When running a salon, one of the most important equipment decision you’ll make is what kind of hairdressing scissors to buy. Hairstylist shears in Lincoln vary in quality, so it can be hard to know what to purchase. Learn what you should be looking for so you can get the best shears for the job.
Where Are the Scissors Made?
When looking for a high level of craftsmanship, check your scissors’ country of origin. Shears made in Taiwan, Korea, or China are always lower quality than those made in Japan. Japanese manufacturers offer superior products created by those with a stronger work ethic. You’ll also find that Japanese steel is of much higher quality than that produced in other countries, giving you a longer-lasting, sharper edge. If you can’t afford Japanese shears, Korean brands fall closely behind in quality, while those from Taiwan, Pakistan, and China are lower on the list.
Prices on scissors from different countries vary. You’ll find that Japanese brands run from $300 to $3,000. Because they are the best, they can afford to be more expensive. Korean brands cost less, usually ranging from $300 to $400, and Taiwanese and Chinese shears have a lower price point of $150 to $200. Remember that you get what you pay for.
How Are They Made?
Hairstylist shears in Lincoln can be manufactured in several ways. If you’re looking for the highest quality available, you’ll want a pair that is forged, not casted. Casted scissors aren’t as well made as those that are forged, but you’ll still find them in wide use throughout the hairdressing industry.
Next, you’ll want to look at the grade of steel used to create your hairdressing scissors. Super Gold 2 Japanese steel is the best your money can buy. If you can’t afford it, the next step down is ATS 314 and V-10 through V-1 steel. After that, Hitachi steels S-3 through S-1 and surgical steels offer a decent quality product. Something to keep in mind is that just because a pair of shears is marked Japanese steel, doesn’t mean they were made in Japan. If your scissors are not marked with a country of origin, you can probably safely assume that they were made in Pakistan or another third-world country.
What Are the Best Handle Types?
Many stylists complain of musculoskeletal disorders ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to back problems and tendonitis. There are shears that help reduce arm fatigue and pressure, making these disorders less likely to appear. So, what are the best types of handles?
- Crane Design – This handle design moves the thumb hole forward and down while lowering the finger blade. The result is a lowered elbow causing less pressure on your arm. These scissors can be difficult to get used to, but your arms will thank you in the long run.
- Offset – Offset handles also lower your elbow with the help of a thumb hole that’s been moved forward, so you’ll find yourself with less arm fatigue.
- Single swivel/Up swivel – This type of handle places a swivel on top of the thumb hole so your thumb can move back and forth, reducing the risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Up swivel/Double swivel – Instead of a single swivel, this handle type allows your thumb to move up and down in addition to back and forth, making it more comfortable and causing less fatigue.
- Opposing – Opposing handles are what you’ll find on most household scissors. They’re marked by two handles that oppose each other, which can sometimes cause you to raise your elbow when cutting a customer’s hair. After a full day of work, your arm may be noticeably tired and sore.
When buying hairdressing shears, keep quality in mind. Pro Sharp Edges offers a wide variety of top quality merchandise and shear sharpening services to keep your salon business running smoothly. Check out our website today or give us a call - 308-293-7221