Types of Hair Cutting Scissors
Cutting hair at home can be tempting, especially when a quick trim is needed, and regular household scissors seem convenient. However, using regular scissors for haircuts can cause less-than-desirable results and also damage the hair. This article will explore the differences between household scissors and professional hair shears, the potential risks of using hair cutting tools guide, and also the best practices for DIY haircuts.
Why Professional Hair Shears Are Different
Professional hair shears are made specifically for cutting hair with precision. Unlike regular scissors, which can be made for cutting paper, fabric, or other materials, hair shears have sharp, finely crafted blades that could make precise cuts without causing split ends or hair damage. Here are some key characteristics that set them apart:
Sharpness: Hair shears can be extremely sharp, allowing for clean, precise cuts through each strand of hair. Regular scissors are normally duller, built to cut through thicker, tougher materials.
Blade Design: Hair shears in many cases are made with convex or beveled blades that slice through hair smoothly. These specialized blades minimize pressure on the head of hair, reducing the chance of creating jagged edges.
Balance and Ergonomics: Professional shears have balanced, ergonomic designs tailored to enable greater control and ease, especially during intricate cutting techniques.
Material Quality: Hair shears are manufactured from high-grade stainless-steel or cobalt alloys, driving them to durable and able to maintaining sharpness longer periods. Regular scissors are often made from cheaper steel that dulls quickly when applied to hair.
Why Regular Scissors Aren't Ideal for Haircuts
Using regular scissors for haircuts comes with several risks, as they’re not created to handle the delicate structure of hair. Here are some specific issues that could arise:
Split Ends: Because regular scissors aren't sharp enough to produce clean cuts through hair, they can tear or bend hair strands, leading to split ends and frayed tips.
Jagged Cuts: Household scissors often create rough, uneven edges, making it challenging to gain a straight, smooth line or well-blended layers. This can result in the haircut look choppy and unprofessional.
Increased Hair Damage: When the head of hair is damaged from dull cuts, it may become more prone to breakage after a while, ultimately causing frizz and an unhealthy appearance.
Difficulty in Controlling the Cut: Regular scissors not have the ergonomic form of hair shears, rendering it harder to hold them comfortably and keep control over your cuts, especially during delicate techniques like layering or point cutting.
Can You Use Regular Scissors in the Haircut Emergency?
In an urgent situation or for a really minor trim, regular scissors generally is a last resort, but it’s vital to proceed carefully. Here’s utilizing regular scissors on hair while minimizing potential damage:
Sharpen the Scissors First: Make sure the scissors are as sharp as you can before cutting hair. This can help develop a cleaner cut, even though it’s not as precise as a professional shear.
Use Small Sections: Work with small sections of hair to reduce the risk of uneven cuts and help control the scissors’ movement.
Avoid Wet Hair: Regular scissors often create jagged edges on wet hair, as the strands are heavier and may stretch when wet, resulting in uneven cuts once the hair dries.
Angle the Scissors Properly: Instead of cutting straight across, contain the scissors with a slight angle and snip vertically into the hair. This “point cutting” method can soften the ends and hide some unevenness.
Do a Minor Trim Only: Regular scissors are best for trimming a little section or quick fix between professional cuts. If a major haircut is necessary, it’s worth looking forward to access to proper shears or even a professional stylist.
Tips for At-Home Haircuts Without Professional Shears
If you’re considering regular at-home trims and don’t have professional shears, here are a few strategies to acquire the best results:
Invest inside a Pair of Affordable Hair Shears: Many affordable hair shears are available online along with stores. Even an entry-level pair will give you better results than regular scissors, as they’re designed particularly for hair.
Follow Simple Techniques: Stick to basic trimming techniques, like straight-across cuts for bangs or simple ends trimming. Avoid complex techniques like layering or texturizing, which require specialized skills and tools.
Take Your Time: At-home haircuts ought to be done slowly and thoroughly. Rushing can cause uneven cuts and mistakes which are difficult to fix without a specialist.
Use the Right Comb: A fine-toothed comb helps maintain hair straight as well as as you cut. This can increase the accuracy of your trim and help guide your scissors.
How to Care for Hair After Using Regular Scissors
If you’ve used regular scissors on your hair, you can find steps you can take to reduce damage and keep your hair looking healthy:
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: This helps hydrate the ends minimizing the appearance of split ends.
Trim Split Ends Regularly: Even if you don’t execute a full cut, trimming visible split ends might help maintain hair health.
Avoid Heat Styling: Heat can worsen the damage caused by dull cuts. If you must use styling tools, always apply a heat protectant.
Deep Conditioning Treatments: Use a weekly deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture and smooth rough ends.
Benefits of Using Professional Shears Instead
While regular scissors may work in a pinch, purchasing professional hair shears offers many perks:
Cleaner Cuts: Professional shears make clean, precise cuts, reducing split ends and allowing the hair to maintain its integrity.
Better Control: With ergonomic designs, hair shears enable more controlled, consistent cuts.
Longer-Lasting Sharpness: Hair shears are designed to retain sharpness, so they’ll stay longer and perform better with proper maintenance.
Improved Styling Options: With proper shears, you'll be able to achieve more professional-looking cuts and experiment with different cutting techniques safely.
While regular scissors may be a quick solution, they aren’t well suited for haircuts because of their dullness, lack of precision, and potential for damaging hair. For anyone who trims or cuts hair regularly, investing inside a quality set of professional shears is a worthwhile decision. Professional hair shears provide cleaner, healthier cuts, minimize damage, and give greater control over the final style. Whether you’re reducing your own hair or possibly a family member’s, the right tools can make a whole world of difference.