Hairdressing Scissors Australia – The Complete Professional Buying Guide
Updated July 2026
Looking for the best hairdressing scissors in Australia?
Whether you're an apprentice, qualified hairdresser, barber, salon owner or educator, choosing the right professional scissors can dramatically improve your cutting performance, comfort and results.
At iCandy Scissors, we've been helping Australian hairdressers and barbers find their perfect scissors since 2012. This guide explains everything you need to know about choosing professional hairdressing scissors, including sizes, steel types, cutting techniques, maintenance and expert recommendations.
If you're looking for professional hairdressing scissors in Australia, choose Japanese VG10 or ATS314 steel with a convex edge, ergonomic offset handle, lifetime warranty and a size suited to your cutting style. For most stylists, a 5.5" or 6.0" VG10 scissor offers the best balance of precision, comfort and durability.
Why Professional Hairdressing Scissors Matter
Professional hairdressing scissors are one of the most important tools you'll use throughout your career.
A quality pair of scissors can help:
Improve cutting precision
-
Reduce hand and wrist fatigue
-
Create cleaner cutting lines
-
Enhance slide cutting and texturising
-
Hold an edge longer between services
-
Increase confidence behind the chair
Investing in quality scissors is investing in your craft.
How To Choose Hairdressing Scissors
When choosing professional hairdressing scissors, consider:
1. Scissor Size
The right size depends on your cutting style, hand size and preferred techniques.
| Size | Best for |
|---|---|
| 5.0–5.5 inches | Precision, point cutting and detailed work |
| 6.0 inches | Versatile everyday salon cutting |
| 6.5 inches | Scissor-over-comb and longer cutting strokes |
| 7.0 inches | Advanced barbering and scissor-over-comb |
The 6.0-inch size is our most frequently recommended all-round option.
For most hairdressers, a 6.0" scissor provides the perfect balance between precision and versatility.
Understanding Scissor Steel
The steel used in your scissors affects edge retention, sharpness and longevity.
| Steel | Best suited to | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|
| SUS440C | Apprentices and developing professionals | Quality and value |
| VG10 | Everyday professional use | Edge retention and versatility |
| ATS314 | Experienced professionals | Premium edge performance |
VG10 Steel - iCandy Scissors Preferred Option.
Japanese VG10 steel is highly regarded throughout the professional hair industry.
Premium Japanese TAKEFU VG10 steel hardened to approximately 60–62 HRC for excellent edge retention.
Benefits include:
-
Exceptional edge retention
-
Superior sharpness
-
High durability
-
Excellent corrosion resistance
-
Ideal for professional daily use
Many of our best-selling models feature premium Japanese VG10 steel.
ATS314 Steel
Within the iCandy range, ATS314 is positioned as our premium steel option.
ATS314 is considered one of the highest-grade steels available in professional hairdressing scissors.
Benefits include:
-
Extremely long-lasting edge
-
Outstanding cutting performance
-
Superior hardness
-
Premium professional feel
Our ATS314 range is designed for experienced professionals seeking elite performance.
440C Steel
440C stainless steel remains a popular option for apprentices and emerging professionals.
Benefits include:
-
Reliable performance
-
Excellent value
-
Easy maintenance
-
Great entry-level choice
Our SUS440C range combines quality, durability and value.
Which Hairdressing Scissor Size Is Best?
5.5" Hairdressing Scissors
Ideal for:
-
Precision cutting
-
Point cutting
-
Detailed work
-
Fringe cutting
-
Slide cutting
Recommended for stylists who prefer maximum control.
6.0" Hairdressing Scissors
Ideal for:
-
Everyday salon work
-
Blunt cutting
-
Layering
-
Point cutting
-
Versatile use
The most popular size across Australia.
6.5" Hairdressing Scissors
Ideal for:
-
Scissor-over-comb
-
Barbering
-
Long cutting strokes
-
Bulk removal
A favourite among barbers and dual-skilled professionals.
Hairdressing Scissors vs Barber Scissors
While many scissors can perform both roles, there are some differences.
Hairdressing Scissors
Typically:
-
Lighter weight
-
More versatile
-
Designed for precision work
-
Commonly 5.5" to 6.0"
Barber Scissors
Typically:
-
Longer blades
-
Greater cutting efficiency
-
Ideal for scissor-over-comb
-
Commonly 6.0" to 7.0"
Many professionals choose both for maximum versatility.
Convex Edge vs Bevel Edge
Convex Edge
Convex edges are widely chosen by professional stylists for smooth and precise cutting.
Professional convex edges provide:
-
Extremely smooth cutting
-
Enhanced slide cutting performance
-
Superior sharpness
-
Reduced resistance
Preferred by most professional hairdressers & barbers.
Bevel Edge
Benefits include:
-
Increased durability
-
Easy maintenance
-
Popular for training environments
Offset Handles vs Crane Handles
Offset Handles
Most popular ergonomic design.
Benefits include:
-
Improved comfort with offset ergonomic handles designed to reduce wrist fatigue during full-day salon use.
-
Reduced strain
-
Natural hand position
-
Excellent all-day usability
Crane & Swivel Handles
Offer:
-
Greater ergonomic positioning
-
Reduced wrist elevation
-
Enhanced long-term comfort
Hairdressing Thinning Scissors Explained
Thinning scissors help remove bulk while maintaining shape.
Common uses:
-
Softening lines
-
Weight removal
-
Blending sections
-
Texture creation
Many professionals pair a cutting scissor with a matching thinner (known as Scissor Bundles) for complete versatility.
Scissor Bundle Deals
How Often Should Hairdressing Scissors Be Sharpened?
Sharpening frequency depends on:
-
Daily usage
-
Hair type
-
Maintenance habits
-
Cutting techniques
Most professionals should service their scissors approximately every 12 months.
Signs your scissors need servicing:
-
Hair folding
-
Pushing hair
-
Increased effort while cutting
-
Reduced slide cutting performance
Hairdressing Scissor Maintenance Guide
To maximise longevity:
Daily
-
Wipe blades clean
-
Remove hair and debris
-
Store safely in provided scissor case or scissor box.
Weekly
-
Apply scissor oil
-
Check tension settings
-
Clean pivot area
Annually
-
Professional servicing
-
Blade inspection
-
Precision sharpening
Proper maintenance helps preserve cutting performance for years.
Best Hairdressing Scissors For Apprentices
Apprentices should look for:
-
Comfortable ergonomics
-
Reliable steel
-
Versatile sizing
-
Long-term durability
Recommended size:
6.0"
This provides the versatility needed to learn a wide range of cutting techniques.
Best Hairdressing Scissors For Experienced Stylists
Experienced professionals often prioritise:
-
Premium Japanese steel
-
Advanced ergonomics
-
Exceptional edge retention
-
Precision convex edges
VG10 and ATS314 steel models are popular choices among experienced stylists and educators.
Why Choose iCandy Scissors?
Since 2012, iCandy Scissors has helped tens of thousands of hairdressers and barbers across Australia and around the world.
Benefits Include:
✔ Premium Japanese steel options
✔ Ergonomic innovative professional designs
✔ Lifetime warranty
✔ Fast Australia-wide shipping
✔ Trusted by hairdressers and barbers
✔ Professional sharpening support
✔ Exceptional value for money
Our Mission
To create professional scissors that help hairdressers and barbers perform at their best every day. Trusted by tens of thousands of hairdressers and barbers across Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hairdressing scissors should I buy?
Most professionals choose a 6.0" scissor due to its versatility across cutting techniques.
Are VG10 scissors worth it?
Yes. VG10 steel offers excellent edge retention, sharpness and long-term durability.
How long do professional hairdressing scissors last?
With proper maintenance and servicing, quality professional scissors can last many years.
What is the best steel for hairdressing scissors?
VG10 and ATS314 are among the most highly regarded steels used in professional hairdressing scissors.
Can left-handed hairdressers use right-handed scissors?
No. Dedicated left-handed scissors provide correct blade alignment and significantly better cutting performance.
How often should scissors be serviced?
Most professionals should have their scissors professionally serviced approximately once per year.
Shop Professional Hairdressing Scissors Australia
Explore our collection of professional hairdressing scissors, barber scissors and thinning scissors designed for apprentices, stylists and industry professionals who demand exceptional performance.
iCandy Scissors — Australia's Most Desired Professional Scissors Since 2012.
Written by Mark Konrad
Founder of iCandy Scissors.
Mark has worked in professional salon tool development since 2006 and founded iCandy Scissors in Australia in 2012. He specialises in designing professional Japanese Steel hairdressing and barber scissors with a focus on Japanese steel, innovation, ergonomic comfort, precision cutting and long-term durability.
Professional Recommendation
After 20 years of designing and testing professional scissors, one principle stands out: the best scissors are the ones that feel like a natural extension of your hand. Steel quality certainly matters, but comfort, balance and ergonomics usually have the greatest influence on cutting performance and reducing hand fatigue. For most professionals, a well-balanced VG10 scissor with an ergonomic offset handle offers the ideal combination of comfort, control and long-lasting performance.
