Salon Scissors Buyer’s Guide
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
Build your kit in three steps, and only buy the next tool when you have a job for it.
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.
Your first pair
Start with a cutter you can control: 5.5” for salon work, or 6.5” to 7.0” if you’re barbering. Pick an offset handle unless you trained on a straight one, and buy for the hand you cut with.
A$114.95 to A$229.95 buys a proper first pair. The Mina Umi is A$114.95 in either hand, the Ichiro Ergo A$199.95, and the Ichiro Matte Black A$229.95 in either hand. The how-to-choose guide covers hand, size and handle, and apprentices should read the apprentice kit guide.
Your everyday upgrade
Upgrade the cutter you use all day once you know what you like. Keep the hand, size and handle that work, and change one thing on purpose: the edge, the steel or the maker.
| Upgrade | Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| VG10 steel, offset, convex edge | Juntetsu VG10 Ergo, 6.0” to 7.0” | A$284.95 |
| Offset slice cutter, ratchet tension screw | Kasho Design Master Offset | A$349 |
| Straight handle, 60 mm blade at 5.5” | Yasaka SA Classic | A$399 |
| Joewell’s 3D handle | Joewell FX PRO | A$699 |
Run the premium checklist before you spend. Your old pair becomes the backup.
Your specialist tools
Each of these earns its place with one job:
-
Cutter
Two plain blades. Makes the shape.
-
Thinner
Many fine teeth. Softens weight and lines.
-
Texturiser
Fewer, wider teeth. Takes out visible pieces.
-
Long cutter
6.5” to 7.0”. Covers more comb for barbering.
| Job | Tool | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Blending and softening weight | A 30-tooth thinner | Ichiro Ergo thinner, A$199.95 |
| Visible texture | A texturiser with wider teeth | Ichiro 16T, A$229.95 |
| Fringes and close detail | A 4.5” or 5.0” cutter | Ichiko Precision, A$244.95 |
| Scissor-over-comb | A 6.5” or 7.0” cutter | Ichiro Sword, A$219 |
The types guide explains each tool in more detail.
Barbers: start long
Barbers lean on scissor-over-comb, so put the long cutter first: 6.5” or 7.0”. Add a blender for the line between clipper and scissor work, and a shorter pair for detail around the ears.
Yasaka 7.0 Inch Cutting Scissors
Best for a long everyday cutter with a semi-offset handle (7.0”)
Left-handed barbers can look at the Joewell LSF Lefty in 6.5” or 7.0”.
Before checkout
- The hand you cut with is in the option name.
- The size suits the job, and you’ve checked the blade length if it matters.
- You know what’s in the box: one scissor or a set.
- You’ve added a case and a care kit if you need them.
- You’ve read the returns: ours are 14 days, unused and complete.
Common questions
What should be in a hairdresser’s scissor kit?
A cutter, a thinner, a case and a care kit to start. Add a texturiser, a short detail pair or a long over-comb cutter when your work needs them, and keep your old pair as a backup.
How many pairs of scissors does a hairdresser need?
At least two cutters once you’re on the floor: your main pair and a backup for when it’s away being sharpened. Add a thinner when blending starts.
Are Japanese scissors better?
Not automatically. Judge the model by its edge, handle, size and the maker’s specs, not the country on the box. The Japanese and German comparison explains why.
Next step
Know the tool you need? The scissor finder asks four questions and shows the exact option to pick. Not sure a professional pair is what you need yet? Read home and professional hair scissors.
Buying from outside Australia? Where to buy hair scissors by country lists the ShearAlliance stores for seven countries.