Types of Hair Cutting Scissors
Cutting hair at home can be tempting, particularly if a quick trim is necessary, and regular household scissors seem convenient. However, using regular scissors for haircuts can lead to less-than-desirable results as well as damage your hair. This article will explore the differences between household scissors and professional hair shears, the potential risks of using hair cutting tools guide, and 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 another materials, hair shears have sharp, finely crafted blades that can make precise cuts without causing split ends or hair damage. Here are some key characteristics that set them apart: Sharpness: Hair shears are really sharp, allowing for clean, precise cuts through each strand of hair. Regular scissors are generally duller, made to cut through thicker, tougher materials. Blade Design: Hair shears tend to be 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 allow for greater control and ease, especially during intricate cutting techniques. Material Quality: Hair shears are made of high-grade stainless or cobalt alloys, which makes them durable and effective at maintaining sharpness for longer periods. Regular scissors will often be made from cheaper steel that dulls quickly when applied to hair. Why Regular Scissors Aren't Ideal for Haircuts Using regular scissors for haircuts includes several risks, as they’re not created to handle the delicate structure of hair. Here are some specific issues that can arise: Split Ends: Because regular scissors are certainly not sharp enough to generate clean cuts through hair, they could tear or bend hair strands, bringing about split ends and frayed tips. Jagged Cuts: Household scissors often create rough, uneven edges, rendering 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 could become more prone to breakage after a while, ultimately causing frizz as well as an unhealthy appearance. Difficulty in Controlling the Cut: Regular scissors don't have the ergonomic kind of hair shears, so that it is harder to keep them comfortably and gaze after control over your cuts, especially during delicate techniques like layering or point cutting. Can You Use Regular Scissors inside a Haircut Emergency? In an emergency or for a very minor trim, regular scissors generally is a last resort, but it’s necessary 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 possible before cutting hair. This can help produce a cleaner cut, even though it’s not as precise as being a professional shear. Use Small Sections: Work with really small sections of hair to cut back the risk of uneven cuts and help control the scissors’ movement. Avoid Wet Hair: Regular scissors often create jagged edges on wet hair, because the strands are heavier and may stretch when wet, leading to uneven cuts once the hair dries. Angle the Scissors Properly: Instead of cutting straight across, retain the scissors in a slight angle and snip vertically into your hair. This “point cutting” method can soften the ends and hide some unevenness. Do a Minor Trim Only: Regular scissors are perfect for trimming a little section or quick fix between professional cuts. If a major haircut is needed, it’s worth awaiting 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, below are a few strategies to get the best results: Invest in a Pair of Affordable Hair Shears: Many affordable hair shears are available online plus stores. Even an entry-level pair will offer you better results than regular scissors, as they’re designed especially 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 should be done slowly and carefully. Rushing can cause uneven cuts and mistakes which can be difficult to fix without specialist help. Use the Right Comb: A fine-toothed comb helps keep hair straight and in many cases as you cut. This can help 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 in your hair, there are steps you'll be able to take to lessen damage and keep your hair looking healthy: Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: This helps hydrate the ends and lower the appearance of split ends. Trim Split Ends Regularly: Even if you don’t do a full cut, trimming visible split ends will 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 very pinch, buying professional hair shears offers several positive aspects: Cleaner Cuts: Professional shears make clean, precise cuts, reducing split ends and allowing the head of hair to maintain its integrity. Better Control: With ergonomic designs, hair shears allow for more controlled, consistent cuts. Longer-Lasting Sharpness: Hair shears are developed to retain sharpness, so they’ll keep going longer and perform better with proper maintenance. Improved Styling Options: With proper shears, you can achieve more professional-looking cuts and test out different cutting techniques safely. While regular scissors may be a fast solution, they aren’t ideal for haircuts because of their dullness, insufficient precision, and potential for damaging hair. For anyone who trims or cuts hair regularly, investing inside a quality set of two professional shears can be a worthwhile decision. Professional hair shears provide cleaner, healthier cuts, minimize damage, and offer greater control over the final style. Whether you’re cutting your own hair or a family member’s, a proven method can make a world of difference.