The 10 Best Hair Thinning Scissors

Editor's Notes

September 18, 2020:

Today we added in the Cricket Shear Expressions Hey Rosie, which feature an elegant rose gold finish with glittery accents, and pink finger rings. And they’re not just a pretty face, since they’ve got an ergonomic offset design in the handle, as well as a built-in silencer that allows you to cut smoothly with them without there being any annoying metal-on-metal sounds. They’re from a company that’s been making hair care products for more than 40 years, and the case they come in can serve as a safe place to store them when not in use. The Dream Reach Kit also join the selection, as an option designed for left-handed users. Included are both thinning scissors and straight-edged shears, as well as a cleaning cloth and a handy storage case. Their adjustment screws allow you to easily tighten and loosen their tension. They’re a good option for precise cutting both wet and dry hair, and work well on your mustache, beard, eyebrows, and sideburns.

For a professional-quality set at a reasonable price, look to the 2-pair Shear Guru Texturizing Set, the straight edges of which are hand sharpened to retain their edges for a long time. They’ve got ergonomic handles to help those who cut hair all day from developing hand fatigue. Their screws allow you to adjust their tension with ease, and they come with a handy leather case for safe storage and transport. For a set that works great on facial hair, check out the Rough Stache Barber, which can add texture or layers nicely to any style. This hand-crafted pair is good for users with large hands, thanks to wider thumb hole.

If you’ve never used thinning scissors before, before purchasing a pair of them, consider what type of style you want to achieve. Ones with finer teeth are better suited for texturizing and finishing, whereas those with wider teeth -- usually between 7 and 15 in number -- can be used for removing unwanted weight in the hair. No matter which you go with, experts recommend the shears face the direction your hair grows when you make the cut, for the best results. Making cuts that are too close to the scalp can be problematic since the newly shortened hairs can lift upward in a similar fashion to a cowlick. It’s always a good idea to talk with a hair care professional for some tips and training before you attempt to use thinning scissors for the first time.

September 11, 2019:

Whether you're a professional stylist, you cut your own hair at home, or you just want something for quick trims and touchups between cuts at the salon, there's a pair of thinning scissors to suit your needs and your budget.

If you work in a salon, the Shear Guru Texturizing Set will allow for all-day use without fatiguing your hands and wrists. They're hand-sharpened and retain their edges well, and the tension is easy to adjust to your preference. The Rough Stache Barber are designed to stand up to frequent use and have finger holes wide enough to accommodate large hands. They won't damage or pull on hair and are great for trimming mustaches and beards. The Fagaci 6.5-Inch are among the pricier options, but they're made from high-quality steel that's built to last and resists damage from wear and tear. They won't pinch or pull hair, have rounded tips to prevent injuries, and come with a key that allows you to adjust the tension exactly how you like it.

For those who cut their own hair at home but don't need scissors designed to stand up to everyday use, the ULG Salon are both practical and affordable. They're comfortable to hold, with rubber inserts to protect your fingers, and their ergonomic grip won't strain your hand or wrist. However, they're not as sharp as most professional-quality models. The Kloud City Shears are extremely lightweight with a built-in screw for tension adjustment. Although they're very budget-friendly, they don't hold their edge for very long, so you'll probably have to sharpen them often.