Everything you need to know about thinning scissors
Hair scissors are an essential tool for hairdressers. From hair cutting scissors to thinning scissors, it is difficult to know the cutting tools for hairdressers well.
Today, let's take a look at thinning scissors. Scissors little known to the general public but essential for performing a haircut according to the rules of the art of hairdressing.
In this article you will learn:
- The definition of thinning scissors
- The different types of scissors
- How to choose thinning scissors
- Maintenance of thinning scissors
You will know everything about thinning scissors!
What are thinning scissors ?
Also called “notched scissors” or “thinning scissors,” thinning scissors are designed to gently thin hair and eliminate lines when finishing a haircut.
They are composed of two blades:
- a smooth blade
- a serrated blade
Unlike cutting scissors, which leave a clean, precise line, thinning scissors are specially designed to create a soft, light texture by removing volume and thinning hair.
They are popular for layered cuts, and hairstyles with light, flowing finishes. Thanks to their ability to subtly thin hair, they have become essential tools for professional hairdressers looking for results that are both precise and natural.
The different types of thinning scissors
In thinning scissors, there are different types of scissors for different uses. Let's take a look at the three main types of thinning scissors most common among hairdressers.
Thinning scissors
This is the most common model among hairdressers who work in hair salons. They are specially designed to remove little volume of hair and achieve precise finishing of cuts. These scissors are versatile and suitable for a variety of hair styles, providing hairdressers with great precision in their work.
Thinning scissors
Thinning scissors remove a little more volume than thinning scissors. Their particularity is that they have two thinning blades. Often used in larger sizes, these scissors are popular for men's cuts. They achieve more layered results, removing a greater amount of hair to create subtle textural effects.
Texturizing scissors
Texturizing scissors have more space between each tooth, allowing them to remove more volume with each scissor stroke. They should be used with caution, as they can quickly lighten hair more significantly. These scissors are especially useful for creating textured hairstyles or more voluminous styles.
How to use thinning scissors ?
If you are a hairdresser, you know that thinning scissors are special cutting tools that should be used sparingly. One too many scissors and you create an unharmonious demarcation on your clients' cut. Follow these steps to use your thinning scissors correctly:
- Prepare hair: clean, dry and detangled.
- Section off the section of hair you want to thin.
- Hold the thinning scissors at an angle that is comfortable for you.
- Make short, quick movements with the scissors.
- Vary cutting lengths to create textural effects.
- Make touch-ups and refine the finishing touches of the cut.
Each hairdresser has their own techniques, so it is recommended to practice as much as possible to develop your own cutting techniques. This way, you will be able to give a personalized style to your haircuts, customers will appreciate it and will come back to cut their hair in your salon.
Tip : in the field of hairdressing, it is important to have good maintenance of your tools to work in good conditions. You can therefore opt for ergonomic thinning scissors if you want more dexterity.
Thinning scissors VS texturizing scissors
As you know, thinning scissors have a so-called polished straight lower blade and a notched upper blade. And as their name suggests, these scissors are useful for thinning or structuring a haircut.
While thinning scissors have two notched blades. They are used to thin and thin the hair by removing more mass.
Thinning scissors are known to naturally create a balance between thinning and cutting when used, because they are the cross between traditional cutting scissors and thinning scissors, they allow you to shorten hair while thinning it.
Thinning scissors, on the other hand, have two notched blades. They are used to thin fairly thick hair. They cannot be used for cutting and so it is important to only have thinning scissors if you already have quality thinning scissors.
How to choose thinning scissors?
It is not easy to choose your scissors, each hairdresser has their own body type, and therefore the type of scissors that suits them. However, the search criteria remain the same for all scissors and sculptors. In addition, depending on your expectations, some models will suit you better than others.
Choosing your thinning scissors
There are criteria to take into account when choosing your thinning scissors. Let's take a look at these essential characteristics.
Ergonomics : this is the first essential criterion. Ergonomics allows the hairdresser to perform haircuts in a good posture, while avoiding requiring too much effort. The ideal would be to opt for “ergonomic” shapes for maximum ease during your haircuts.
The blades : the wider apart the thinning teeth, the more volume of hair you can remove. Consider the number of teeth and the spacing between each tooth to make sure it's what you need. This is what we call “thinning density” in the hairdressing scissor industry.
Tapering density : depending on the space between each tooth, the tapering is more or less dense. To taper a lot of volume, favor spaced teeth. Conversely, choose scissors with fine teeth to thin them lightly. “Texturizing scissors” are thinning scissors designed to remove a lot of hair volume, use with caution.
Size : from 5 inches to 7 inches, you have the choice for the size of your thinning scissors. We recommend a standard size (5.5 inches), so that they are versatile and adapt to all the haircuts you are going to do. Some hair stylists like large thinning scissors (7 inches) to save time.
Steel : one of the criteria often little known by hairdressers. Nevertheless, it is very important. We mainly find scissors made of stainless steel, which is ideal for cutting hair (durable and easy to maintain). There are also scissors made of titanium or cobalt-enriched steel. These premium materials improve the quality of the blades and are more durable. It is therefore the perfect choice for perfectionist hairdressers.
Our expert advice
It is important that the thinning scissors are adapted to the needs of the hairdresser who uses them. If you are left-handed, make sure you have left-handed scissors. They will guarantee you optimal grip for left-handed people.
You should also know that the size of the scissors is expressed in inches (as for cutting scissors). A tip is to make sure your middle finger is smaller than the cutting blade. This makes it easier for you to handle your scissors.
In case you do not know the length that is appropriate for you, you can use as a unit of measurement the distance between the base of your palm and the tip of your middle finger.
How to maintain your thinning scissors?
Like any tool, thinning scissors deserve to be maintained regularly.
First, they should only be used for cutting hair. After use, it is necessary to remove any remaining hair before using a soft cloth to clean the blades.
Following this, you can disinfect the blades if necessary. To do this, you will need a product intended for this purpose. A few drops of paraffin oil on the blades are recommended to apply 2 times a week if you use your scissors regularly.
A professional will take care of sharpening the blades of your scissors if necessary.
Thinning scissors: a long-term investment for hairdressers
As you all know, nowadays there is a wide variety of scissors on the market, including thinning scissors.
It is important to focus on the quality of the scissors, mainly with regard to its manufacturing material. Indeed, between stainless steel, damask steel and rolled steel, the choice is complicated when you know the advantages of each material.
To do this, it makes sense to prioritize quality of life first. Then, look at the quality of precision and finish with the best grip of the chisel. If we have to base ourselves on these criteria, scissors of Japanese origin and the secret of their blade are the best on the market.
To avoid spoiling a cut and risking tarnishing your reputation, you must make a careful and thoughtful choice for a thinning scissors.
