How to Choose Salon Scissors: Hand, Size, Handle, Budget
Buy for the hand you cut with, start at 5.5” and pick a handle you can control. Real picks from A$114.95 for apprentices, barbers and left-handers.
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
Four choices make the pair: the hand you cut with, the size, the handle and what you’ll spend.
How we chose: Picks from our range, based on maker specs, listed options and price. We sell them and haven’t run cutting tests. Prices checked 26 October 2026.
Which hand do you need?
The one you cut with. For most people that’s their writing hand, but not for everyone, so check before you order.
A left-handed pair isn’t a right-handed one turned over. Its blades are reversed, so they close together in your left hand and you can see the line you’re cutting. Hold a right-handed pair in your left hand and the blades push apart.
Our pick: the Mina Umi comes as Left / 5.5” for A$114.95. The 10 left-handed cutters cover the rest.
What size should you buy?
5.5” if you’re not sure. It’s long enough for everyday sections and short enough for detail. Barbers usually go longer, because a 6.5” or 7.0” blade covers more of the comb on each pass.
| Size | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5–5.0” | Fringes, detail and short hair | Ichiko Precision 5.0” |
| 5.5” | Most salon cutting; apprentices | Mina Umi, Ichiro Ergo |
| 6.0” | Layers and longer sections | Mina Sakura II 6.0” |
| 6.5–7.0” | Barbering and scissor-over-comb | Mina Dark Gem, Ichiro Sword |
The inch size measures the whole scissor, not the blade. Yasaka’s SA-5.5 is 147 mm long with a 60 mm blade, so compare blade lengths where the maker lists them.
- Overall length: the inch size
- Blade length: pivot to tip
The inch size is the whole scissor. Makers differ on whether a finger rest counts.
The blade is the part that cuts. Two pairs with the same inch size can have different blades.
Which handle suits you?
Start with an offset handle. Most cutters we sell are offset, and the shorter thumb branch means your thumb doesn’t reach as far. Trained on a straight pair and happy with it? Stay with level rings.
-
Straight
Both rings sit level, the classic layout. Thumb and finger rings are the same distance from the pivot.
-
Offset
The thumb branch is shorter, so the thumb ring sits closer to the pivot. Most cutters we sell are offset.
-
Crane
A sharper offset. The thumb branch bends, which changes the angle your hand holds the blades at.
A swivel thumb ring turns as your hand turns. It takes some getting used to, so save it for a second pair. Whatever the layout, your thumb and ring finger should sit in the rings without squeezing. The maintenance kit comes with finger inserts for loose rings.
Which edge?
The edge decides how the scissor cuts. These are the three you’ll see on first pairs.
| Edge | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Convex (slice) | Point cutting, and slide cutting on models made for it | Sharpen it with someone who knows convex edges |
| Flat or bevel | Blunt lines and dry cutting | Not the edge for slide cutting |
| Micro-serrated | Blunt lines and scissor-over-comb | It grips the hair, so it won’t slide cut |
Apprentices, the Ichiro Ergo comes either way: a 5.5” convex slice or a 6.0” micro-serrated. Pick the one your course teaches with.
Cutter, thinner or set?
Start with the cutter: it makes the line and the shape. Add a thinner when your work needs weight taken out. A set only saves money if you need both now, and then it saves a lot.
| Two-piece kit | Bought separately | As a set |
|---|---|---|
| Mina Umi cutter and thinner | A$229.90 | A$174.95 |
| Ichiro Ergo cutter and thinner | A$399.90 | A$229.95 |
Both sets pair one cutter with a 6.0”, 30-tooth thinner. The 10 cutter and thinner sets compare the rest.
How much should you spend?
A$114.95 to A$229.95 buys a proper first pair. Spend more once you know what you want to change: the steel, the edge, the handle or the maker.
| Budget | What you’ll find | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A$114.95–A$149.95 | Mina cutters from 4.5” to 7.0”, right or left | Mina Umi, A$114.95 |
| A$199.95–A$299 | Ichiro and Juntetsu: apprentice pairs, convex edges, VG10 steel from A$284.95 | Ichiro Ergo, A$199.95 |
| A$349–A$499 | Entry models from Kasho, Joewell and Yasaka | Kasho Design Master, A$349 |
| A$499 and up | Kamisori, plus the top Kasho and Joewell models | Joewell FX PRO, A$699 |
Leave about A$35 for a case and a care kit. The Mina case is A$14.95 and the maintenance kit A$19.95. Standard delivery is free over A$89.
Common questions
What size scissors should a beginner buy?
5.5”. It handles everyday sections and detail. Go 5.0” if your work is mostly fringes and short detail, or 6.0” for longer sections. The size guide shows how to measure a pair you already have.
Do barbers need different scissors?
Usually longer ones. A 6.5” or 7.0” cutter covers more of the comb for scissor-over-comb, and a blender softens the line between clipper and scissor work. The Mina Dark Gem is a budget start at A$134.95.
How should scissors fit my hand?
Your thumb and ring finger sit in the rings without squeezing, and the blades open and close without you forcing them. Loose rings take a finger insert.
Can I return scissors that don’t suit me?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery if they’re unused and complete, as set out on our returns page. Scissors that have cut hair can’t go back for change of mind, so check the hand and size first.
Find your pair
The scissor finder asks four questions (tool, hand, size and budget) and shows the exact option to pick.
Buying for a course? Start with the apprentice kit guide. Down to two similar pairs? Here is how to compare two similar scissors fairly.
Comparing scissors for your kit?
Tell us what you cut and which scissors you are comparing.
Useful next reading
Read all blog posts
Types of Hairdressing Scissors and When to Use Each
Cutters, thinners, texturisers and long barber scissors: what each type does, when you need it, and one real pick with its price for every type.
Top 10 Hair Cutting Scissors: Picks by Hand and Budget
Our 10 hair cutting scissor picks: the Mina Umi for a first pair, the Rose Lefty for left-handers, the Yasaka SA for level rings and the FX PRO for reach.