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best hair cutting scissors 2021
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The 13 Best Hair Scissors for Expert-Level Trims and Cuts

Don't attempt a DIY trim or cut without one.

By Tiffany Dodson

It's not a stretch to say that for most of us, the pandemic has shifted our perspective on most things—including our beauty routines. Although taking a trip to your local salon feels a little safer now than it did last year, we don't blame you if you still prefer to DIY a haircut or trim.

We know it's tempting to just grab your kitchen scissors and lop off your dead ends—but pros say you should invest in quality shears before you do anything drastic. "I believe that quality is essential and less is plenty—it's worth it to invest in a pair of scissors you’ll love for many years," celebrity hair stylist Garrett Markenson tells BAZAAR.com. "Investing in a pair of scissors that feel right in your hand will be key. A dull blade will only lead to issues that could have been avoided with a good set of shears."

  • Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)

    Best for Precise Angles

    Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)

    $63 at Amazon
    Read more
  • S-2 550 Professional Offset Hair Shear (5.5-Inch)

    Best for Beginners

    Cricket S-2 550 Professional Offset Hair Shear (5.5-Inch)

    Read more
  • Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors

    Most Popular on Amazon

    Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors

    Read more
  • Phantom II

    Best for Wet and Dry Hair

    Arc Scissors Phantom II

    Read more
  • Styling Shears

    Best for an Easy Glide

    Tweezerman Styling Shears

    Read more

Celebrity hair stylist Sally Hershberger says those cutting their hair at home ease into the process. “For those wanting to cut their hair at home, my biggest piece of advice would be to cut gradually. It’s always easier to cut off more hair if needed," says Hershberger. "I recommend point-cutting the ends, which is holding your scissor vertically to the ends of your hair and lightly snipping. This will blend the ends and soften the blunt edges, masking any uneven cuts.”

For their short list of the top hair tools worth adding to your collection, we asked a few professionals for their tried-and-true, salon-quality shear and scissor picks to upgrade an at-home haircut. Read on for 13 of the best hair cutting scissors available to shop now.

Related: The 17 Best Hair Brushes Experts Love


Best for Precise Angles

Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)

On Sale
Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)
Best for Precise Angles

Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)

Now 23% Off
$63 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Easy to hold
Cons

    "There are so many different brands, styles, and lengths of scissors available on the market, but my current favorites are the Fagaci 6-inch 440c hair cutting scissors," celebrity hair stylist Gabrielle Corney notes. "They have extremely sharp blades, which is perfect to utilize a precise cutting techniques."

    Blade material:Alloy steel
    Best for Beginners

    Cricket S-2 550 Professional Offset Hair Shear (5.5-Inch)

    S-2 550 Professional Offset Hair Shear (5.5-Inch)
    Best for Beginners

    Cricket S-2 550 Professional Offset Hair Shear (5.5-Inch)

    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Features durable blades
    Cons

      Corney also counts these extra sharp and budget-friendly S-2 550 shears from Cricket among her go-tos to use on clients.

      Blade material:Alloy steel
      One satisfied customer writes:"Great scissors. Easy to hold and sharper than expected. Love them." —Peggy S.
      Most Popular on Amazon

      Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors

      Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors
      Most Popular on Amazon

      Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors

      Credit: Amazon
      Pros
      • Ergonomic
      Cons

        With over 44,000 customer reviews and nearly a five-star rating, these stainless steel scissors are a frequent cart addition for Amazon shoppers, and feature an ergonomic design with razor sharp blades.

        Blade material:Stainless Steel
        One satisfied customer writes:"I am a repeat buyer of these shears. I used to spend way too much as a barber hairdresser. These stay sharp a long time and you don't scream if you drop them. If you do drop. They seem to survive with little, if any damage." —Julie D.
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        Best for Wet and Dry Hair

        Arc Scissors Phantom II

        Phantom II
        Best for Wet and Dry Hair

        Arc Scissors Phantom II

        Credit: Arc Scissors
        Pros
        • Ergonomic
        Cons

          “My go-to scissors for cutting hair are the ARC Phantom II," says Hershberger. "Handmade in Japan, these scissors are perfect for both wet and dry hair, and don’t ever tug accidentally. Plus, since they’re super sharp, they’re also great for creating smooth, precise cuts.”

          Blade material:Japanese stainless steel
          Best for an Easy Glide

          Tweezerman Styling Shears

          Styling Shears
          Best for an Easy Glide

          Tweezerman Styling Shears

          Credit: Bed Bath & Beyond
          Pros
          • Under $30
          Cons

            “When looking for scissors, it’s important for them to have a sharp blade no matter what the price point. For those on a budget, I recommend Tweezerman Stainless 2000 5.5-inch Styling Shears," she adds. "They’re sharp and easily glide through hair for seamless cuts.”

            Blade material:Stainless steel
            Best Japanese Steel

            Hattori Hanzo Kime HH6 Right-Handed Shears (HH6-5.0)

            Kime HH6 Right-Handed Shears (HH6-5.0)
            Best Japanese Steel

            Hattori Hanzo Kime HH6 Right-Handed Shears (HH6-5.0)

            Credit: Hattori Hanzo
            Pros
            • Ergonomic
            Cons

              "In my opinion there is nothing better for cutting hair than Japanese steel. My absolute favorite shears on the market are Hanzo Shears," says professional hair stylist Stephen Hudson. "The difference in my haircuts show it, which makes them truly worth the investment. And to maintain healthy hair between trims, your one of my favorite products to recommend to clients is the Sebastian Professional Potion 9, which works as both a leave-in conditioner and treatment."

              Blade material:Japanese stainless steel
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              Best for Grip

              Tweezerman Spirit 2000 Styling Shears

              On Sale
              Spirit 2000 Styling Shears
              Best for Grip

              Tweezerman Spirit 2000 Styling Shears

              Credit: Amazon
              Pros
              • Easy to use
              Cons

                "The best shears on a budget are Tweezerman Spirit 2000," says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon and Spa in Hillsborough, NJ. "These shears have a plastic handle that's easy to hold, plus stainless steel blades that provide a clean cut—they're extremely user friendly."

                Blade material:Stainless steel
                Best for Curls and Coils

                The Texpert Collective Air Shear (6-Inch)

                Air Shear (6-Inch)
                Best for Curls and Coils

                The Texpert Collective Air Shear (6-Inch)

                Credit: The Texpert Collective
                Pros
                • Features a curved design
                Cons

                  "While every shear will cut hair, there are shears out there that are specifically designed to certain hair types," adds Korab. For curly hair, the Mizani Texpert Collective Air Shear has a curved design to provide a smooth, effortless cutting process for techniques."

                  Blade material:Japanese stainless steel
                  Best Long-Lasting Scissors

                  Mizutani Black-Smith Retro (5.5-Inch)

                  Black-Smith Retro (5.5-Inch)
                  Best Long-Lasting Scissors

                  Mizutani Black-Smith Retro (5.5-Inch)

                  Credit: Mizutani
                  Pros
                  • Rust-resistant
                  Cons

                    "Mitzutani has a long heritage of scissor making dating back to 1921 when the first pair was produced in Tokyo," explains Markenson. "They're made of a custom alloy Japanese steel with every pair being hand made and finished. Metalworking in Japan dates back to the time of the Samurai and has long been considered the finest in the world. The Japanese believe a soul is to live in the tool, and these scissors are made to last an entire career with proper care. I had the honor of collaborating with Mitzutani to create a pair of scissors for my hair care brand Reverie, which quickly sold out and are still sought after."

                    Blade material:Custom alloy Japanese steel
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                    Most Comfortable

                    Coolala Stainless Steel Hair Cutting Scissors

                    Stainless Steel Hair Cutting Scissors
                    Most Comfortable

                    Coolala Stainless Steel Hair Cutting Scissors

                    Credit: Amazon
                    Pros
                    • Under $10
                    Cons

                      You'll get a handy comb along with this highly popular pair of extra sharp shears that features an adjustable tensions screw and finger rest.

                      Blade material:Japanese stainless steel
                      One satisfied customer writes:"These scissors are sharp and easy to use. The comb is a great companion and also very high-quality. Like a lot of people, I learned to give amateur haircuts during the pandemic. It’s become a sort of a hobby, and like any hobby, once you get into it, you want better tools. These scissors are a lot better quality than the ones I first purchased and are still a good value. At least from a self-taught hairdresser perspective, you won’t be disappointed!" —Mamabear22
                      Best Value Hair Scissors

                      Utopia Care Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors (6.5-Inch)

                      On Sale
                      Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors (6.5-Inch)
                      Best Value Hair Scissors

                      Utopia Care Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors (6.5-Inch)

                      Credit: Amazon
                      Pros
                      • Ergonomic
                      Cons

                        You won't have to worry about losing your grip on these professional-level hair cutting scissors, since they're lightweight and designed with grippy finger loops, making them easier to control as you cut.

                        Blade material:Stainless steel
                        One satisfied customer writes:"I got these during the pandemic when we weren't going out to get our hair cut but we needed our hair cut. They work great. Very high quality and really sharp. I had no problems with it cutting hair. The rubberized grip part was also appreciated. Super comfortable to hold and east to use. I've had these for a while now and they're still really sharp and hasn't rusted or dulled at all. I would highly recommend this pair of scissors." —Sue
                        Best for Righties

                        ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors

                        On Sale
                        Hair Cutting Scissors
                        Best for Righties

                        ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors

                        Now 36% Off
                        Credit: Amazon
                        Pros
                        • Ergonomic
                        Cons

                          Touch-up frizzy ends with ease with the help of these right-handed scissors that are made entirely of Japanese stainless steel.

                          Blade material:Stainless steel
                          One satisfied customer writes:"I am not a hair professional but purchased these scissors for personal use. They are very sharp, nice weight and very comfortable in my hand. I am extremely happy with these scissors and bought a second set. Highly recommend." —Shannon K.
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                          Best Ergonomic Design

                          Javenproliu Professional Hair Cutting Shears

                          On Sale
                          Professional Hair Cutting Shears
                          Best Ergonomic Design

                          Javenproliu Professional Hair Cutting Shears

                          Now 44% Off
                          Credit: Amazon
                          Pros
                          • Feature a curved design
                          Cons

                            Here's another beloved pair of Amazon's Choice scissors that feature a vibrant, multi-colored tint and Japanese steel for a precise cut or trim.

                            Blade material:Japanese premium steel
                            One satisfied customer writes:"These cut my hair so well and they are so pretty. I finally leveled up from kitchen scissors and I'm very thankful because my hair looks great and these are really good shears for the price." —Darian

                            Meet the Experts

                            best hair cutting scissors 2023
                            • Garrett Markenson is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles, CA, and owner of hair care brand Reverie.
                            • Sally Hershberger is a celebrity hair stylist and owner of Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City.
                            • Gabrielle Corney is a celebrity hair stylist based in New York City.
                            • Stephen Hudson is a professional hair stylist based in Long Island, NY.
                            • Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hair stylist and owner of Renaissance Salon and Spa in Hillsborough, NJ.

                            Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

                            best hair cutting scissors 2023

                            For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

                            Lettermark
                            Tiffany Dodson
                            Associate Beauty Commerce Editor

                            Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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