Comparing Thinners, Chunkers and Texturizing Shears

There are several varieties of hair shears that are often used to thin, layer or otherwise texture hair during cuts, and several of them are similar in certain ways - while also having key differences that separate them. Three common examples in this realm are known as thinning shears, chunking shears and texturizing shears - how are they similar, and how do they differ in important ways that stylists need to know?

At Scissor Mall, we're proud to offer a wide range of texturizing shears (such as the Mirage B-15 and many others), chunking shears, thinning shears and more to various clients. Here are some basics on the similarities and differences between these three types, plus what they're used for and what to consider for any of them.

Thinning Shears

Likely the most common type of this sort, thinning shears are typically used to remove bulk from hair by blending and thinning out sections of it. Many stylists refer to them as "thinning scissors" or even just "thinner," which makes sense given their purpose in a cut - they create smoother results than traditional scissors might be able to offer on their own.

One big difference between thinning shears and other types is that they have teeth on one side and a regular blade (or sometimes more than one) on the other. These teeth vary in size, gap width and often sharpness depending on what kind of shears they are; generally, though, hair stylists use them to remove part of the hair along the length of a section - sometimes in a straight line, and other times in a more curved pattern.

In particular, thinning shears are great for removing bulk from thick hair or softening thicker textures that might look too blocky with blunt cuts. They're also useful for blending layers into each other and allowing shorter sections of hair to lay down against longer ones more naturally (without bulging out).

One important note as we move forward: In some circles, the term "thinning shear" is used as a broader descriptor, one that also covers chunking shears, texturizing shears and many other kinds. However, we're using "thinning shear" as a more specific term for this page - one that refers to shears with teeth on one side and a blade on the other.

Chunking Shears

Similar to thinning shears in some ways, chunking shears also have teeth on one side - though they might be much wider. They are also typically far thicker, meant to remove large sections of hair at once rather than gradually thinning it out.

As the name implies, chunking shears are often used to create more dramatic chunks or layers in hair. They're also useful for texturizing very thick or coarse hair that might be difficult to work with otherwise - and they can sometimes function as shortcuts for removing bulk compared to thinning shears that remove smaller amounts in a more gradual manner.

One potential downside to chunking shears is that they can leave blunt, noticeable lines if not used carefully. They're also generally not great for blending layers into each other - something that thinning shears do well with their curved teeth and ability to take out smaller chunks of hair at once.

Texturizing Shears

Finally, we come to texturizing shears. These are a bit of a hybrid between thinning and chunking shears: Like chunking shears, they have wide teeth that remove larger sections of hair at once - but like thinning shears, they're also more curved (in most cases) than chunkers. This curvature means they can blend layers in a more subtle way, and also helps them remove bulk in a way that looks more natural.

While texturizing shears can leave lines if used incorrectly, they're generally considered the best option for blending layers and creating texture that's neither too blocky nor too thin. They're also great for softening the edges of haircuts or removing bulk from the middle sections of hair.

While all three shears serve similar purposes in terms of thinning and texturizing hair, they each have unique features and are best suited for different tasks. Knowing the differences between these types of shears can help stylists choose the right tool for the job and achieve their desired results with precision and ease.

At Scissor Mall, we offer a wide selection of high-quality hair shears to help stylists achieve the perfect cuts for their clients. Whether you're in need of thinning, chunking or texturizing shears, we have options that will fit your specific needs and preferences. Browse our collection today and elevate your styling game with the right tools for the job. Happy cutting!