Hair Scissor Size Guide
Pick your length by the work you do most. Here’s the short answer, a size chart and how to measure the pair you have.
Which size should you choose?
Choose the length for the cut you do most, then add a second pair for the job it can’t reach.
| Size | Use it for | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0” | Fringes, around the ears and close detail. Go to 4.5” for the closest work. | A second, detail pair |
| 5.5” | Everyday cutting, and most first pairs | Salon stylists, apprentices |
| 6.0” | Layers, longer sections and more reach | Salon stylists |
| 6.5” | Long hair, wide sections and some over-comb | Salon and barber |
| 7.0” | Scissor-over-comb on short back and sides | Barbers |
| 7.5” and up | The longest over-comb strokes | Barbers |
| Barber kit | A 6.5” or 7.0” for over-comb, plus a 5.5” or 6.0” for detail | Barbers |
Handle next. Once you know the length, the handle guide compares offset, straight and crane handles.
How do you measure hair scissors?
Two numbers matter, and only one of them is the inch size.
- 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.
- Overall length is the inch size. Close the pair and measure from the blade tip to the end of the furthest ring, leaving off any finger rest. 140 mm is about 5.5”, 152 mm about 6.0” and 178 mm about 7.0”.
- Blade length is the part that cuts. Measure from the pivot screw to the tip.
- Compare blades, not just sizes. Two 5.5” pairs can differ: Joewell lists a 54 mm blade on its FX-PRO 55, and Yasaka lists 60 mm on its SA-5.5.
Makers round and measure a little differently, so a 5.5” pair can measure more than 140 mm. Yasaka’s SA-5.5 measures 147 mm overall.
Common questions
What size scissors should a beginner buy?
A 5.5” suits most salon courses. If your course gives you a kit list, buy the size on it.
What size scissors do barbers use?
A 6.5” or 7.0” for scissor-over-comb, plus a 5.5” or 6.0” for detail. The barber scissors guide has picks for each.
What size thinning scissors should I buy?
Most thinners in our range are 6.0”, whatever cutter you use. Choose the tooth design for the job first: the thinning scissor guide compares them.
Do small hands need short scissors?
Not always. Ring size and handle shape decide most of the fit, so choose the length for your work, then check the rings.
Do left-handers need a different size?
No, the same lengths apply. Buy a true left-handed pair, and check the option list: fewer sizes come in Left. The left-handed guide compares them.
Find your pair
Know your size? The scissor finder narrows the range by hand, length and budget.
Related: the barber scissors guide and the handle guide.