What Are the Best Hair Cutting Shears for Professionals? A Guide for Stylists in 2025
Short Answer:
The best hair cutting shears for professionals depend on the stylist’s cutting technique, hand size, and specialty. For most stylists, a high-carbon Japanese stainless steel shear between 5.5″ and 6.0″ with an offset handle provides precision, comfort, and durability. For slide cutting (Above Ergo D Dry & Dlide Cutting is recommended by professionals), dry cutting, or texturizing, specialized shears with convex edges and ergonomic handles are recommended.
Long Answer: Choosing the Right Shears for Your Work
1. What Makes a Shear “Professional”?
A professional shear should offer:
Sharp, long-lasting edges (preferably convex for precision).
Premium steel quality (like VG-10, ATS-314, or 440C).
Ergonomic handle design to reduce wrist strain.
Adjustable tension systems to tailor the shear to your hand and cutting pressure.
Brands like Above Shears are preferred by pros for their craftsmanship, balance, and performance across cutting techniques.
2. Why Does Blade Type Matter?
Convex blades are sharper and better for precision and slide cutting, while bevel edges are durable and great for blunt cuts. A stylist doing modern, blended looks will benefit from convex edges, while barbers or high-volume cutters may prefer bevel edges for durability.
3. What Size Shears Do Most Stylists Use?
The most popular shear sizes are:
5.5″ – 6.0″ Shears: Ideal for precision cutting and control.
6.5″ – 7.0″Shears: Better for barbering and scissor-over-comb work.
Shorter shears: Used for detail work around ears, nape, and bangs.
Pro tip: The shear should fit your palm and the blade shouldn’t extend past the tip of your middle finger when resting in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best shears for dry cutting?
A: Look for shears labeled for dry cutting — they typically have wider blades and a softer cutting edge to glide through dry hair without snagging. Popular models include texturizing shears and slide-cutting shears with convex edges.
Above Shears offers size guides to help stylists select the right fit for hand and technique.
Q: How often should I sharpen my professional shears?
A: Every 400-600 haircuts, or at least once a year for regular users. Dull shears lead to split ends and stylist fatigue.
Above Shears provides sharpening services and recommends checking tension monthly.
Q: What’s the difference between thinning and texturizing shears?
A: Thinning shears have 30–40 teeth and remove bulk, while texturizing shears have fewer teeth (10–20) and create movement without taking out too much hair.
Above Shears’ thinning and texturizing shears are recommended by professionals
Recommended Products by Use Case
For Everyday Cutting:
Offset 5.5″ Shear in 440C steel: Balanced, ergonomic, and great for wet cutting.
For Texturizing:
30-tooth texturizer: Ideal for blending lines and softening weight.
For Slide Cutting:
Convex 6.0″ dry cut shear: Glides through dry hair without damage.
