How to Choose Your Scissor Size

How size is stated

Scissor size is given in inches. The stated size is the straight-line length from the blade tip to the end of the longest handle. The finger rest beside the ring-finger hole is not included.

One inch is about 2.54 cm. Here are the sizes you will see most often, converted to centimetres.

The same size can have a different blade length

Even at 5.5 inch, the ratio of blade length to handle length varies a little from model to model. A design with a longer blade cuts a wider section in one go at the same stated size. A design with longer handles has a shorter blade, which makes small movements of the tip easier.

On offset and crane handles, the thumb-side and ring-finger-side handles (shanks) are different lengths, so measure to the end of the longer one.

Length and balance

Even at the same size, the weight and balance in the hand change with the thickness of the blades and the way the handles are made. A model that feels heavier towards the tip tends to hold the tip position steadily, but can feel heavy for small, quick opening and closing. Once you have chosen a size, check the blade and handle shape in the specifications and photos on the product page.

Measure the scissors you use now

When replacing a pair or choosing a second one, measure the scissors you use now, as it gives you a reliable reference.

1. Close the scissors and lay them on a flat table.
2. Put a ruler against the blade tip and measure to the end of the longest handle.
3. Divide the length in centimetres by 2.54 to get the approximate size in inches.

For example, 15.2 cm is about 6.0 inch.

Measuring against your hand

If you can’t hold the scissors in person, use this method to find a starting size for your hand.

1. Turn your palm upwards.
2. Lay the closed scissors on your palm with the tip towards your fingertips.
3. Compare the blade (from the tip to the pivot screw) with the length of your middle finger.
4. Check that the end of the handle sits around the base of your palm.

If the blade is roughly the same length as your middle finger, the size is a good starting point for your hand. If the blade is much longer than your middle finger, it is harder to place the tip precisely. If it is too short, each cut covers a narrower section.

This table is a starting point. Even with the same size of hand, the length that feels right changes with the cutting you do most and how far you put your thumb into the ring.

Choosing by the cutting you do

The cutting you do most also changes which length is easiest to work with.

The difference between dry and wet cutting is also covered in “Scissors for Dry Cutting and Wet Cutting”.

Starting points for hairdressers, barbers and students

Hairdressers

For one pair to cover general salon work, 5.5 to 6.0 inch is the standard. If you do a lot of detailed work such as short cuts and bobs, lean towards 5.5 inch. If you do a lot of base cutting on long hair, lean towards 6.0 inch.

Barbers

For short back and sides and scissor over comb, you cut a long distance along the comb, so longer scissors of 6.5 to 7.0 inch are common. Some barbers also carry a second pair of 5.5 to 6.0 inch for finishing details. How to choose for barbering is covered in “How to Choose Barber Scissors”.

Hairdressing students and new stylists

Training covers everything from base cuts on a mannequin head to dry cutting, so start from 5.5 to 6.0 inch. If you have smaller hands, compare from 5.0 to 5.5 inch. How students and new stylists can choose is covered in “Scissors for Hairdressing Students and New Stylists”.

Choosing a second pair

If your first pair is 5.5 to 6.0 inch, giving the second pair a different job makes it clear which one to reach for.

• Add a shorter 5.0 to 5.5 inch pair for finishing details
• Add a longer pair of 6.5 inch or more for blunt cutting and short back and sides
• Add Thinning Scissors for removing weight

Choosing Thinning Scissors the same size as your Cutting Scissors, or slightly shorter, makes switching between them feel more natural. How to choose Thinning Scissors is covered in “How to Choose Thinning Scissors”.

If you match the handle shape as well as the size, you won’t need to change your hold when you switch. The differences between handles are covered in “Scissor Handle Types Explained”.

For left-handed stylists

If you are left-handed, choose a model with the blades and handles built for the left hand. Size is stated and measured in the same way as for right-handed scissors. Left-handed versions of some models come in fewer sizes than right-handed ones, so check the size options on the product page.

How to choose is covered in “Scissors for Left-Handed Hairdressers”, and left-handed models are listed under “Left-handed models”.

Switching between scissors of different lengths

When you switch between scissors of different lengths, such as 5.5 inch and 6.5 inch, your sense of where the tip is changes. With longer scissors the tip is further away than you expect, so take care with its position around the nape and ears and in other detailed areas.

If you switch often, keeping the handle shape and the way you insert your thumb the same lets you hold every pair in the same way, even when the lengths differ.

Summary

• Size is the length in inches from the blade tip to the end of the longest handle, and one inch is about 2.54 cm.
• If the blade is roughly the same length as your middle finger, the size is a good starting point for your hand.
• The standard is 5.5 to 6.0 inch for hairdressers, 6.5 to 7.0 inch for barbers and 5.5 to 6.0 inch for students.

To browse by size, filter the “Cutting Scissors” list by size.