Cutting shears

A cutting shear is the one you'll reach for most. It does the blunt lines, the layers, the point cutting and the small details around the face and ears. If you're buying your first pro shear, this is where to start. Students and new stylists usually choose a 5.5 or 6.0 inch blade, and stylists with smaller hands often go a little shorter. Each card below shows the handle, the lengths and the hand, so you can rule shears in or out without opening them. Use the filters to keep only your hand and length, then open two or three shears in your budget and compare the handle and the edge side by side. If your wrist or shoulder aches after a long day, try the offset and crane handles first. Want the steps in order? The first pro shear guide covers budget, hand, length and handle in about ten minutes.

New to pro shears? Read the first pro shear guide

Which length? Read shear sizes, explained