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If you visit the men’s barber for a regular haircut, you may have noticed they often use a combination of two tools: scissors and clippers. Each tool offers its own unique set of characteristics that make it ideal for creating different haircuts and styles. But what’s the difference, and which tool is best?
In this article by our team at Premium Barbershop, we explore the differences between each tool and where each one shines, helping you choose the right one for the desired look you’re going for.
Scissors are a manual tool used in many barber shop services. They use a scissor-like cutting action, where two blades come together to trim your hair. Clippers are an electric tool with a set of oscillating blades used to shave off sections of hair.
The manual method of using scissors allows for more control over each snip. They create looser, softer snips with a softer grow-out that tends to last longer. This is ideal for more natural blending and shaping, especially for longer hair.
The clipper’s mechanized process cuts hair faster and more efficiently. It creates a straighter, more blunt cut that’s ideal for bulk hair removal and quick, uniform trims, especially if you have shorter hair. However, the hair tends to grow out at different rates.
Known for their precision, scissors are perfect for detailed work and texturizing, such as for hairstyles like undercuts with shorter sides. For this reason, they usually require a higher skill level than clippers.
Scissors also have the flexibility to create various lengths within a single haircut, which is ideal if you want a more layered look, such as with a pompadour look. While clippers are perfect for bulk cutting and creating uniform lengths, they may not provide the same level of precision.
As using scissors is a manual task, it can take longer – especially when focusing on intricate details like layering or texturizing. Scissors require a steady hand and deliberate movements to achieve the best results.
On the other hand, clippers are known for their speed and efficiency. The electric motor allows for fast and consistent cutting, which is ideal for men’s barbers with a fast turnover.
Scissors are versatile tools for creating a wide range of hairstyles and lengths. Skilled barbers can adapt scissor-cutting techniques to achieve various textures and finishes. They’re also suited to all hair types, whereas clippers are really efficient for use on thick or coarse hair. While scissors are particularly effective for styles that require seamless transitions and customized lengths, clippers are suited to quick, even cuts, such as buzz cuts, fades, and crew cuts.
Ultimately, the choice between scissors and clippers depends on the desired haircut you’re going for, the barber’s expertise, and your personal preferences. In most cases, men’s barbers will use a combination of both scissors and clippers within a single haircut to utilize the different strengths of each tool. Are you ready for your next haircut? Book your haircut at our men’s barber shop today.