9 Shears That Make At-Home Haircuts and Trims an Actual Breeze (2024)

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Unless you're absolutely set on the DIY haircut route, it's always a better idea to visit a professional stylist for a haircut if and when you can (so much training and skill goes into the process—there's a reason they're called professionals, ppl!). But if you must cut your own hair at home, you gotta at least make sure you have a solid pair of shears on hand. And, no, your kitchen scissors don't count—proper hair-cutting scissors are made with sharp blades that are designed to give you a smooth cut with ease.

That's why I reached out to Cory Aaron Scott, celebrity hair expert and founder of Loft 647 in West Hollywood, to find out everything you need to know about shears (including a few of his favorite picks). But first—a couple pointers to keep in mind:

1. Look for sharp, good-quality blades

"Think of cutting your hair as you would cutting fabric—you want a pair of good-quality shears to make sure you're getting a clean and safe cut," says Scott. "No one wants a crooked haircut, and the sharper the shear, the cleaner the line," he adds.

2. Don't forget about maintenance

Depending on how often you use them (and how well you take care of them), Scott says shears should be replaced every two years. He suggests wiping your shears with a microfiber towel and coconut oil every so often to help keep the blades protected.

3. Keep your budget in mind

One of the downsides of good-quality shears? They can definitely get expensive—Scott says legit professional pairs can cost stylists up to $900. That doesn't mean you should drop a ton of money on your first pair of hair-cutting scissors though, especially since there are a handful of affordable options that get the job done. Just know that they might not last as long.

Alright, ready to find your pair? Keep reading for the nine best hair-cutting scissors of all time, and then brush up on our DIY haircut guide before you get started.

Shop the best haircutting scissors deals on Amazon

"These top-rated shears help you get a clean line, which is the ultimate goal," says Scott. At $179, they're definitely on the expensive side, but they're sharp, easy to use, and will last you for many haircuts. "They also come with thinning shears that are great for getting a softer layer, choppy bangs, or for blending mistakes," he says.

Heads up that these hair-cutting scissors have over 20k glowing reviews on Amazon rn, all thanks to the Japanese stainless steel, the precise blades, and the easy-to-grip handle. You get a ton of control with this pair, making them a great introduction for at-home trims. P.S. You'll notice that the blades are coated with a protective oil when you take them out of the packaging—just give them a quick rinse with soap and water before your first cut.

Reviewers note that this pair of shears is sharp enough to get clean, precise trims on thick hair and curls. The tempered stainless steel blades are long-lasting, the handle is nice and balanced, and they're easy to control. Pretty impressive for an under-$30 pair, right?

Scott says you should look to these shears for easy maintenance in-between salon visits. "Let your hair fall naturally, don't create any tension, and use these shears at a 45-degree angle to add simple texture," he says. "You'll want to work in small sections in order to get the cleanest, straightest cut possible."

Not looking to break the bank on your hair-cutting scissors? Scott says this affordable option is a great place to start. One thing to keep in mind: Cheaper shears are often a bit more dull than their expensive counterparts, so Scott says you'll want to avoid any dramatic cuts and instead use this pair for quick trims. Which, TBH, is good advice for all DIY haircuts.

This kit comes with everything you'll need to nail an at-home haircut, including two sets of shears (one for cutting, one more thinning), separating clips, a comb, a cleansing cloth, and more. Plus, you can zip it all up in the included leather case for easy storage.

Not only are these hair-cutting scissors reasonably priced, but they're also equipped with sharp blades that give you a smooth cut every time. And thanks to the offset handle, they're v comfortable to hold too (a big bonus for anyone new to the haircutting game).

These cute little shears (which come in three color ways, FYI) are designed to be used on wet or dry hair without snagging or sliding. That's courtesy of the sharp, stainless steel blades that are great for trims, blunt cuts, and even bangs.

The tiny grooves on these hair-cutting scissors make them great for lightly thinning your hair. That means you won't use them for traditional haircuts—you'll need a straight blade for that—but you will need them if you're looking to take some weight off of thicker hair textures.