Differentiating High-Grade Hair Shears from Lesser Alternatives
/The phrase "you get what you pay for" is applicable across many industries, and the world of hair shears is a good example. Products in this industry come in a huge range of quality levels, from relatively low-quality up to elite, professional-quality shears -- and for professionals in the field, choosing the right ones is very important.
At Scissor Mall, we're proud to exclusively provide clients with the very best designer hair shears, from dry cutting and edgy shears like the Mirage Reaper to point cutting, thinning, texturizing and numerous other shear options -- all manufactured using the best materials available. When it comes to sourcing high-quality shears for any of your needs, what are some of the elements that separate our excellent products from some of the low-quality shear options you may find in other locations? Here are a few of the top differentiators between professional hair shears and lesser options.
Lifespan
First and foremost, there's a good reason professional hair shears cost significantly more than low-quality alternatives: Because they will last much longer. If they're properly cared for, your professional hair shears should last you for decades. This includes proper sharpening, the right kind of lubrication, and regular inspections for any type of damage -- all of which are part of the process at professional hair salons.
Of course, you should expect much less longevity from low-quality shears. Even with the best care, inexpensive hair shears made from lesser materials will generally be worn out within a few years.
Construction Material
Down related lines, high-quality hair shears get that way largely based on the superior materials that are used to construct them. Stainless steel, for instance, is the most common construction material -- and it's far better than the low-quality metals, alloys or plastics used to create low-quality options.
Sure, when you're spending a few bucks on your hair shears, you want them to be affordable -- but that doesn't mean they should break apart in your hand after just a couple of uses. As you look for the very best hair shears, be sure to turn your attention toward models made from superior materials like stainless steel, as opposed to low-quality options constructed of inferior metals or plastics that may not hold up to regular use.
However, this area is about more than simply choosing the right material type. Did you know that there are actually several sub-types of stainless steel? The highest such grade here, and the gold standard in hair shears, is Hitachi's ATS-314, but there are also several other quality options, including grades like 440A through 440C.
If you're new to this world, this is where our professional team of hair cutting experts at Scissor Mall can really help you. We only offer products that are of the very highest quality, and we never sell low-quality shears -- including those made from lesser grades of stainless steel.
Edge Profile
Another major factor that helps separate professional-grade hair shears from lower-quality options is the edge profile. To be clear, we're not necessarily talking about which profile you choose -- there are both convex edges and bevel edges that will work quite well for professional stylists. Some basics on each of these types:
Convex edges: Hollow-ground to an extremely sharp edge, which will retain its sharpness for longer -- but may need to be touched up more often. This edge allows for a quick, smooth action from the stylist.
Bevel edges: Much flatter, with an edge that will likely need to be sharpened every six months or so, and will not be as sharp as a convex edge. This is often the more durable type of edge, but requires more frequent sharpening and may not provide the same smooth cutting action for professionals.
While both styles have robust options today, most modern high-quality hair shears contain convex edges, which don't deteriorate as quickly. Within this realm, however, there are sub-categories: Which country the edge was manufactured in, how it was sharpened, and even slight variations in the geometry (like how thick the edge is) can often make a huge difference.
Regardless of which type you choose, though, know that convex edges will cost more for manufacturers to produce -- meaning they'll likely pass along those costs to you, the consumer. Convex edges are also more difficult to make with fine tolerances, which may also drive up the price.
Weight and Balance
Simply put, high-quality shears are generally heavier than lower-quality options -- because they're made from superior materials like stainless steel (rather than lighter metals or plastics). To ensure that they're balanced properly in the hand of a professional stylist, however, look for shears with a certain weight level: Generally speaking, at least 5 ounces.
The right balance will ensure that the hand and wrist don't tire as quickly during a long haircut -- and of course, it's also likely to contribute to the stability of the cut itself, which is another important consideration when choosing high-quality hair shears.
Sure, you probably won't be conducting your own professional-level experiments with these products -- but even so, it's important to look for high-end features that will benefit the stylist. If you don't want to do any of the legwork yourself, just come straight to Scissor Mall and let our experts take care of the details for you.
We only carry the best hair shears on the market today -- professional-grade equipment that will benefit all types of stylists, whatever their skill level or expertise. For more on what separates our hair shear options from lower-quality alternatives, or to learn about any of our hair shears, dog grooming shears or other products, speak to the team at Scissor Mall today.