Thinning & Blending Shears

Tooth patterns decoded

• 40+ teeth (thinners): Remove soft volume, ideal around the nape or inside thick bobs.
• 20–30 teeth (blenders): Best all-rounders for scissor-over-comb refinements and fringe blending.
• 14 teeth or fewer (chunkers): Carve serious weight for thick curls or shag layers while keeping movement.
• V-notched teeth: Grip slippery hair so you do not leave chatter marks.

Technique tips

• Work on damp hair for predictable removal, dry hair for precision tidying only.
• Always close the blades while sliding out to avoid obvious lines.
• Take controlled sections and check the fall immediately—these tools work fast.
• Pair with a convex cutter for surface detailing.

Common mistakes

Over-thinning is the rookie error. If you hear a crunch, you are taking too much. Stay away from the root on fine hair and keep chunkers off fringes unless the client signed up for serious texture. Always talk maintenance so clients understand regrowth stages.

Maintenance drill

1. Rinse teeth under warm water after chemical services to clear residue.
2. Dry thoroughly and oil the pivot to stop corrosion between teeth.
3. Store with blade guards—bent teeth wreck blends.
4. Sharpen with a tech who has the right jigs. Ask how they protect and reset teeth spacing.

Reliable choices

• Yasaka 40 Tooth Thinner: Smooth, consistent removal with zero pull.
• Sam Villa Artist Series Blender: 23 teeth for invisible finishes on salon work.
• Mizutani Acro Type K Thinner: V-notched teeth that tame stubborn Asian and coarse textures.

Swing by the Gear Guides for pricing and warranty intel before you kit out the whole team.