Walk into any professional salon and you’ll immediately notice something: the hair cutting tools look different from what you’d find in a typical bathroom drawer. Those gleaming scissors, the array of combs, the professional-grade clippers – they’re not just fancier versions of home equipment. They’re precision instruments designed for specific purposes, and knowing how to select and use them properly is fundamental to becoming a skilled stylist.
When you enroll in a quality hair cutting course, you’re not just learning techniques – you’re being introduced to the professional toolkit that will become an extension of your hands throughout your career. Let’s explore the essential equipment that forms the foundation of professional hair cutting.
The Heart of Your Kit: Professional Hair Shears
If there’s one tool that defines a hairdresser, it’s their scissors – or as professionals call them, shears. But not all shears are created equal, and understanding the differences is crucial.
Professional hair shears are engineered with extraordinary precision. Unlike household scissors, they’re designed specifically for cutting hair, with razor-sharp blades that slice cleanly through strands without crushing or damaging them. The blade edges are typically bevelled or convex (hollow ground), creating a cutting edge so fine it can slice through hair with minimal resistance.
During your training, you’ll learn about the anatomy of shears: the blades, the pivot point, the finger rest, and the tang. You’ll discover why balance matters – well-designed shears should feel like a natural extension of your hand, not a foreign object you’re struggling to control. The weight distribution affects your comfort during long days of cutting, and proper balance reduces hand and wrist fatigue.
Size matters too. Shears typically range from about 4.5 to 7 inches in length, measured from the tip of the blade to the end of the finger hole. Longer shears allow you to cut more hair with each snip, useful for basic cuts or removing length quickly. Shorter shears offer greater control and precision, ideal for detailed work around the face or for intricate styles.
Your course will likely introduce you to different blade types. Bevelled-edge blades are durable and easier to sharpen, making them popular for students and newer stylists. Convex-edge blades are sharper and provide a smoother cut, but they require more careful maintenance and are generally more expensive. Some stylists never switch from bevelled blades, whilst others swear by the performance of convex edges – it often comes down to personal preference and cutting style.
One crucial lesson you’ll learn: invest in quality shears and maintain them properly. Professional shears require regular sharpening, careful cleaning, and proper storage. Drop them once on a hard floor and you might damage the blades or throw off their alignment. Treat them well, and quality shears can last a lifetime.
Our exclusive cutting courses also work on the human element therefore help stylists grip and feel scissors with a greater sensibility. Hands mould during your developmental stage allowing more of your body to ‘belong’ to the cut. Posture improves which in return lifts the quality of your cutting.
Thinning Shears: The Texturising Secret
Alongside your primary cutting shears, you’ll be introduced to thinning shears (also called texturising or blending shears). These distinctive tools have teeth on one or both blades, allowing you to remove bulk without reducing length or to create softer, more blended edges.
Thinning shears come in various tooth configurations, typically ranging from about 16 to 40 teeth per blade. Fewer teeth remove more hair with each cut, whilst more teeth provide subtler results. Your training will teach you when to use which type, how to position them within a section of hair, and crucially, how to avoid overusing them. Thinning shears are powerful tools, and in inexperienced hands, they can create unexpected results – sections that are too thin, hair that sticks out awkwardly, or styles that lack shape.
You’ll learn various techniques for using thinning shears: pointing (cutting into the hair vertically), sliding (gliding the shears through a section whilst closing them), and various notching techniques. Each approach creates different effects, from removing weight deep within a section to softening the perimeter line.
Thinning shears, as per all tools, must be used to complement the weight construction of a cut. This is a skill which requires time and dedication. We invite stylists to always build a strong structure before working on effects.
Clippers: Power and Precision
Whilst shears might be the most iconic tool, clippers are equally essential, particularly for shorter styles, men’s cuts, and any work requiring even, close-to-the-scalp results. Professional clippers are powerful, reliable machines designed to cut through all hair types efficiently.
Your course will introduce you to different clipper types. Rotary motor clippers are powerful workhorses, ideal for cutting through thick or coarse hair. Magnetic motor clippers are quieter and lighter, though generally less powerful. Pivot motor clippers fall somewhere in between. Understanding these differences helps you select the right tool for each client and situation.
You’ll spend considerable time learning clipper technique. Holding them properly, maintaining the right angle against the head, moving smoothly through hair without creating lines or patches – these skills require practice. You’ll learn about different cutting positions: clipper-over-comb technique for creating graduated lengths, freehand work for quick bulk removal, and detailed work around hairlines and ears.
Guards: Creating Consistent Lengths
Clipper guards (sometimes called attachments or combs) are the removable plastic or metal attachments that control how much hair the clippers remove. They’re typically numbered according to the length they leave behind – a #1 guard leaves about 3mm, a #2 leaves about 6mm, and so on up to #8 and beyond.
Your training will emphasise the importance of knowing your guards intimately. Different clipper brands use slightly different numbering systems, so a #3 on one brand might leave fractionally more or less hair than a #3 on another. This matters when clients request specific lengths or when you’re trying to recreate a previous cut.
You’ll learn techniques like fading – gradually transitioning from shorter to longer hair by skilfully blending different guard lengths. This technique requires practice, patience, and a good eye for symmetry. You’ll discover tricks like flicking the clippers away from the head as you move into longer sections, creating smoother transitions.
Razors: An Artistic Alternative
Razors offer a different approach to cutting hair, creating softer, more textured results than shears. Your course might introduce you to several razor types: traditional straight razors, feather razors (which use replaceable blades), and various razor combs.
Razor cutting requires a light touch and careful technique. Cut the hair when it’s damp, always work with sharp blades, and maintain the correct angle – typically about 45 degrees to the hair shaft. Razors can create beautiful, lived-in texture and work particularly well with wavy or curly hair types, though they’re generally not recommended for very curly or coarse hair as they can create frizz.
You’ll learn various razor techniques: point cutting for texture, slice cutting for removing weight, and channel cutting for creating movement. The key is understanding when razors are the right tool and when shears would serve better. Not every cut suits razor work, and part of professional training is developing judgment about which approach will achieve the desired result.
Cutting Combs: More Than Just Detanglers
Professional cutting combs are precision tools designed for specific purposes. Unlike regular combs, they’re made from materials that withstand constant exposure to water and chemicals, won’t create static, and feature carefully spaced teeth for different functions.
A standard cutting comb typically has two sections: one side with fine teeth for precision work and detailed sectioning, and one side with wider teeth for working through thicker or curlier hair. The spine (the solid edge opposite the teeth) should be straight and smooth, as you’ll often use it as a guide when cutting.
Your training will introduce you to various combing techniques. You’ll learn to comb hair at specific angles to create elevation and build shape. You’ll practise the clipper-over-comb technique, where the comb acts as a guide for graduated cutting. You’ll discover how to use a comb to control hair whilst cutting with shears, keeping sections taut and organised.
Many professionals develop deep attachments to particular combs, finding that certain designs suit their hand size and cutting style better than others. You’ll likely experiment with several types during your training before discovering your preferences.
Combs and all tools become very personal and reflective of the stylists’ personality, characteristic and above their style. I personally use a Japanese made ‘silkcomb’…simply magnificent giving me maximum freedom with the appropriate control. My education is dedicated to building a stronger bridge between the human and the haircut. Observe Touch Feel Live.
Essential Salon Equipment
Beyond the tools you’ll hold in your hands, your training will familiarise you with the wider equipment ecosystem of a professional salon. This includes:
Salon chairs and workstations: You’ll learn proper client positioning, how to adjust chairs for optimal cutting angles, and the importance of comfortable, stable workstations that allow you to move freely around your client.
Washing stations: Understanding proper shampooing technique, water temperature, product application, and client comfort is fundamental to the salon experience.
Mirrors: Beyond the obvious function, you’ll learn how to use mirrors to check your work from multiple angles, to show clients the back and sides of their cuts, and to communicate visually during consultations.
Capes and protective wear: Proper draping protects clients’ clothing and makes them comfortable. You’ll learn various draping techniques for different services.
Sanitising and sterilisation equipment: Health and safety are paramount. Your training will emphasise proper tool cleaning, disinfection procedures, and maintaining hygienic work practices.
Styling Tools: The Finishing Touch
Whilst cutting tools are primary, styling tools complete the look and help you show clients how to maintain their new cut at home. Your course will likely cover:
Hairdryers: Professional dryers offer multiple heat and speed settings, concentrator nozzles for precise airflow, and sufficient power to dry hair efficiently. You’ll learn techniques for smooth blow-drying, creating volume, and rough-drying for textured styles.
Brushes: Different brush types create different effects. Round brushes add volume and curl, paddle brushes smooth and straighten, vent brushes speed drying time. Understanding when to use which type is part of professional styling education.
Straightening irons and curling tools: Modern styling demands familiarity with heat tools. You’ll learn safe use, appropriate temperature settings for different hair types, and techniques that protect hair whilst achieving desired styles.
Maintenance and Care
Professional tools represent a significant investment, and your education should include proper maintenance practices. This means:
- Cleaning tools after each client
- Regular professional sharpening of shears (typically every 6-12 months depending on use)
- Oiling clippers and replacing blades when they dull
- Replacing razor blades frequently
- Storing tools properly to prevent damage
- Regularly inspecting equipment for wear or damage
Quality tools, properly maintained, can last your entire career. Neglected tools deteriorate quickly and can compromise your work quality and even damage clients’ hair.
Building Your Kit: Investment Advice
When you begin training, you’ll face decisions about which tools to purchase. Here’s practical advice many courses provide:
Start with quality basics rather than buying everything at once. A good pair of cutting shears, a decent comb, and perhaps thinning shears will serve you through initial training. As you develop your skills and discover your specialties, you can add specific tools.
Don’t necessarily buy the most expensive tools immediately. Whilst quality matters, premium shears designed for competition work might be overkill for a student. Similarly, adequate mid-range clippers will serve you well whilst you’re learning, before you invest in top-end professional models.
Consider second-hand options carefully. Shears, in particular, might be professionally refurbished and sharpened, offering good quality at reduced prices. However, ensure any used equipment is in good condition – damaged or poorly maintained tools will hamper your learning.
The Right Tools for Different Specialisations
As you progress through training, you might discover particular areas of hairdressing that resonate with you. Your tool requirements may shift accordingly:
Barbering specialists typically invest more heavily in clippers and guards, perhaps owning multiple clippers for different purposes, plus specialised tools for beard work and straight-razor shaving.
Long-hair specialists might prioritise exceptional cutting shears and invest in premium texturising tools, along with more extensive styling tools for finishing longer styles.
Precision cutting enthusiasts often gravitate toward specific shear brands known for exceptionally sharp convex blades, valuing the clean cuts these tools enable.
Your training should help you identify your interests and guide you toward appropriate tool selections for your intended career path.
Learning Continues
Here’s an important truth: your relationship with your tools will evolve throughout your career. The shears that felt perfect as a student might not suit your developed cutting style five years later. You’ll discover new tools, try different designs, and refine your kit based on experience and the work you’re doing.
Quality education doesn’t just teach you which tools exist – it teaches you how to evaluate tools, understand what makes one superior to another for specific purposes, and develop the judgment to build a kit that serves your particular strengths and specialisations.
Why This Matters
Understanding professional tools isn’t just about knowing what to buy – it’s about recognising that every tool in your kit serves a specific purpose and contributes to the quality of your work. The shears that feel awkward in your hand will never produce the precise cuts you envision. The clippers that pull hair instead of cutting cleanly will frustrate both you and your clients. The comb that bends or has uneven teeth will make accurate sectioning nearly impossible.
Professional education introduces you to these tools in a structured way, allowing you to develop proper technique from the beginning. Bad habits formed using inappropriate equipment are difficult to break later. Learning with professional tools, under expert guidance, sets you up for long-term success.
Your Professional Journey
The tools and equipment you’ll encounter in a comprehensive hair cutting course represent decades of refinement and innovation within the hairdressing industry. Each piece of equipment in your kit exists to help you create beautiful hair, work efficiently, and provide exceptional service to your clients.
Understanding these tools – their purposes, their proper use, their maintenance, and their limitations – is as fundamental as understanding cutting techniques themselves. After all, even the most talented stylist needs quality tools to bring their vision to life.
Discover Excellence in Hair Education
At Contact Hair Services, our education programmes go beyond teaching techniques – we help you develop a deep understanding of your craft, including the professional tools that enable excellence. With two decades of experience in the international hair arena and a commitment to superior use of craft and product, we provide the kind of education that transforms passionate learners into confident, skilled professionals.
Our approach recognises that every stylist has unique goals and learning needs. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to refine advanced skills, we offer personalised training that combines technical expertise with the artistry and vision that define exceptional hairdressing.
Ready to invest in your future with education that truly makes a difference? Contact us to discuss how our inspirational stylistic training can support your professional goals. Let’s work together to build your skills, confidence, and career. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and inspiration here!
