Where Are Hair Scissors Made

Hair cutting scissors come from all over the world ! This also means that quality hair cutting tools will vary from place to place. Where are your hair scissors made? And how can you get the best quality hair cutting scissors out there?

Japan

By now you have probably heard Japan mentioned over and over again in your search for professional scissors. There is a big reason for this ! Japan is probably the world leader in scissor steel. Japanese stainless steel is known for its quality, toughness, corrosion resistance and all around greatness. If you are getting a pair of hair cutting scissors from Japan you know you are getting quality, however with this high quality steel comes a high price tag.

Japanese scissors are used by hairdressers all over the world, and they involve quite a large investment. Some Japanese hairdressing scissors can easily cost more than $1000. Not only is their high quality steel known for being the best scissor steel out there, but their craftsmanship is second to none. 

Of course there are many types of Japanese steel. They are ranked by scissor steel hardness, on a scale called the Rockwell Hardness Scale. Starting with 440C, which is their most affordable hair scissor steel. You get quality Japanese steel that is strong and sharp, but not the hardest! If you're looking for the highest quality steel you'll want to look for hair cutting scissors made from VG10 Premium Steel. VG10 premium steel is your hardest scissor steel that will keep its sharp edge for longer, guaranteeing precise, perfect cuts every time. 

Japan is not only known for having the best scissor steel, they are also known for their Convex Edge. The convex edge, commonly known as the clamshell edge, or Japanese edge, is what makes for a super sharp pair of hairdressing scissors. This edge comes to a very fine, sharp point. Hairdressers that use advanced cutting techniques all day, need a pair of hair scissors with a convex edge. This blade edge is best for slide cutting hair and other texturising techniques. It is a very fine edge so can only be sharpened into the finest, hardest scissor steel out there. Softer, cheaper steel will not have the same great blade edge retention as pure japanese steel.

If you're looking for premium scissors with a premium price tag, look no further than Japanese steel shears. 

Germany

Germany is known for all things quality and craftsmanship, after all they are the home of Porsche, Mercedes, BMW.. etc etc. They are also known for their high quality hairdressing scissors.

German steel may not be as popular as Japanese steel but it is comparable in many ways. German scissors are made from a high quality chromium steel, which is a premium hardened steel. German hairdressing scissors started in Europe in the 1930's and quickly became known worldwide for their impeccable European design. 

German hairdressing scissors are known for their bevel edge blades. This edge is more of a strong, powerful work horse, compared to the convex. A beveled edge does not have as fine of a point as the convex, which means it is perfect for everyday cutting. The beveled edge helps to keep the hair on the blade, which makes blunt cutting that much easier. You will often find this edge on barber scissors as it is helpful for scissor over comb. German steel will give you a good blade edge retention, so that beveled edge will keep cutting for quite some time.

China

Hairdressing scissors from China can have quite a large range in quality. You may find hairdressing scissors made from Japanese premium scissor steel or you may find Chinese steel. By now you have learned all about the high quality japanese steel. So you know that if its japanese steel it will be top notch. Companies often have their hairdressing scissors made in China with Japanese steel to help deliver quality scissors without the extra large price tag. Having scissors made in China means that you are still getting the best scissor steel and all its benefits, but they are produced quicker and easier. 

You will also come across scissors made from Chinese steel. While it isn't the most well known steel, it is still a good scissor steel. It may need to be sharpened more often, depending on usage, but if you are looking for a good, strong, affordable pair of hair cutting shears, chinese scissors may work for you. Many apprentice scissor kits will include standard stainless steel scissors from China. They are definitely good hairdressing scissors to help start your career.

India and Pakistan

Over the years, with the popularity of online shopping, like Amazon, India and Pakistan have moved into a more prominent position in the scissor world. While it may seem appealing to buy a pair of hair scissors that cost $30 it is important to remember that you always get what you pay for.

For the price tag of scissors made in India or Pakistan you will most likely be getting some of the lowest quality scissor steel. Actually, you will be getting some pretty soft hairdressing scissor steel. Hopefully by now you have learned the importance of scissor steel hardness. Low quality steel will be a softer scissor steel. It will not stay sharp for very long and cutting with dull blades can be an awful experience for you... and your clients. Dull scissors are not recommended for alot of texturising techniques as they can cause damage to the hair. 

It is also important to note that lower quality hair shears will not consider your comfort. They will not have the best ergonomic handles that high quality scissors have that will keep your wrist and hands comfortable and injury free.

You may consider a pair of lower quality hair shears as your basic cutting tools if you think it is easier, and cheaper to replace your scissors every few months instead of sharpening them. This may seem like an economical decision, however you need to consider if the negatives outweigh the price tag.

Now you know!

Now you know where your hair shears are made! This is some important info you need when choosing that next pair of scissors! We know a google search for hair shears can be overwhelming so if you have more questions feel free to contact us, we have all the scissor info you need !