NEW Dimensional Colors are here!

Psst..we've saved your cart!

But not for long, checkout before it sells out.

← Back
Luxy® Hair  - We asked Maddie Ziegler's hairstylist: what are the best hair scissors for cutting your own hair?
Hair Care & Advice

We asked Maddie Ziegler's hairstylist: what are the best hair scissors for cutting your own hair?

Between the outgrown layers, split ends, and awkward bang lengths, there’s no denying that lockdown has seen its fair share of bad hair days. Whether your local salon has closed, you’re under lockdown, or simply trying to keep social interactions to a minimum, it might be time to take matters into your own hands and start cutting your hair. If you’ve been hesitant to pick up the scissors, know that the experts say you can totally do it yourself—as long as you have the right tools of the trade.

To find out more, we hit up L.A. celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins, with a star-studded client list that includes Elizabeth Olsen, Dakota Johnson, Emma Roberts, and Elizabeth Banks. Having worked on high-profile events like The Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmys, and Grammys, Clayton has been perfecting his hair-cutting craft since he was a teenager. He’s here to give you the lowdown on cutting your own hair, along with the best hair shears to use at home.

The first thing to keep in mind is that not all hair shears are created equal. Celebrity hair stylist Clayton Hawkins cautions against using regular household shears you might have lying around the house.

“Do not under any circumstances cut your hair with office scissors unless you want frayed, broken ends,” Clayton says. “You don’t have to break the bank to find a quality pair of hair cutting scissors.”

What to look for in your hair cutting scissors

When shopping for your perfect pair of shears, there’s a few important things to keep in mind. You’ll want to consider the material, shape, blade and handle type, as well as the size of your scissors. Good hair cutting scissors should fit comfortably in your hand and glide through hair seamlessly.

As far as thumb and handle design go, ergonomic is better. According to Clayton, it’s entirely up to your preference, although “the longer the thumb and handle, generally it’s easier to use.” However, the shape of your scissors doesn’t matter as much as the actual blade material. When it comes to the quality of metal, Japanese steel is the most coveted. They usually have a sharper convex edge, which is especially good for cutting bangs.

“It doesn’t get better than German or Japanese steel,” says Clayton. “These options are certainly pricier, but I would consider them an investment that will last a long time.” German shears usually feature an opposing handle, which is likely to feel better in a non-hairdresser’s hand. For those of us balling on a budget, Clayton says that American stainless steel will also definitely get the job done. 

In terms of size, a good rule of thumb to follow is for scissors to be as long as your extended palm. Anything longer is suited for specialized cutting techniques, such as slide cutting or deep point cutting. Clayton recommends a medium scissor that is roughly four to five inches in length. “If you have super long fingers, you can go for a five to six inch pair. But generally this size is easiest for novice hair cutters to have control and grip while trimming their own hair.”

You’ll also want to consider the size of finger and thumb holes in the scissors. Using shears that are too large can put a strain on your hand and even lead to injury with prolonged use. If your scissors aren’t fitting snugly, you can always attach some small, removable finger rings to make them narrower. 

The 7 best hair scissors and shears to buy

1. The Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series 6.5” 

Called the “perfect beginner’s pair of shears” by Clayton, the Equinox Razor Edge Scissors are among the best you can buy. Not only do they have over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, but they also are relatively inexpensive. The bevel blade is sharp throughout, which helps avoid frayed, split, and damaged hair. The crane design also supports a natural grip, which means you can comfortably use them for extended periods of time.

Best hair scissors

2. Sanguine Professional 5.5” Hairdressing Shears

Made from Japanese steel, these Sanguine shears are sharp, small, and extremely durable. The compact size gives you plenty of control when cutting bangs and other tricky spots.

Best hair scissors

3. ULG Hair Thinning 6.5” Scissors

It’s always a good idea to add a pair of thinning shears to your hair-cutting kit. This ULG pair of highly-rated stainless steel scissors can help soften lines, remove weight, and blend layers instantly. Not to mention that there’s finger protection to keep you comfortable while trimming.  

Best hair scissors

4. Jaguar Lane 5.5 Inch Scissors

Clayton recommends these scissors “if you want to invest in a pair that will last you at least a decade.” Jaguar scissors are widely regarded as being one of the best hair cutting scissors on the market, known for their balanced weight and smooth cutting action. Additionally, the premium steel blade has a tip cutting angle for maximum sharpness.  

Best hair scissors

5. Tweezerman Spirit 2000 Styling Shears

Designed for beginners, the Tweezerman Hairdressing Shears feature micro-serrated edges to give you more precision and control. The looped handle is comfortable for most hand sizes. And at just $22 on Amazon, this pair of starter scissors won’t break the bank.  

Best hair scissors

6. Cricket Shear Xpressions

Sensitive to sound? The Cricket Shear Xpression scissors have a built-in silencer that prevents them from making that awful metal-against-metal noise. The stainless steel construction, ergonomic handle, and removable finger rings are just the cherries on top. 

Best hair scissors

7. Feather razor

As a bonus option, Clayton recommends a feather razor for cutting hair extensions. “If you want to cut your Luxy Hair extensions, there is no better option than a feather razor. The blade needs to be replaced quite frequently, but razoring your clip-ins will make them look so much softer and more realistic than cutting them with actual shears.”

Best hair scissors

How to cut your hair at home

If your hair is crying out for a trim, it might be time to bring the hair salon home. If it’s your first time giving yourself a haircut, it’s best to start small and go shorter in increments. Use sharp hair cutting shears, along with a wide tooth comb to help achieve an even cut. Here are some pointers for cutting hair at home:

1. To trim your hair (and get rid of split ends)

After washing and conditioning hair, let it dry completely before starting to cut. Snip with the ends of the hair scissors, instead of the entire blade length. Use clips to help separate hair into manageable sections. Make sure to check that the length is the same on each side. When cutting off split ends, be sure to keep your chin up. If you’re looking down, you could end up taking off too much length. 

2. To cut face-framing layers

Start with your regular part and then vertically section hair, bringing it to the front. Comb this section inch by inch, directing forward at a 40 degree angle. The bottom of your first inch should not lift higher than the corner of your eye. Point cut a small section at a time, following the shape created by your hairstylist (if possible).

3. To cut curly and wavy hair

Begin by letting hair air dry, then style into your desired shape. Only cut pieces of hair that seem to be out of place. It’s best to cut half of what you originally planned to cut, since cutting off 1 inch will look like you cut off 2 inches. The shorter your hair is, the lighter and springier the curls will be.

Related Posts See all posts

Quiz: which hair extensions are for me?

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn more.

Your Shopping Bag

Your cart is empty.

Virtual Try-On

Virtual Color Match

TRY ON HAIR EXTENSIONS

We know the paparazzi can be a pain. Confirm your consent to having your photo taken below.
The Virtual Try On and Virtual Color Match tools may collect, capture, store, use, receive or obtain a photo image of your face and use that image and data for the purpose of providing you with a personalized experience.
Any photo image or data you share will not be disclosed to any third-party or stored on any server or system after your use of the Virtual Try On or Virtual Color Match tool and is not used for identification purposes.
I consent to the use of a photo of my image as described in the Virtual Try On and Virtual Color Match Information Notice and agree to all terms, including data retention, data deletion, and data use, processing storage and transfer. I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for Beauty Industry Group and Its Affiliated brands.
Wanna try before you buy? Experiment with colors, volume, and length without the workout of an actual dressing room.

OR

Prefer to save the big reveal for IRL? We got you!
*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.

Oops! The photo didn't work. Let's try again.

TIPS
The image size must be a minimum of 320 x 620 pixels and a maximum of 1700 x 3500 pixels.
The image size must not exceed 20 MB.
Position yourself in frame from the waist up
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.

We asked the paparazzi for their top tips to the perfect photo.

Do VCM Thumbnail
Do
Don't VCM Thumbnail
Don't
TIPS
The image size must be a minimum of 320 x 620 pixels and a maximum of 1700 x 3500 pixels.
The image size must not exceed 20 MB.
Position yourself in frame from the waist up
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.

Share a photo of your current hair

Do VCM Thumbnail
Do
Don't VCM Thumbnail
Don't
TIPS
The image size must be a minimum of 320 x 620 pixels and a maximum of 1700 x 3500 pixels.
The image size must not exceed 20 MB.
Position yourself in frame from the waist up
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

Keep your chin up and face straight ahead.

Do not Picture
VHETO Subject image

Choose Color

Vheto Result 1 image
TITLE
Vheto Result 2 image
TITLE
Vheto Result 3 image
TITLE

Choose Collection

Seamless
Classic
Halo

Choose Volume

Natural-Looking
A Little Extra
Full Blast

Choose Length

12 INCH
16 INCH
20 INCH
24 INCH

Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.

*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.
Do not Picture

YOUR COLOR OPTIONS

Still not sure? You can contact our customer service team for hep with your color match. Contact Now
Do not Picture

Your color match is

CHOOSE COLLECTION

Seamless Hair Extensions
SELECT
Classic Hair Extensions
SELECT
Halo® Hair Extensions
SELECT
Clip-In Ponytails
SELECT
Clip-In Buns
SELECT
Preview swatch image

Compare Methods

Do Picture

Test

APPLICATION
LENGTHS
PER PACK
BEST FOR
Seamless Collection VCM

SEAMLESS

APPLICATION
Clip-ins. Made with a thin, silicone band that lays flat against your head
LENGTHS
12", 16" and 20"
PER PACK
10 pieces
BEST FOR
Thin to medium hair types, suitable for hair past the shoulders
Classic Collection VCM

CLASSIC

APPLICATION
Clip-ins. Made with a fabric-stitched band that adds extra volume at the root
LENGTHS
16", 20" and 24"
PER PACK
10 pieces
BEST FOR
Medium to thick hair types, suitable for short hair to long hair
Halo Collection VCM

HALOS

APPLICATION
Single weft application, secured with an undectable wire and clips. Also comes with two 2-clips for additional blending
LENGTHS
16" and 20"
PER PACK
3 pieces
BEST FOR
Thin to medium hair types, suitable for hair past the shoulders