Every stylist has their favourite pair of scissors. They’re the tool you reach for without thinking, the ones that just sit right in your hand. And if you’ve worked with a bad pair, you’ll know how quickly sore wrists and messy cuts can ruin your day. That’s why most professionals in the UK are careful about which scissors they buy and which brands they trust.
Japanese vs. German Steel
You’ll hear this debate a lot: Japanese or German? Both have their fans.
- Japanese scissors are known for being razor-sharp and super lightweight. Brands like Joewell, Kasho, and Mizutani are salon staples for precision and slice cutting.
- German scissors, on the other hand, are built tough. Jaguar and Tondeo are hugely popular here in the UK because their bevelled blades last and don’t need sharpening quite as often.
Many stylists actually keep a mix of both, depending on the type of work they’re doing.
Styles Professionals Prefer
Ergonomics is the big thing now. Most stylists go for offset handles because they keep your hand in a more natural position and reduce strain when you’re cutting all day. Some take it further with crane handles or even swivel-thumb scissors, especially if they’ve had wrist issues in the past.
For everyday salon work, medium-length blades (around 5.5–6 inches) are the most common. They’re versatile and suit almost every cutting style. Barbers and stylists who do a lot of scissor-over-comb tend to prefer longer blades—6.5 inches and up—because they can cover more hair in fewer strokes. And, of course, you’ll always find a pair of thinners or texturisers in a pro’s kit for blending and finishing touches.
Brands You’ll See Most Often
According to Coolblades, the top supplier in the UK, these are some of the top brands being bought by professionals.
- Joewell – A favourite for lightweight precision.
- Jaguar – Reliable German workhorses, great for everyday use.
- Kasho – Sleek, sharp, and long-lasting.
- Mizutani – High-end, handmade scissors loved by stylists who want the best.
- Tondeo – Popular for thinners and solid mid-range options.
What Professionals Spend
Good scissors aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it. Most UK stylists spend somewhere between £150 and £300 on their main pair. That’s the sweet spot for achieving professional-quality results without overspending. Premium scissors—such as top-end Mizutani or Kasho—can cost upwards of £500, but many stylists view them as an investment in their career. Scissors priced under £100 are usually reserved for trainees or backups, as they don’t hold up to everyday professional use.
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The Truth About “One Pair”
The reality is, hardly any professional relies on just one pair. Stylists typically rotate between a few pairs: a main pair for everyday cutting, a longer pair or barbering scissors when needed, and a set of thinners or texturizers. Having more than one also helps extend the life of each pair, since you’re not wearing them down as quickly.
So, what scissors do professional hairdressers use in the UK? The honest answer is: it depends. But the pattern is clear—sharp Japanese scissors for precision, durable German scissors for reliability, ergonomic handles to protect your hands, and trusted brands like Joewell, Kasho, Mizutani, Jaguar, and Tondeo.
The best scissors aren’t the flashiest or the most expensive. They’re the ones that feel like an extension of your hand, make cutting easier, and keep you working comfortably through the busiest of days.
