How to Choose the Right Shear for Your Cutting Style

 

Choosing the right pair of shears is essential for every stylist and barber. The right shears can improve your cutting precision, reduce hand fatigue, and enhance your overall efficiency behind the chair. But with so many options available, how do you pick the perfect pair?

In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the right shear based on your cutting techniques, hand comfort, and personal preferences.

1. Consider Your Cutting Style

Different cutting techniques require different types of shears. Choosing a shear that complements your cutting style will improve control and cutting precision.

✂️ Blunt Cutting & Precision Work

Best Shear Type: Straight-blade shears with a convex edge

  • Ideal for one-length cuts, bobs, and precise lines

  • Convex edges provide the sharpest, smoothest cut

  • Popular Washi Shear: Washi Eco Shear

✂️ Point Cutting & Texturizing

Best Shear Type: Medium-length shears (5.5”–6”) with a fine tip

  • Great for creating softness and removing weight

  • Precision tips allow for more controlled texturizing

  • Popular Washi Shear: Washi Black Dragon Shear

✂️ Slide Cutting & Dry Cutting

Best Shear Type: Shears with curved blades or specialized slide-cutting edges

  • Designed to glide smoothly through hair without pushing

  • Helps create seamless layers and natural movement

  • Popular Washi Shear: Washi 10-Tooth Master Slider

✂️ Scissor Over Comb & Barbering

Best Shear Type: Long-blade shears (6.5”–7.5”)

  • Longer blades help cover more surface area, speeding up the cutting process

  • Perfect for fades, tapers, and bulk removal

  • Popular Washi Shear: Washi Las Vegas Long

✂️ Thinning & Blending

Best Shear Type: Thinning or blending shears

  • Thinning shears (30+ teeth) remove weight and create softness

  • Blending shears (15-25 teeth) help blend layers seamlessly

  • Popular Washi Shear: Washi 30-Tooth Thinner

2. Choose the Right Shear Length

The length of your shear affects control and versatility.

  • Short Shears (5”–5.5”): Best for detailed work, point cutting, and precision cuts.

  • Medium Shears (5.75”–6”): A balanced choice for stylists who do a mix of cutting techniques.

  • Long Shears (6.5”–7.5”): Ideal for scissor-over-comb techniques and cutting larger sections efficiently.

✔ Tip: If you’re unsure, a 6-inch shear is a great all-around choice for most cutting styles.

3. Prioritize Comfort & Ergonomics

Comfort is key—after all, you use your shears all day, every day! Choosing an ergonomic design can help prevent wrist strain and hand fatigue.

🔹 Handle Types

  • Opposing Handle (Straight): Traditional design, best for stylists who cut with their thumb and middle finger.

  • Offset Handle: Most popular ergonomic choice; allows a more natural hand position, reducing strain.

  • Crane Handle: Further reduces wrist strain by allowing a lower elbow position during cutting.

  • Swivel Thumb Handle: Maximum ergonomic comfort; reduces thumb movement and wrist tension.

✔ Tip: If you experience wrist fatigue, swivel thumb shears like the Washi Swivel Shear can help reduce strain.

4. Invest in Quality Steel

The quality of the steel affects how long your shears stay sharp.

  • Japanese Cobalt Steel (VG-10, ATS-314): Holds an edge longer, ideal for precision cutting.

  • High-Carbon Stainless Steel: A great balance of sharpness and durability.

  • Basic Stainless Steel: More affordable but requires frequent sharpening.

✔ Tip: Washi shears are made from high-quality Japanese steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability.

5. Try Before You Buy with DRWS!

Choosing the perfect shear is a big decision, and nothing beats trying them in person. That’s why Thad at Don’t Run With Scissors (DRWS) offers a try-before-you-buy program!

📢 Want help picking the right shear? Ask Thad when he visits your salon!

#ThadsDRWS #WashiShears #StaySharp #SalonTools #ShearCare #HaircuttingTools

Thad's Don't Run With Scissors | Greenville, WI
(920) 284-6395


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