Top 10 Best Japanese Steel Hairdressing Shears For America (2025)

Japanese Hairdressing Shears and Thinning scissors are the best and more popular in America, but how do we know which are the best of the best?

Japanese shears are popular for their high-quality steel and unparalleled craftsmanship.

These scissors typically follow a modest and simplistic design, they dance between Offset and Traditional opposing ergonomics and use sharp convex edge blades.

In this article, we will present you with the best-reviewed, best value, best apprentice, and highest-rated hair cutting scissors.

Let's jump right into it!!

Quick Summary

We have chosen these best 10 Japanese haircutting scissors based on America'stop-selling pairs, reviews, customer ratings, scissor manufacturer historyand reputation, and the best value for money.

	The #1 Choice Yasaka Offset Hair Cutting Scissors	Made in Japan with a precision cutting convex edge blade 100% Japanese Hardened Hitachi Steel Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue	View Product →
	Best Entry Level Joewell SZ Hair Cutting Shears	Conve edge blade Elegant design Lifetime warranty	View Product →
	Best Barber Shear Kamisori Sword Professional Haircutting Shear	Japanese 440c Japanese Steel Unique 3D Ultra-Sharp Convex Edge Blade Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue	View Product →
	Best Value Juntetsu Offset Hair Cutting Scissors	Premium Japanese VG10 Steel Sharp Japanese Convex Edge Blade Premium Tension Adjustor Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue	View Product →
	Best Scissor Set Ichiro Offset Cutting & Thinning Scissors Set	Japanese 440C Steel Sharp Convex Edge & V-Shaped Thinning Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue	View Product →
	Ichiro Black Cutting & Thinning Scissors Set	Japanese 440C Steel Slim Design Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue	View Product →
	Mina Umi Hair Cutting Scissor	Stainless Steel Best price for quality Offset ergonomics to reduce fatigue	View Product →
	Joewell Premium Classic Shear	Japanese Alloy Steel All-Rounder Blade Lightweight Design	View Product →
	Ichiro Sakura Haircutting Shear	Japanese Sakura Design Sharp Japanese Convex Edge Blade High Quality 440C Steel	View Product →
	Yasaka Barber Shears	Premium Barber Long Blade Unique Japanese Design ATS314 Cobalt Stainless Steel	View Product →

How To Choose Japanese Hairdressing Scissors

With so many choices available online, it's hard to know which Japanese scissor to buy. These scissors are either made in Japan, use Japanese materials or Japan-inspired designs.

Here are a few tips for buying hair scissors that suit your cutting style, ergonomics, and everything in between.

1. Which Scissor Size Is Right For You?

Even though we buy everything online, it's hard to know what size is fits best. Most professionals can cut hair with any size, but you still want to get the best fit.

Hairstylists and hairdressers in American salons prefer the sizes:

• 5" inch shears
• 5.5" inch shears
• 6" inch shears

• 6" inch shears
• 6.5" inch shears
• 7" inch shears

If the finger rings are too big, you can use the rubber finger inserts to get the perfect fit.

Quick Guide To Measuring Scissors Against Your Hand

If you have a pair of scissors or a ruler at home, you can follow these steps to find the right scissor size for you.

When in doubt, the 6" inch shear size is the most popular for men and women.

To find the right scissor size for you, follow these steps:

1. Find a ruler or a pair of scissors
2. Open your hand and place the ruler or scissors on the palm of your hand.
3. Place the tip of the scissor blade or end of the ruler on the tip of your middle finger.
4. Measure the blade or ruler against your middle finger and the full scissors or ruler against your hand.

You can use any size as long as they fit for hairdressing. 5.5" inch and 6" haircutting scissors allow you to perform most hairdressing techniques.

The traditional 'over the comb' barbering techniques require a longer blade. The most common barber scissor size is 6.5" inch and 7" inch.

If you are unsure of what type of hairdressing scissor to buy, then we have listed out the most commonly purchased types below:

We covered how to choose scissor sizes, Japanese scissor types, and handle types.

If you are unsure of which pair to choose, here is a list of the most common haircut Shears for hairdressers and barbers.

• Female hairdressers: 5.5" Or 6" offset hair scissors
• Female barbers: 6." Or 7" offset long blade Shears
• Male hairdressers: 6" offset hair scissors
• Male barbers: 6.5" or 7" offset barber shears

The Top 10 Best Japanese Hair Scissors

1. Yasaka Offset Hair CuttingShears

Yasaka Seiki creates high-quality, made in Japan, hairdressing and barber shears for North America. But what makes these the #1 best and most popular Japanese scissors?

Mixing premium quality and affordability. Most made in Japan hairdressing scissors cost $800 or more, with brands like Mizutani and Joewellreaching up to $2,000.

Yasaka maintains its high-quality products while keeping their prices consistently below $300-400.

For theYasaka Offset Hair Cutting Shears, you will only have to pay $200.Easily the best made in Japan hairdressing shear available in the USA and North America in 2020-2022.

Now, on to the specifics!

These Yasaka Shears come in sizes between 4.5" inches and 6" inches.

They use a lightweight Japanese VG10 Cobalt steel that helps give the pair its ergonomic and well-balanced feel.

These shears use a clam-shaped convex edge blade with sharp and effortless cuts.

Summary

Yasaka Shears disrupts the hairdressing and barber market by releasing its incredibly affordable made in Japan scissors. They use premium Japanese steel, sharp convex edge blades, and comfortable ergonomics. Easily the#1 Best Selling Japanese Shear!

2.Joewell SZ Hair Cutting Shears

Joewell is one of Japan's most well-known scissor manufacturers. They bring another level of craftsmanship and design to hairdressing and barber shears.

Rather than using traditional designs, they focus on elegant simplicity, with even removing the tension screw on the top-side of the hairdressing scissor, so as to appear more elegant.

The Joewell SZ model is the most searched for Japanese scissors due to its simple design, high-quality materials, and affordable price that sits under $300.

They have a high level of confidence in these shears, so much so that they include a lifetime warranty on their products.

The Joewell SZ comes in the sizes: 5.25" inches and 5.75" inches and includes an ergonomic offset handle design.

If you are looking for a sharp convex edge Japanese hairdressing scissor with a lifetime warranty at an affordable price, then the Joewell SZ could be the right choice for you.

Summary

For design, quality, and affordability from a Japanese hairdressing scissor, these are the best choice available. The Jowell SZ features professional ergonomics, cutting blades, and modern design.Best entry-level Japanese scissors.

3. Kamisori SwordBarber Scissor

Kamisori is a world-famous hairdressing and barber shear brand that produces scissors in and outside of Japan with high-quality materials.

The Kamisori Sword Barber Shear is their flagship barbering scissor. Easily the most popular Japanese barbering shear that has a3D Convex Edge Blade and a unique angled blade for the sharpest haircutting motions.

The Sword shears use lightweight premium 440C steel and an offset handle to create a well balanced and comfortable feel for professionals.

The Long blade is perfect for barbering Over The Comb haircutting techniques. The simplistic design, sharp convex edge blade, and offset ergonomics make these the most popular Japanese Barber shear in North America.

Summary

Kamisori is the hairdressing scissor and brand that always steals the show with its unique head-turning designs and high-quality craftsmanship. The sword features a unique 3D convex edge blade that is perfect for barbering professionals. If you have the money to spend, then this is the best Japanese barber shear for you.

4. Juntetsu Haircutting Scissors

Juntetsu, like Yasaka, creates simple hairdressing and barber shears with high-quality materials. Juntetsu disrupts the scissor market by making premium 440C and VG10 hair scissors more affordable for professionals.

Whenever you pick up a pair of Juntetsu and listen closely to it open and closing, you will understand the difference.

Silent gears and superior steel allows for professionals to cut effortlessly.

Juntetsu uses Japanese style offset ergonomics on most of their hairdressing scissors.

The haircutting shears use a sharp convex edge blade that is even more powerful due to its VG10 steel.

Easily the best value hairdressing scissors and most affordable VG10 pairs available in North America.

Summary

The Juntetsu offset hairdressing and barbering shears are the most affordable VG10 pair available on the market today. It replaces the "Bells and Whistles" that most scissors have with premium quality materials and sharp convex edge blades. Shockingly powerful and easily the best value pair!

5.

The Ichiro Offset hairdressing cutting & thinning scissors are the best valued set for any professional or apprentice in the USA.

These scissors are made from high-quality Japanese 440C materials that give them extra sharp cutting and thinning edges.

The premium steel makes these lightweight and robust. Mixed with the offset handles, these are ergonomically designed to perform day-in-day-out for professionals.

The tension and tightness are maintained by the unique ball bearing screw. These are not usually used due to their high cost. These maintain tightness and do not wear out like normal washers and scissor screws.

The thinning scissors use sharp v-shaped teeth and a convex edge blade for high performing cut-away while thinning and texturizing.

The Japanese convex edge blade is also used on the cutting shears for sharp effortless cuts.

The Offset hair cutting set is the best value set that is almost always sold out and sits on a strong 5-star rating and review in the USA.

Summary

The highest-rated, best quality, and most affordable hair cutting and thinning set on our list. Premium convex edge blades, high-performing ball bearing screws for tightness, and professional ergonomics from Ichiro. These are theBest Valued Scissor Set.

6. Ichiro Matte Black Hair Cutting Set

Following on from Ichiro's offset hairdressing scissors comes the slim-designed matte black cutting and thinning set.

These feature the same premium ball-bearing screws to maintain excellent tightness.

These are coated over thirty times with allergy-neutral coating to maintain a robust and strong color that is safe for handling.

The thinning and texturizing shear uses v-shaped teeth with a convex edge blade for 20-30% percent cut-away.

The haircutting shear has a convex edge blade for high precision cuts that cover the majority of hairdressing techniques.

The 440C Japanese steel makes these scissors lightweight, robust, and perfect for professionals.

If you are looking for matte black hair scissors that won't break the bank, this Ichiro set won't disappoint!

Summary

Ichiro's most popular colored hairdressing and barbering shear set. These feature premium 440C steel, convex edge blades, high-performing ball bearing screws for consistent tightness, and offset ergonomics that will keep you cutting comfortably for days.

7. Mina Umi Hair Cutting Shear

There is a lot of hairdressing and barbering cutting shears available at an affordable price, but nothing beats the value of the Mina Umi scissors.

The Mina Umi uses the best stainless lightweight steel and offset ergonomics for a professional feel.

The sharp flat-edge cutting blade allows you to cut through hair effortlessly without any tugging or pulling.

These are the most affordable hair cutting shears that will keep performing for apprentices, professionals, or home hairdressing enthusiasts.

Summary

The Mina Umi haircutting scissors are the best-valued pair under $150! They feature professional ergonomics, stainless steel, and a cutting blade with excellent edges.

8. Joewell Classic Haircutting Shear

Looking for a top-quality hairdressing scissor? Look no further than the Joewell Classic series!

Featuring premium made-in-Japan steel and a classic opposing handle design, this scissor is perfect for professional hairdressers and barbers.

With over 100 years of experience in manufacturing hairdressing scissors, Joewell Japan Shears guarantees that your new scissors will offer exceptional performance and reliability.

So why not try out the Joewell Classic today?

Summary

The Joewell Classic Shear is the most popular haircutting tool from Japan. If you are a hairstylist or barber looking for a premium cost & quality hair scissor, then look no further than the Joewell Classic model.

9.Ichiro Sakura Premium Haircutting Shear

Summary

The most popular Ichiro haircutting shear is the Sakura model. Featuring a handcrafted Japanese Sakura flower pattern on the body and blade, this pair stands out amongst all others. Limited Edition Sakura Hair Shears!

10.Yasaka Barber Shears

Yasaka's barbering shears use high-quality Japanese cobalt steel, simple designs with unique engravings from Nara, Japan.

Easily the most popular long-blade that Yasaka has to offer, this "CUTTING" model has a basic flat screw, offset ergonomics, and a light well-balanced design.

The clam-shaped convex edge blade is hand-made in Nara, Japan. They follow the traditional methods of manufacturing and still maintain a more reasonable price for Japanese barbering shears.

The overall quality is amazing, and you can expect a pair of Yasaka barbering shears to last for many years to come!

Summary

High-quality Japanese barbering shears under $500 are hard to come by, and Yasaka has out-done themselves with their "CUTTING" 7" barber scissor. The best steel, sharp convex edge long-blade, and unique Japanese engravings that really stand out. These are really amazing to hold and even better to cut with.

6Simple Tricks For Cutting Hair

For all the apprentices, students, home hairdressers, and professionals looking, there are a lot of different haircutting techniques that work well with your new haircutting shears.

Here are some tips and tricks for cutting hair with a new pair of Japanese hairdressing scissors.

What you need to start cutting hair at home or at the salon:

• A pair of Japanese haircutting scissors
• A spray bottle to wet the hair
• A hair comb
• A lucy client ready for a new haircut

1. Spray The Hair Lightly With Water

There are such things as dry cutting scissors that are made to effectively cut dry hair, but the majority of scissors and haircutting techniques require you to spray the hair with water.

Make sure to not soak or drench your client's hair!

2.Start Combing Through The Hair

Running the comb through the hair will allow you to easily cut hair evenly and it also gives you a better idea of the thickness and overall length of the client's hair.

3.How To Hold Your Scissors

Time to start cutting hair! But first we need to make sure we are holding the scissors correctly.

To hold your scissors the western traditional grip way, then follow these steps:

1. First you need to insert your ring finger through the smaller hole in the hair scissors near the tang (the curve that points out of the ring).
2. Then insert your thumb into the larger bottom hole of the hair scissor
3. Rest your middle and index fingers along the top of the handle of the blade. Your index finger should not go further than the middle screw.
4. Lastly, relax your hand into a natural position and open and close the shears with your thumb.Caution, do not force the scissors to open and close with the pinky or ring finger. Only cut hair using the strength from your thumb to open and close scissors.

There are multiple ways to hold scissors, but nine times out of ten, hairdressers and barbers will hold shears with the traditional western grip.

5. Review, Trim and Perfect

The most overlooked part of cutting hair is the review and trimming stage.

If you are cutting your hair at home, remember that it is easier to cut a quarter of the length off, but very hard to restyle and change the look.

You can always book in an appointment with your hairdresser to make any significant restyling and hairstyle changes.

Review your hair and the balance, length, and blend to see if you need to make any changes.

We recommend having someone else look at our hair if you are cutting your own hair at home!

6.Trimming Hair Bangs (Fringe)

What Are The Difference Between Scissors & Shears?

Hairdressing scissors, barber shears, hair thinning shears, texturizing scissors, and the list goes on!

There are so many different kinds of haircutting tools available, but is there any difference betweenscissors andshears?

Scissors and shears are almost identical, and in most situations, they are exactly the same. But there are some differences between hairdressing shears and barber scissors!

• The handles on hair scissors have the same sized finger holes. These scissors' holes are symmetrical.
• Hair scissors typically between 4" inches and 6" inches.
• Hair scissors are different than shears as they are made for the majority of hairdressing techniques.
• Hair shears have a smaller finger hole for the index finger and a larger hole for the thumb.
• Barbering shears are typically between 6" inches and 7.5" inches.
• Barber shears use a long blade that is best for the Over Comb barbering haircutting technique.

When looking for the best hairdressing scissors or shears, they both perform equally well in a salon or barbershop.

The Conclusion:What Are The Best Japanese Scissors?

After reviewing the top ten Japanese hairdressing scissors and barber shears, we now understand there isn't a perfect pair that suits all needs.

Hairdressers might prefer the Yasaka Offset hairdressing scissors, and barbers might enjoy the Kamisori Sword long blade shear for haircutting.

When searching for the best Japanese scissors, you need to think about what matters most with your future purchase.

Is it the affordability?

The best value?

The unique style and design?

Either way, Japanese scissors are the best hair cutting shears available in the USA and Canada today.