Length Options When Selecting Hair Shears

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There are a few things that stylists and others may be considering when choosing a given set of hair shears, and length is one key area to be thinking about here. There are several different options out there in terms of hair shear lengths, each with different common uses and purposes that might be beneficial for particular cuts or stylist needs. 

At Scissor Mall, we're happy to offer a wide range of hair shears of numerous styles, from edging and thinning shears to slide cutting shears like the Shisato Karma and many others. Here are some basics on small, regular and large hair shear length templates, plus some of the common uses of each and which key factors to be evaluating as you make your selection.

Small Hair Shears

Generally including most or all shears that run 5.0 or 5.5 inches in length or fewer, small shears are great for making detailed, precise cuts. Great for intricate styling techniques, these shears can handle a range of texturizing and thinning services in addition to general cutting jobs.

Now, it's generally not recommended that smaller-length hair shears be used for things like blunt cutting or straight line cutting. These shears are most beneficial for detailing and accuracy - you may even deal with hand or wrist pain if you're using them incorrectly.

For detail areas, however, they can be ideal. These shears are great for precision work, and the smaller size makes them more comfortable to use for longer durations of time.

Regular Hair Shears

Most hair stylists will use regular-length hair shears (ranging between 5.5 inches and 6.5 inches in length) as their go-to choice when doing general cutting services. As a middle-ground between small and large shears, these are the ideal option for long to medium-length hair.

Regular hair shears can also be used for thinning services, so they offer great versatility in the salon chair. With greater control than larger shears and more power and leverage than smaller shears, regular length hair scissors are an essential tool for any salon professional.

Regular shears are those that will typically come in the largest varieties. You'll find them with varying edges, thumb positions, blade types - the options are virtually limitless.

Large Hair Shears

If you're dealing with lots of thick hair that requires a lot of power and leverage for larger cuts or even bulk-cutting services, then large shears may be the option for you. Typically ranging between 6.5 inches and 7.5 inches in length, these shears are also sometimes known in the industry as "barber shears" because of their high power.

Large shears can be great for making longer, sweeping cuts that require more control and power to get through a full head of hair. But keep in mind that they may not be suitable for shorter styles or intricate detailing due to the size.

Many larger shear types come with a beveled edge, which can be great for making even and smooth scissor-over-comb work. And they're often ideal for bulk cutting, so if that's a service you offer in your salon then these should definitely make it onto your list of must-have tools.

Considerations When Selecting Hair Shear Length

Here are a few of the key factors to be keeping in mind as you select between your various hair shear length options:

  • Common client needs: Likely the single largest factor to consider is what kinds of cuts and services you're doing most often in your salon. If the majority of your work involves shorter cuts, then small or regular shear lengths may be the best option for you. But if you specialize more in long men's styles or a lot of bulk-cutting services, a larger size may be more suitable. And if you're a versatile stylist who covers all these types, you may need multiple shear options within the same style.

  • Hand and wrist preferences: It's important to consider what feels better in your hand and wrist when you're deciding between shear lengths. Look for comfortable thumb positions, balanced weight distribution, and adjustable tension settings that will keep you from experiencing any sort of pain or strain during cutting services.

  • Blade type: Different blade types can be beneficial in different scenarios - beveled edges are great for scissor-over-comb work, while flat edges are ideal for cutting through bulk and thicker locks. Look into the various blade types to determine which one will be best suited for your particular needs.

Hair shear length can be a very important factor when selecting which type of scissors to use for any given job. With so many options out there, it can be intimidating to pick the right shears for your salon. But by considering these key factors, you can make sure that you're getting the perfect style and length of scissors for any job.  

At Scissor Mall, we have a wide selection of hair shears available in various lengths and styles to best suit your needs. Shop our selection today to find the perfect tool for your next cut.