Every grade of steel a hairdressing scissor is made from, what it actually means at the chair, and which brands use it.
The single biggest difference between a $90 student shear and a $1,500 flagship is the steel — its hardness, how long it holds an edge, how well it resists the chemicals in your colour bowl, and how it feels as it closes. Hardness is usually quoted on the Rockwell C scale (HRC): higher numbers cut cleaner and hold longer but are more brittle and fussier to sharpen; lower numbers are tougher and more forgiving but dull sooner. Here's what each grade means in practice.
Cobalt-rich alloys for the longest edge life and slide-cut smoothness.
Read morePowder metallurgy for an ultra-uniform grain and exceptional longevity.
Read moreOver 50% cobalt — effectively rust-proof, rated for thousands of cuts.
Read moreUse the steel grade as a shortcut: 440C to learn on, VG-10 for everyday professional cutting, cobalt and powder metal for high-volume specialists.
Browse brands by steel