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.
The 11 Best Hair Scissors for Expert-Level Trims and Cuts
Don't attempt a DIY trim or cut without one.
Any hairstylist worth their salt will always tell you that for a major haircut, you need to come into the salon. But even the best will admit that there are some small tweaks that can be done at home using haircutting scissors.
Whether you’re giving your child their first trim or touching up your bangs, you’ll still need the right shears. “The most important thing to look for when purchasing a pair of scissors is to make sure it’s meant for hair,” says Kim Pags, owner of Journee Styling Salon in Sola Salons. “When it comes to your hair, those kitchen shears just won’t do.”
Getting a pair of high-quality scissors will come in handy—even if you don’t think you’ll use them often. “It's worth it to invest in a pair of scissors you’ll love for many years," celebrity hair stylist Garrett Markenson tells Bazaar. "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.”
Most Popular on Amazon
Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors
Read more
If you’re new to cutting hair, celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger recommends easing 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.”
Now that you’re prepped, we’ve gathered the 11 best haircutting scissors according to the professionals. Read on for their picks, plus more tips on what to look for.
Related: The 17 Best Hair Brushes Experts Love
Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors (6-Inch)
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 of this alloy steel model. "They have extremely sharp blades, which is perfect to utilize a precise cutting techniques."
Customer Review:
"I've been cutting hair (unprofessionally) for over 30 years for family & friends & have used a number of different scissors to do so. This is, by far, the best scissors I've used! They are lightweight yet substantial & cut so smoothly. The sharpness is excellent as is the ease of holding them in your hand."—r saunders
Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors
Equinox International Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors
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.
Customer Review:
"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.
Arc Scissors Phantom II
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.”
Customer Review:
"I have tried a lot of different scissors in my career but this is my ultimate choice. Cuts so satisfying in both dry and wet hair. Point, blunt, dry, wet—you name it, feels effortless either way! Makes my job easy. Worth every penny! LOVE my new shears!"—Johanna
Tweezerman Styling Shears
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 of this stainless steel pair. "They’re sharp and easily glide through hair for seamless cuts.”
Customer Review:
"I can't say enough good things about these shears. I purchased these in June, and 4 months later the blades are still ultra-sharp and the tension hasn't budged. I trim my bangs with these every week, and do an all-over trim about once a month. I will never buy no-name hair scissors again."—Court
Hattori Hanzo Kime HH6 Right-Handed Shears (HH6-5.0)
Hattori Hanzo Kime HH6 Right-Handed Shears (HH6-5.0)
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 hairstylist 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."
Customer Review:
"These are very comfortable to cut with and great on wet and dry hair (I do both pretty equally) and really good for point cutting which I do a lot of. Love them."—Kyndra
Tweezerman Spirit 2000 Styling Shears
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
"
Customer Review:
"These scissors are small and the perfect size for my small hands. They are super precise and sharp—I use them to cut my husband’s hair and love how easily it cuts through the hair. They've been holding up well over the past year and still cutting strong."—Elie
The Texpert Collective Air Shear (6-Inch)
The Texpert Collective Air Shear (6-Inch)
Pros
- Features a curved design
Cons
This Japanese stainless steel scissor is excellent for curls. "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."
Mizutani Black-Smith Retro (5.5-Inch)
Mizutani Black-Smith Retro (5.5-Inch)
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."
Customer Review:
"I been through a lot of scissors and this is by far the best I used. Perfect for blunt cutting, point cutting, scissor over comb, ploughs through thick dense hair all while not being heavy in the hand."—Ron
Coolala Stainless Steel Hair Cutting Scissors
Pros
- Under $10
Cons
You'll get a handy comb along with this highly popular pair of extra sharp shears—made from Japanese stainless steel—that features an adjustable tensions screw and finger rest.
Customer Review:
"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
Utopia Care Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors (6.5-Inch)
Utopia Care Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors (6.5-Inch)
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.
Customer Review:
"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
ULG Professional Hair Cutting Scissors
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.
Customer Review:
"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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Haircutting Scissors?
It's a big no-no to use regular scissors on hair. Haircutting scissors are designed specifically for hair, with the correct sharpness and ergonomic shape. "Cutting with a dull pair of scissors can produce uneven results and leave the hair cuticle damaged, causing split ends to develop sooner," explains Pags. "Your hair and your stylist will thank you for using the appropriate tool."
What Should I Look for in a Pair of Haircutting Scissors?
"A good pair of hair-cutting scissors is made with high-quality stainless steel that will stay sharp over time," says Pags. Further, they should be ranked in their description: "The quality of shears is ranked by a number and letter system. A 440C is a nice middle-of-the-road scissor that will get the job done."
That said, Pags says "there’s no specific brand" she wholeheartedly recommends. "I look for quality metal, blade length, and blade types." You'll also want to keep in mind specifics like blade size, and whether you want one designed for cutting wet hair or dry hair. "Understanding how you’re going to use your tool will help when making your purchase," says the pro.
When Is It OK to DIY vs. Go to the Salon for a Haircut?
"Seasoned stylist or not, we've all had that moment when we needed to do a little at-home maintenance. Keyword, maintenance!" says Pags. "DIY cuts should be tiny touchups at home. A bang trim, face-framing, but an overall haircut should be left to the professionals."
The key is to play it safe, and avoid getting carried away. "Trust me, I’ve been there when a little at-home haircut has turned into too much hair on the floor. Things don’t look even so we just keep cutting. It's never a good feeling." To avoid that moment, she said, "Keep the big haircuts to a relaxing day at the salon and the little maintenance cuts to your bathroom."
Meet the Experts
- Kim Pags is the owner of Journee Styling Salon in Sola Salons.
- 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.
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.
The “Unsexy” Beauty Products I’m Loving
Pineapple Perfume Is So Hot Right Now
Chanel’s Newest Fragrance Looks to the Cosmos
The 9 Best Eco-Friendly Razors to Shop Now
