Chunker Shears
Heavy-duty texture tools for carving bulk without losing shape.
Chunker shears sit between blenders and full-on texturisers. With 6–16 wide teeth, they slice out thick sections fast while leaving intentional movement behind. Think shaggy lobs, thick curls, mullets and any client who wants "weight gone, but shape intact."
Where chunkers shine
- Modern shags & mullets: Remove bulk internally while keeping the outline airy.
- Curly debulking: Snap heavy sections without destroying curl definition.
- Blunt-to-lived-in transitions: Turn a crisp bob into a softer, piecey finish in minutes.
- Barber texture crops: Create controlled separation without grabbing clippers.
Spec the right pair
- Tooth count: 6–10 teeth for aggressive removal, 12–16 teeth for more control.
- Tooth profile: V-notched or serrated teeth grip slippery hair; wider gull-wing teeth give softer results.
- Blade edge: Most chunkers use a convex cutting blade—keep it sharp to avoid snagging.
- Handle: Offset or swivel handles help maintain neutral wrists while carving overhead.
- Size: 6" is the sweet spot; longer can feel unwieldy around the crown.
Need spec sheets? ScissorPedia and JapanShears both list current tooth counts, coatings, and matching thinners for major brands.
| Teeth | Cut feel | Great for |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 teeth | Aggressive bite, removes mass fast | Big chops on dense curls, mullets, wolf cuts |
| 10–12 teeth | Balanced removal with controllable texture | Salon shags, debulking around the crown, barber crops |
| 14–16 teeth | Softer feathering, easy to blend out | Fine hair clients asking for movement, fringe softening |
Watch-outs
Chunkers work fast. Always test on a hidden section and limit passes—two strokes per panel max. Avoid fine or compromised hair unless you plan to blend with a blender after. Keep them away from fringes unless the client is committed to serious texture.
Maintenance drill
- Brush out hair caught between teeth after every pass to prevent drag.
- Clean and dry thoroughly—product build-up will rust the tooth grooves.
- Oil nightly with a drop on the pivot and a light wipe over the teeth.
- Sharpen every 9–12 months with a tech who can seat each tooth correctly.
Chunkers worth testing
- Hanzo HH13T Talon — 14-tooth chunker for lived-in shags and curl refinement.
- Kamisori Kaizen III — 10-tooth beast for fast debulking on dense hair.
- Juntetsu Night Chunker — budget-friendly option with V-notched teeth for grip.
Check local pricing and warranty terms in the Gear Guides, and skim the ScissorPedia chunker index for tooth specs before you invest.