saki Shears
Saki Shears blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create balanced and precise cutting tools. Their scissors are popular for their performance and comfort, making them a reliable choice for professional stylists.
9. Tsubame
Tsubame combines affordability with high quality, offering excellent scissors for both beginner and experienced stylists. Made from high-grade Japanese steel, Tsubame scissors are known for their sharpness and durability.
10. Sensei
Sensei is known for their innovative designs and advanced features. They offer a range of products from entry-level to professional-grade scissors, ensuring there’s a suitable option for every stylist. Sensei’s commitment to quality and performance makes them a trusted brand in the industry.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the best hair-cutting scissor brands requires thorough research and testing to find the perfect fit for your needs. By consulting reviews, seeking expert opinions, visiting trade shows, and testing different tools, you can identify the top brands and make an informed decision. Investing in high-quality scissors will enhance your cutting skills and improve your overall performance as a hairstylist, ensuring you provide the best service to your clients.