How To Choose Haircutting Shears (2)
You can also get around this by choosing shears that feature replaceable blades. Many stylists like this option because A) the shears tend to be less expensive, and B) you can keep multiple sets of replacements on hand, so you never have to wait for your shears to be sharpened. You simply put on a new set of blades.
There has been a recent trend in manufacturing hair shears to use an "offset blade" design, as opposed to the more traditional "even-ended" design. The theory is that the offset blade is more comfortable and allows for better alignment and positioning of the blades during use to reduce stress on the hands and fingers.
For this reason, some people swear by the offset shears and encourage others to use them as well. However, experts now believe that the best course of action is to use scissors of both designs and to change them up regularly. This helps to prevent the repetitive movements that can result in damage to the hands and wrists in the long term.
But What About the Cost?
As you've already noticed, I've avoided discussing specific manufacturers and brands of haircutting shears. Frankly, there are far too many out there, and the price ranges vary so widely that finding the right shears for you means looking for something that will give you quality you can depend on, within your personal budget.
You'll find everything from plain and simple utilitarian designs to ornate engravings and shapes, to exotic metals and finishes. I’ve seen shears made from titanium with jewels in the pivot, silver-plated shears with laser-etched designs along the length of the blade, iridescent finishes, and even anodized stainless/surgical steel in myriad colors.
In fact, a quick five-minute search online for “haircutting shears” revealed sites offering shears whose prices ranged from as low as $42.99 (USD) to $849.00 (USD). When you're talking about that kind of variety, it becomes a very personal decision.
See also:
How to hold your shears
Caring for your haircutting shears
What size scissors are best for a beginner?
Why can’t I cut hair with household shears?