Start Here: Choose and Care for Salon Scissors
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
Buying a pair, fixing a pair or planning a cut? Start here.
How we chose: Two first-pair picks from our range, based on maker specs, listed options and price. We sell them and haven’t run cutting tests. Prices checked 15 October 2026.
Find your guide
| Your question | Start with |
|---|---|
| Which scissors should I buy? | How to choose salon scissors |
| I’m an apprentice | Best scissors for apprentices |
| I’m a barber | Barber scissors guide |
| I’m left-handed | Best left-handed scissors |
| What size do I need? | The size guide |
| Do I need a thinner? | Thinning and texturising scissors |
| How much should I spend? | Scissor prices by band |
| What’s this word on a listing? | The scissor glossary |
| My scissors are dragging | Why scissors drag, and what to do |
| How do I clean them? | The daily cleaning routine |
| I’m planning a cut | Plan the cut, then check it |
Buying your first pair
The inch size on a listing is the whole scissor, so compare the blade too:
- 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.
- Choose the hand you cut with.
- Start at 5.5” for salon work, or 6.5” to 7.0” for barbering.
- Pick an offset handle unless you trained on a straight one.
- Keep about A$35 for a case and a care kit.
Before you pay, skim the 7 first-pair mistakes. Stuck on a word? The 20 beginner questions cover the basics.
Already have a pair?
- Daily care: brush, wipe, dry and store closed. The cleaning routine has the steps.
- Folding or pushing hair: clean it first, then read the dragging scissors guide.
- Needs a sharpen: ask us for a quote with the model.
- Ready for another pair: the upgrade guide helps you choose the next one.
Learning and practising
The cutting technique hub links our guides to each cut and technique. Apprentices can work through the practice checklist one technique at a time.
Still not sure?
Answer four questions (tool, hand, size and budget) and the finder shows the exact option to pick. New to the store? The getting started help page covers the delivery and returns basics.