Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Arne Trautmann / EyeEm/Getty Images//Hearst Owned Best for Precise Angles
Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)
Best for Precise Angles
Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)
Now 23% Off
Credit: AmazonPros
- Easy to hold
"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 |
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Best for Beginners
Cricket 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: AmazonPros
- Features durable blades
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 |
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One satisfied customer writes: | "Great scissors. Easy to hold and sharper than expected. Love them." —Peggy S. |
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Most Popular on Amazon
Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors
Most Popular on Amazon
Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors
Credit: AmazonPros
- Ergonomic
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 |
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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
Best for Wet and Dry Hair
Arc Scissors Phantom II
Credit: Arc ScissorsPros
- Ergonomic
“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 |
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Best for an Easy Glide
Tweezerman Styling Shears
Best for an Easy Glide
Tweezerman Styling Shears
Credit: Bed Bath & BeyondPros
- Under $30
“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 |
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Best Japanese Steel
Hattori Hanzo Kime HH6 Right-Handed Shears (HH6-5.0)
Best Japanese Steel
Hattori Hanzo Kime HH6 Right-Handed Shears (HH6-5.0)
Credit: Hattori HanzoPros
- Ergonomic
"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
Best for Grip
Tweezerman Spirit 2000 Styling Shears
Credit: AmazonPros
- Easy to use
"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 |
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Best for Curls and Coils
The Texpert Collective Air Shear (6-Inch)
Best for Curls and Coils
The Texpert Collective Air Shear (6-Inch)
Credit: The Texpert CollectivePros
- Features a curved design
"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 |
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Best Long-Lasting Scissors
Mizutani Black-Smith Retro (5.5-Inch)
Best Long-Lasting Scissors
Mizutani Black-Smith Retro (5.5-Inch)
Credit: MizutaniPros
- Rust-resistant
"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
Most Comfortable
Coolala Stainless Steel Hair Cutting Scissors
Credit: AmazonPros
- Under $10
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 |
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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 |
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Best Value Hair Scissors
Utopia Care Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors (6.5-Inch)
Best Value Hair Scissors
Utopia Care Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors (6.5-Inch)
Credit: AmazonPros
- Ergonomic
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 |
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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 |
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Best for Righties
ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors
Best for Righties
ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors
Now 36% Off
Credit: AmazonPros
- Ergonomic
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 |
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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
Best Ergonomic Design
Javenproliu Professional Hair Cutting Shears
Now 44% Off
Credit: AmazonPros
- Feature a curved design
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 |
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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 |
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Meet the Experts
- 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?
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.
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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