Best Hairdressing Scissor Brands: Our Pick for Each Need

Best on a budget: Mina

Mina’s cutters are the cheapest we stock, so it’s the brand for a first pair, a backup or a course kit. The Umi comes in right- and left-handed sizes at one price.

Keep in mind: it’s one cutter. Need a thinner too? The Umi set has both.

Best for apprentices: Ichiro

Ichiro’s Ergo is an apprentice pair, and the Ergo set adds a 6.0”, 30-tooth thinner in the same order.

Keep in mind: the other set option swaps in a 6.0” micro-serrated cutter. Check which edge your course list names.

Best for left-handers: Joewell

We stock three true left-handed Joewells: the FX LEFTY, the LC LEFTY and the long LSF Lefty. That’s more left-handed models than Kasho or Yasaka.

Keep in mind: on a budget? The Ichiro Rose Lefty and the left-handed Mina Umi cost far less. Our 10 left-handed cutters compares them all.

Best for barbers: Juntetsu

Juntetsu has more cutters that come in 6.5” or longer than any other brand we stock, from Sword blades to the VG10 Ergo.

Keep in mind: every Juntetsu cutter we stock is right-handed. Left-handed barbers, look at the Joewell LSF Lefty. Prefer a semi-offset handle? The Yasaka 7.0” has one. Our barber scissors guide covers the whole kit.

Best for a straight handle: Yasaka

The Yasaka SA keeps both rings level, and Yasaka gives the 5.5” a 60 mm blade. It’s the shape to buy if you learned on level rings and want to stay there.

Keep in mind: level rings hold differently from an offset. If you cut offset now, stay offset.

Best for swivel handles: Kamisori

The Kamisori Jewel III Double Swivel lets the thumb ring move as you change your cutting angle, and it comes in right- and left-handed sizes. Kamisori is the one brand here that isn’t Japanese: it’s a Canadian brand from Ontario with Japanese-inspired designs, and some models are made in Japan.

Keep in mind: moving rings feel different from fixed ones, so ease into it over a few quiet days.

Best at the top end: Kasho

Kasho runs from a mid-price first pair up to the SG2 Millennium. KAI says the Millennium’s pivot needs no oiling or tension adjusting.

Keep in mind: at this price, be sure of your size and handle first. The Design Master Offset is a cheaper way into Kasho.

Common questions

Does a pricier brand mean a better scissor?

Not always. The right length and handle matter more than the name, so a budget pair that fits you will serve you better than a premium pair that doesn’t.

Which brand is best for a first pair?

Mina if the budget is tight. Ichiro if your course asks for the Ergo, or you want a set with a thinner.

Can I mix brands in my kit?

Yes. Your cutter and thinner don’t need to match, so pick each one for its job.

Which brands make left-handed scissors?

Joewell, Kasho, Yasaka, Ichiro, Mina and Kamisori all have left-handed cutters in our range. We don’t stock a left-handed Juntetsu.

Next step

Still weighing it up? The scissor finder narrows it by hand, size and budget. For who each Japanese brand is, see our Japanese scissor brands guide. For a brand outside our range, read the Hattori Hanzo profile.