Curly clients can feel the difference between a shear that respects the curl pattern and one that shreds their ends. Use this guide to match shears to curl types, cutting techniques, and salon climate—so you keep coils springy and clients loyal.
Quick match by curl pattern
| Curl type | Cutting approach | Recommended shear combo |
|---|---|---|
| Wavy (2A–2C) | Wet+dry refinement, soft debulking | 5.5” semi-convex + 30-tooth thinner |
| Curly (3A–3C) | Dry curl-by-curl sculpting | 6” lightweight convex + 14-tooth chunker |
| Coily/Kinky (4A–4C) | Sectionless shaping, controlled debulking | 6” convex sword with micro-serrated backup |
Entry-level curly kit (apprentices & new curl specialists)
- Primary shear: 5.5” semi-convex (Joewell Classic Pro, Mina Sakura Pro) – gentle entry to glide without the fragility of full convex.
- Support tool: 30-tooth thinner – keeps wavy textures light without removing definition.
- Maintenance: Follow the Scissor Tension Troubleshooting guide weekly to prevent folding fine curls.
Intermediate upgrade (experienced curl cutters)
- Primary shear: 6” convex lightweight (Yasaka Offset, Precision Lite) – lets you cut curl-by-curl with minimal drag.
- Texture tool: 14-tooth chunker (Ichiro K10) – removes bulk in high-density areas without creating steps.
- Accessories: Silicone blade guards and silica gel packs for humidity control (vital in Brisbane and Sydney).
- Sharpening cadence: Every 8–10 months via convex specialists; track using the Warranty Tracker.
Advanced curl studio kit
- Primary shear: 6” premium convex (Hikari Blaze, Mizutani Acro Creative) – precise tip control for dry refinement.
- Secondary shear: 5” detailing shear – ideal for fringe and neckline refinement.
- Bonus tool: 20-tooth polisher (Joewell LSF) – softens transitions without exploding volume.
- Rotation plan: Use the Scissor Rotation Planner to keep each pair fresh through long dry-cut sessions.
Climate considerations
| City | Risk | Preventative steps |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney/Brisbane | Humidity + sea air | Wipe and oil after every client, store with silica gel |
| Melbourne | Temperature swings | Keep tension consistent; sudden cold snaps tighten screws |
| Perth | Coastal corrosion | Avoid leaving shears in vehicles; clean salt spray immediately |
| Adelaide | Dry heat | Oil pivot nightly to maintain glide |
See the relevant city guide in the Stockists & Sharpening hub for local freight and technician suggestions.
Technique tips to pair with the right shear
- Curl-by-curl shaping: Use convex offsets with a light grip; angle the shear parallel to the curl to respect shrinkage.
- Volume balancing: A chunker with polished teeth prevents harsh lines—work in vertical sections and check shrinkage in real time.
- Fringe refinement: Switch to a 5” detailer to avoid over-removing weight near the face.
- Coily crown control: Use a sword blade for initial shape, then follow with a lighter shear to refine surface layers.
Maintenance routine tailored for curls
- Before service: Ensure tension is set—too loose and curls snag, too tight and hands fatigue on detail work.
- During service: Keep a microfiber cloth handy to remove curl cream/oils between sections.
- After service: Follow the 5-minute maintenance checklist; residue from curl products corrodes fast.
- Monthly: Deep clean pivots, inspect for micro nicks, and log any changes in the Warranty Tracker.
Recommended stockists for curly-focused kits
- Japan Scissors – wide range of lightweight convex shears; offers demo sets for curl studios.
- ** Australia** – /Yasaka bundles, prepaid sharpening satchels.
- Scissor Hub – Compare multiple brands, finance options for full curl-kit upgrades.
Always verify availability and pricing on official sites before ordering.
Ready to build your curly toolkit?
Share your curl specialties (Deva-inspired, Rezo, dry sculpting), service mix, and city via the contact page. We’ll recommend the right shear combo, sharpening schedule, and stockist path so every curl leaves the chair with bounce.