Best Japanese Hairdressing Scissors & Shears

If you struggle to get the best scissors for hairdressing, this is the right place for you. You will get all the information you need regarding Japanese scissors. All over the world, Japanese scissors are known for their high-quality features and superior qualities. If you are a hairdresser, you must understand the benefits of having the right scissors, especially Japanese-made scissors. These scissors are well-known for their quality craftsmanship and excellent materials. 

It does not matter your time in the industry, as investing in the right scissors pays off abundantly. However, you will need to know the right size of sheers you require as the hair scissors and shears come in different designs, sizes, and qualities. Before investing in one, you need to know the criteria to select high-quality hair scissors from the best scissor brands. 

Roots of Japanese hairdressing scissors

The history of these Japanese scissors dates back to the Samurai era.  In addition, the roots of their blades are similar to Samurai swords. The first-ever concave-shaped that offered the best cutting performance came from Japan. Since then, these kinds of blades have kept providing us with the perfect cutting experiences. When it comes to shears and scissors, Japan will always be the number one manufacturer. 

All over the world, most professional hairdressers prefer Japanese blades. Because of their rich history, Japan is one of the leading suppliers of the finest barber and hairdressing scissors. Also, Japan is well-known for its high-quality steel, and for this reason, the hair scissors produced are mostly durable and of great quality. However, it is important to understand the entire hairdressing industry in-depth to choose the perfect tools.

The scissor making process has a lot of pomp and circumstances, but the craftsmanship has a very rich history. The first pair of scissors were manufactured more than 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. These scissors were created from bronze, meaning even in the past, scissors were still a precious investment because they must have been quite expensive. Fortunately, there are many affordable pairs of hairdressing scissors on the market today. 

Features of Japanese scissors

The following are the outstanding features of Japanese scissors:

• The barber scissors contain small-sized holes which fit your fingers well.
• Shears have perfect holes for your index finger and another large one for your thumb.
• The size of Japanese shears and scissors range between 4 to 7 inches.
• Japanese scissors are designed to perform most of the hairdressing styles. The shears are ideal for performing over the comb barbering techniques.
• Whether shears or scissors, they all perform exemplary in a salon.

What are the tips for choosing the best Japanese hairdressing scissors?

If you are just stepping into the hairdressing industry, it is important to know some of the industry’s basics. For example, if you are starting a hair salon or a barbershop, you should first know the appropriate tools needed. Japanese scissors will be perfect for any professional hairdresser looking forward to having a successful hairdressing career. 

The main challenge is that many Japanese scissor brands are in the market, and choosing the right brand with the right tools can be a headache. It is always difficult to choose the right products without proper guidance. So, we have some tips that we believe will help you buy the best scissors from the best brands for a great and successful start. Not only do beginners need guidance, but also professionals, especially when choosing the right size. 

The following are some of the tips:

1. Quality

You should ensure the scissors are made from quality materials. Most Japanese shears are crafted using stainless steel. High-grade shears will give you an extended period of service.

2. Budget

Different scissors from different brands have varying prices, and your budget will largely depend on the kind of scissors you will get. Some Japanese hairdressing shear and scissor brands tend to be expensive, while others are relatively affordable. 

3. Cutting techniques

Not all shears will provide you with the same cutting styles. The hairdressing techniques you want to concentrate on will depend on the type of shear you want to buy. Read product descriptions well of any shear before buying to check whether it will work for your hairdressing techniques.

4. Consider the category of hairdressing scissors you want

There are two categories of hair scissors: One for female hairdressers and the other for male hairdressers. Female hairdressers use shears with sizes ranging between 5 and 6 inches, while male hairdressers prefer scissors ranging from 6 to 7 inches. However, if you doubt, we recommend you buy 6-inch scissors as they tend to be a bit standard and fit most of the hairdressers’ hands.

Best Japanese steel used in shears today

Today, professional hairdressing scissors are designed from high-grade steel with great quality. The grading of the quality of the steel is done in various ways. The Society of Automotive Engineers developed SAE steel grades in the 1940s. Depending on the steel properties, these grades go from 100 to 900. Japan also has a grading system. It begins with the letters VG. Below are some of the types of steel that are mostly used for making hair scissors. Note, they are not only Japanese steel:

1. 440C – 440C steel

 This steel is the one with the highest durability and the highest content of carbon: 400 series. It is used where scissors require a razor-sharp edge. This steel is common with chef knives and hairdressing scissors. 

2. VG-10 

This type of steel is used for making chef knives and high-quality hair cutting scissors. They are quite durable because of their high content of titanium. This steel is made in Japan. The G in the VG stands for “gold”, meaning it has gold quality. Scissors made from this steel are ideal for designing texturising shears, and they are also suitable for making clean cuts on dry or wet hair.

3. VG-1 

It is also a gold quality steel from Japan. The high amount of carbon makes it ideal for designing knives and scissors. The carbon content makes shears and scissors made from this steel great for cutting curly and thick hair. Scissors made from this steel can keep their sharp edge for long, and they are designed for busy professionals: both for salon and kitchen.

4. Matsui Aichei Steel 

This custom steel is the best for creating hairdressing shears and scissors. It is a form of cobalt-infused steel made to maintain an extremely sharp edge and is well-known for its durability and high quality. The steel tends to be heavy compared to other types of steel, making it ideal for professionals who want scissors to feel like an extension of their hands. Shears made from this material are excellent for cutting techniques. You should be careful not to confuse it with Aich Steel because they are different materials. 

Note, there are many scissors on the market that are made from poorer materials. Some of them are not even stainless steel. You can opt for quality scissors from high-quality steel or poor-quality scissors that keep getting in your hairdressing way every time. 

Difference between scissors and shears

After understanding the roots of Japanese hairdressing scissors’ history and the types of steel used to make them, you must understand the common difference between shears and scissors. There are different kinds and names like scissors, hairdressing shears, texturised scissors, and thinning shears. The question to ask here is whether there exists a difference between shears and scissors.  The answer will be that they are almost similar with slight differences. 

Is Japanese steel better quality than other steel?

The reputation of Japanese steel in the world is great. Steel made in Japan has a higher content of carbon, especially the steel used to craft professional knives with sharp blades. The higher amount of carbon makes the steel harder, making it possible to make thinner and longer tools. Also, these types of steel can maintain sharp edges for longer than their counterpart German steel. So, if you are asking if Japanese steel is better than other world’s steel, the answer is yes. 

Taking care of Japanese steel

Taking care of stainless steel scissors is very easy. Ensure you place them in their leather case when not in use. This also protects you from any harm. 

The appropriate method of cleaning them is to wipe them with a damp cloth to get rid of any excess hair after using your scissors. Once all hair is removed, use a dry clean cloth to wipe the scissors over again to ensure no moisture or residue is left—residue and moisture cause pitting and rusting, which is the worst thing you would want from your scissors. 

The other thing you should do in scissors maintenance is oiling them. Oiling is a very vital process in tool maintenance as it ensures the pivot point function perfectly. Also, it gets rid of all elements that cause rusting. To oil your shears, point them down, open them wide, and put a few drops of shear oil at the pivoting point. Open and close your shear while applying oil to ensure the oil gets in and leave them overnight. On the following day, repeat the same process of opening and closing your shears a few times. The process will allow the shear oil to drip out along with hairpieces that might have been stuck at the pivoting point. At this point, the scissor will be ready for work. You should perform oiling exercises on your shears once a week. However, you can perform more times than this. 

How to sharpen professional stainless steel scissors

According to the above guideline, even when maintaining your scissors, you have to ensure your scissors’ blades remain professionally sharpened. You can perform sharpening exercises once per year or after every six months. Because of high carbon content, these shears tend to maintain their sharp edges for an extensive period. Sharpening should be left to a professional bladesmith. 

Once you notice that hair is bending before being cut, this will be the right time to take your scissors to a bladesmith. Sharp scissors are supposed to effortlessly cut the hair to improve your job satisfaction. You should avoid sharpening professional shears yourself because there are chances that you might damage their blades. 

Why are Japanese shears hand-made?

Japanese shears are all handmade as it is hard to make a machine that can replicate the unique craftsmanship of these shears. Japanese shear dates as far back as the 5th century AD. So there is no doubt that the Japanese bladesmiths and swordsmiths are the best options for business. 

Best Japanese hairdressing scissors & shears

Japan is benefiting the world with their excellent shears that have been in existence for thousands of years. If you are looking for some of these Japanese shears, below are the best Japanese hairdressing shears. 

1. Kamisori

Kamisori is a professional hairdresser scissors manufacturing company. The company has been in existence for more than 18 years, and they are dedicated to delivering high-quality shears that will make your hairdressing techniques more satisfying. Kamisori provides a wide variety of hair scissors, combs, razors, shaving kits, and carrying cases. 

We all love to have a bit of bling. If you are a hairdresser and want some bit of it, Kamisori scissors come in luxurious cases. They are also designed with a stainless steel necklace with some hairdressing accessories for any hairdresser who loves to make their passion seen. All Kamisori shears are made from high-quality steel. Kamoisori carries the Japanese tradition of great quality steel scissors, and they have gone ahead to name one of their series the “ SWORD SERIES.”

Kamisori shears have some of the unique designs in the hairdressing shears industry. Their designs include sleek classics and dragon style design which began an entire shears subculture. Professional hairdressers who are quite familiar with Kamisori shears must have noticed that their handles have a similar design to writhing dragons with gems and scales. They are very luxurious and attractive with great ergonomics and handles. 

Suppose you want a unique scissor such as Typhoon shears with pivot screws and a handcrafted skull design; Kamisori will give you one. This kind of shear is ideal for serious barbers, and it’s quite popular and has won many awards. The quality of this brand is the key highlight. 

Main features

• It uses premium 440C steel.
• The blades have offset handles that provide comfortable handling while creating a balanced look.
• The sword barber shear is excellent in performing the Over The Comb techniques.
• The quality and sleek design make these scissors a great choice for many hairdressers out there. 

Kamisori pros

• It has won several international awards.
• The scissors have offset ergonomics for great handling.

Kamisori cons

• Their prices tend to be higher compared to other scissors.
• The Japanese 440C Steel is not available in left-handed models.

The Kamisori is among the shear brands that get your attention with their unique designs and high qualities. In addition, the 3D convex blade enhances the satisfaction the professional hairdressers get. If you want to invest in the best scissors. Kamisori ought to be your first choice. 

Best Kamisori hairdressing shears

2. YASAKA

Yasaka applies high-quality cobalt steel from Japan to create scissors with engraved styles and unique designs. You should remember that the scissors are handmade with a clam-shaped convex edge blade. 

Main features

• They have elongated sharp blades.
• Their design makes them lightweight tools which are great for working for extensive periods.
• The offset ergonomics offered by Yasaka scissors give them excellent handling.
• Despite the unique craftsmanship and designs, the scissors manage to maintain affordable price ranges.
• The manufacturer uses high-grade quality]y Japanese and Nara materials to craft Yasaka scissors.

Yasaka pros

• The Japanese Cobalt Steel makes them durable and long-lasting.
• They tend to be powerful.
• If you want scissors that come at an affordable price range, be sure to choose scissors from the Yasaka brand. 

Yasaka cons

• The finger inserts are small.

 Best Yasaka hairdressing scissors

3. JIESENYU

Jiesenyu is a Japanese scissor company that specialises in producing quality hairdressing scissors. As a hairdresser, you deserve to have a pair of quality hairdressing scissors. Getting hair scissors that can last for years can even be better. Jiesenyu scissors are made from high-grade materials that ensure these hair tools are hygienic to use and maintain. The blades of these scissors have a razor-like design for effortless and precision cutting. 

They are 100% stainless steel for improved quality and durability. The adjustable screw system makes it easy to adjust Jiesenyu scissors. Also, the system allows you to use your most preferred level of adjustment tightness. These shears are comfortable to use because of their ergonomics. You won’t feel any kind of stress on your fingers or shoulders, making them the best scissors for professionals. This brand delivers hairdressing shears with quality assurance. In case you purchase a pair of scissors with manufacturer’s defect, Jiesenyu will refund your money. Also, if you encounter any problem with their hairdressing scissors, they will be ready to give you support.

Main features

• They are made from high-quality Japanese stainless steel.
• Jiesenyu scissors are designed with razor-sharp edges for effortless cutting. 
• They offer great ergonomics for proper holding and handling.
• Jiesenyu provides its products with a warranty. 

Jiesenyu pros

• High-quality scissors
• Quality-assurance
• Sharp edges
• Great ergonomics

 

Best Jiezenyu hairdressing scissors

4. Suvorna

Suvorna is a Japanese scissors hairdressing brand that uses J2 420 stainless steel. The Rockwell hardness of the steel is between 53 and 54, meaning their shears are strong, sturdy and long-lasting. The fine tension adjustment of Suvorna shear is excellent for professional hairdressers who need quality adjustable features that fit their hairdressing requirements. 

Main features

• The semi-convex edge and their hollow-ground blades allow precise cutting.
• They are ergonomically designed to offer perfect scissors holding.
• The adjustment features are excellent.

Suvorna pros

• Razor-sharp edges.
• High-quality stainless steel.
• Excellent ergonomics

Suvorna cons

• Mostly right-handed

Best Suvorna  hairdressing shears

Conclusion

After having enough information about the best Japanese hairdressing scissors, you should be in a position to offer professional hairstyles and cuts. It is good to understand that everybody has unique styling techniques, which heavily depend on the expertise levels. However, you should always be ready to learn more to improve your styling or cutting skills. 

We have already established that Japanese steel is among the most reliable materials for making professional hair scissors. The Japanese steel tends to be easy to handle, maintain sharp edges longer, and resist corrosion. If you want to invest in professional scissors, this is a place to start with. Using professional scissors in your salon will up your game and attract more clients while creating more loyal customers. You will also enjoy cutting sessions, and the outcome will be more precise and stunning.

In every professional hairdresser’s life, there comes a time when commitment is a must. Most hairstylists remember their first time investing in quality hairdressing tools, such as quality or real blades. In the hair industry, quality blades are treasured, and you can tell a bit about a barber or hairstylist by the brand of scissors they use and how they maintain them.

Japanese scissors should always be your first choice, but they will always be a grand second, third, or even fourth for a professional hairdresser. They will offer you an extended service period, and you might pass them from one person to another. Some even last for more than 20 years if taken good care of.