Cutting vs thinning scissors

What each one does, and why many professionals use both.

Cutting scissors and thinning scissors look similar, but they do different jobs. Most barbers and hairdressers use both.

Cutting scissors

Cutting scissors have two straight blades. You use them to cut hair to length, to shape a style and to create clean lines. They are the main scissor in your kit.

Thinning scissors

Thinning scissors have one straight blade and one blade with teeth. They cut only some of the hair, so they remove bulk and blend lengths without changing the overall length. They are also called texturising or blending scissors.

When to use each one

• Cutting scissors: setting the length, shaping the cut, trimming ends.
• Thinning scissors: removing weight from thick hair, softening harsh lines, blending one length into another.

Why buy them as a set

If you use both every day, a set gives you a cutting scissor and a thinning scissor in a matched design. Our Sets & Kits each come with a leather pouch. If you only need a cutting scissor, see our Barber Scissors.

New to this? Our guide How to choose barber scissors covers size, handle and tension.