Learn how to hold haircutting scissors the right way
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Are you ready to take your haircutting skills to the next level? If you’re tired of feeling fatigued while giving your clients the perfect makeover, we’ve got the solution for you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, learning how to hold haircutting scissors correctly is crucial.
Did you know that improper shears grip can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome even if you’re a seasoned hairstylist? Many believe they’re holding their shears correctly, but the truth may surprise you. Don’t let a small mistake lead to a career-ending injury – make sure you’re holding your shears properly at all times. Holding the shears properly not only improves your posture, but it also gives you better control, resulting in better details and happy clients. Selecting the right size and type of shears is also crucial in reducing fatigue.
Ready to elevate your hairstyling skills? Mastering the proper shears grip is a must.
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Step 1 – Choosing the Right Shear for the Job
While holding a pair of hair cutting scissors may appear simple, it’s actually an art that demands precision. Unlike ordinary kitchen scissors, hairstyling shears require specific handling techniques. Before mastering the proper grip, a hairstylist must have a thorough understanding of the various types, sizes, and blade lengths of shears. Keep in mind that selecting the appropriate shear is the first step in achieving the ideal haircut.
When selecting shears, it’s important to consider whether you are left or right-handed and choose accordingly. Shears come in various blade lengths, ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 inches, with different haircuts requiring different lengths. For intricate styles, it’s recommended to opt for a 5 or 5.5 inch blade, whereas for point cutting, a longer shear with a thicker blade, such as the HH21 Gokai, is preferable. If you value mobility and precision, the Swivel or double-swivel range may be the better choice.
Hanzo’s wide array of professional shears caters to various hairstyling techniques and preferences, making it easy to find the perfect shear to meet your specific needs.
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Step 2 – Finding the Best Fit
Most hairstylists have no trouble perfecting the technique as long as the fingers fit perfectly and the correct shear size has been chosen depending upon the hand size. If the finger holes are too big or too small, the grip will not be optimal. As a consequence, you can drop the shears or cut the hair at the wrong angle – precision is compromised. Just like getting a perfect fit of clothes makes you look better – choosing the best fit can help you achieve that perfect cut. To prevent your shears from fall damage try the cool Hanzo 4 slot Holster.
Shears are made to standard sizes and if the finger holes do not fit, simply put in Hanzo’s premium finger sizers. They just cost $2 and are available in different color options – a small price to pay for ultimate precision. These finger sizers simply slide in the finger holes and improve the handling.
Step 3 – Familiarize with the Shears
For hairstylists, shears are like magic wands that allow them to unleash their creativity and create amazing hairstyles. However, not all shears are created equal, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial to achieving the desired results. Whether you’re looking to point cut or texturize, there’s a perfect shear for every scenario, and knowing which tool to use when is key. To master the art of using shears, you can either attend a Hanzo certified master class or read our blog. Before getting started, it’s essential to feel the weight distribution of the shear in your hand and get familiar with it. With the right shear and proper technique, the possibilities for creating stunning hairstyles are endless!
Step 4 – Holding the Shears Correctly
Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the shear, it is time to learn how to hold haircutting scissors and shears and start styling hair. Let’s start with understanding the anatomy of a typical shear. Between the two blades, you will see a center point called the pivot point. Below this pivot lie the finger holes and tang/tangs. A tang is the place for resting pinky fingers after all the other fingers are placed in their respective positions. The purpose of this is to increase ergonomics and reduce fatigue.
The next step is to insert your thumb finger in the bigger of the two finger holes and the ring finger in the smaller hole. For beginners, this holding position might be a little uncomfortable but with time, you will get used to it. All the other fingers can be placed as depicted in the image below.
If you are feeling fatigue or your fingers are getting sore due to prolonged shear usage, it means one of two things: you are using the shear wrong or the shear does not fit well. Hanzo offers a 15 day refund policy and we even let you test drive our premium quality shears prior to purchase. If you are not feeling the shear, you can always opt for one that fits better or suits your natural style more.
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preferences. Some people prefer offset shears like the HH22T3-Tenshi while others might like the crane style HH11 Hasuji. Similarly, swivel and double-swivel options are available for hairstylists looking for excellent ergonomics and unparalleled precision. We encourage you to experiment with multiple shears until you end up liking one!
How to Properly Hold Hairdressing Shears and Comb?
Are you ready to take your hairdressing skills to the next level? Once you’ve learned how to hold haircutting scissors, and mastered the art of holding a pair of shears properly, the next step is to learn how to hold both shears and a comb like a pro. This requires some serious hand-eye coordination and a bit of finesse.
As a hairstylist, it’s crucial to know how to prep hair properly before making any cuts. And that’s where the comb comes in. To get started, you’ll need to transfer the comb from one hand to the other, while holding the shears in the other hand. Straighten the hair using a comb and switch hands. Use the shear to cut and change hands again. It may seem tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll be able to do it with ease.
As you work, you’ll need to be quick and efficient, moving the comb from one section of hair to the next. But safety always comes first, so make sure to keep your client and yourself protected while you work your magic.
Master transferring the comb from one hand to the other. Then, comb the hair with shears in the cutting hand and swiftly switch the comb to prep the next section. Repeat the process!
To get the best control over the comb, try using your index finger to guide it as you make your cuts. And remember, practice makes perfect! With time and dedication, you’ll become a true master of the art of hairdressing.
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How to Hold Shears for Point Cutting?
Point cutting is one of the most popular haircutting techniques, and mastering it is crucial for becoming an expert stylist. By creating textured, layered looks with precision and finesse, you can take your clients’ hair to the next level and create stunning styles that turn heads.
Hold the shears vertically, with the tips pointing up. As easy as it looks, the technique can be quite intimidating. Just follow the following steps and with a little practice, you will do amazing:
Place your thumb in the larger of the two finger holes and your ring finger in the smaller hole.
- Hold the shears vertically, with the tips pointing up.
- Place your thumb in the larger of the two finger holes and your ring finger in the smaller hole.
- Rest your index and middle fingers on the opposite blade of the shears.
- Open and close the shears using a gentle scissor motion, being careful to keep the tips pointing up.
- Use the tips of the shears to make small, choppy cuts in the hair, creating a textured, layered look.
How to Hold Texturizing Shears?
There are many uses of texturizing shears such as removing volume, softening edges, creating texture and blending layers. Holding a texturizing shear properly is important. To hold texturizing shears properly, follow these steps:
- Hold the shears horizontally, with the tips pointing away from you.
- Place your thumb in the larger of the two finger holes and your ring finger in the smaller hole.
- Rest your index and middle fingers on the opposite blade of the shears.
- Use the tips of the shears to make small, quick cuts into the hair, creating texture and movement.
What is the Best Way to Hold Swivel Shears?
Swivel shears are designed not only to improve ergonomics but also to significantly reduce hand fatigue while cutting hair. To hold swivel shears properly, follow these steps:
- Place your thumb in the larger finger hole and your ring finger in the smaller finger hole.
- Rest your middle and index fingers on the opposite blade of the shears.
- Turn your wrist slightly to allow the swivel to move freely, keeping the blades of the shears parallel to the hair.
- Use a gentle scissor motion to open and close the shears, making sure to keep the blades parallel to the hair.
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How To Hold Haircutting Scissors – FAQ
Why is it important to hold shears properly?
Holding shears properly is important to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, improve posture, and achieve better control and precision in haircuts.
How do I choose the right size and type of shears?
When selecting shears, consider whether you are left or right-handed, choose the appropriate blade length for the haircut, and select the type of shear that fits your preferences and hairstyling techniques.
How can I find the best fit for my shears?
It’s important to ensure that the finger holes fit properly, and if they don’t, you can use Hanzo’s premium finger sizers for ultimate precision.
What are the benefits of using texturizing shears?
Texturizing shears are a versatile tool that can add volume, create texture, blend layers, remove bulk, and soften edges in the hair.
How do I hold shears for point cutting?
Hold the shears vertically with the tips pointing up, and use a gentle scissor motion to make small, choppy cuts with the tips of the shears.
How do I hold texturizing shears?
Hold the shears horizontally with the tips pointing away from you, and use the tips of the shears to make small, quick cuts into the hair to create texture and movement.
How do I hold both shears and a comb properly?
Master transferring the comb from one hand to the other and use your index finger to guide the comb as you make cuts. Remember to prioritize safety for yourself and your client while working.
