6 Rules to Follow When Selecting Shears

A beautiful blade makes a phenomenal difference in your day, your work and your client satisfaction, so choose carefully says Phillip Wilson, FHI Heat's Global Artistic Director. With proper selection and care, you will have them throughout your career. To help you purchase the perfect pair, Phillip shares some helpful advice to steer you in the right direction.

1. The Importance of Quality – The quality of the steel will determine how long your shears will last, as well as the precision they'll provide. Options include cobalt, steel or a combination of both, which is know as a Damascus shear. Japanese steel provides the highest quality. FHI Heat offers all three in its KORE line.

2. Comfort and Control – Try out and “handle” as many pairs of shears before you make your purchase. You need to know what feels best in your hand. “Personally I like offset handles which used to be known as ‘cranes,’” says Phillip. “These are ergonomically designed for comfort to allow you to cut without moving your wrist, which diminishes the potential for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.”

3. More Than One – You'll want to own at least two pairs of shears—one ranging from 4 ½ to 5 ½ inches to use for cutting the interior of the hair and one ranging from 5 ½ to 7 ½ inches for cutting the frame.

4. Finding Your Edge – Some shears have a sword edge while others have a clamshell. A clamshell actually feeds hair into the blade as you cut for the ultimate precision. “I find the clamshell edge particularly useful combined with the offset handle for left-handed stylists to feed the hair in, as opposed to pushing the hair away, which often happens,” explains Phillip. “A sword edge is incredibly sharp with a more long lasting edge. I use it for cutting dry hair and tight angles.”

5. Priced Accordingly – Your shears are your most important investment in your art, your craft and your future. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed by choosing the best tools possible. Shears can range from very cheap to quite expensive. It's important to avoid the cheap blades because they have no longevity, no balance and no edge. You have to constantly redo cuts.

6. Shear Support – Buy from a reputable manufacturer that provides ongoing support—and take advantage of that benefit. It's important to buy your shears from a reputable company that provides sharpening services, because you'll need to have your blades realigned and sharpened as you use them. Make sure you buy your shears from a trustworthy company so you get back the shears you sent them and they'll be returned with the proper edges.

TELL US: What is your favorite pair of shears and why?