The Difference Between Thinning Shears and Texturizing Shears
Thinning shears and texturizing shears may look similar, but they serve different purposes in hairstyling. Here's a quick breakdown:
-
Thinning Shears:
- Use: Reduce bulk, blend harsh lines, and soften haircuts.
- Teeth: 28–40 fine teeth.
- Hair Removal: Removes 15–25% of hair per cut.
- Best For: Subtle adjustments and smoothing thick hair.
-
Texturizing Shears:
- Use: Add texture, volume, and visible separation.
- Teeth: 12–16 wider notches.
- Hair Removal: Removes 40–60% of hair per cut.
- Best For: Creating bold, textured styles and boosting volume.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Thinning Shears | Texturizing Shears |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Remove bulk, blend lines | Add texture, create volume |
| Teeth Count | 28–40 fine teeth | 12–16 wide notches |
| Hair Removal | 15–25% per cut | 40–60% per cut |
| Best Used For | Softening, reducing weight | Adding layers, boosting volume |
Both tools are essential for hairstylists, but choosing the right one depends on the desired effect. Thinning shears are great for subtle weight reduction, while texturizing shears are ideal for bold, textured looks.
Texturizing, Thinning And Blending Shears: Which To Use And When
Basic Parts and Construction
The design of shears plays a key role in their function and the final styling results. Let’s break down how their structural features impact performance.
Blade Design and Tooth Configuration
Thinning shears have fine, evenly spaced teeth that allow for precise cuts, reducing bulk without altering the hair's texture. On the other hand, texturizing shears feature wider teeth with larger gaps, making them better suited for creating texture and adding volume. As Jun Oh explains:
"Thinning shears remove excess weight from hair and use smaller teeth. This makes them ideal for thinning out hair and giving it a sleek look, while texture shears have wider teeth and are designed to create texture in the hair. They are perfect for adding volume and body to thin or fine hair" .
In addition to blade design, the handle style also influences performance and comfort.
Handle Ergonomics
Shears come in three main handle styles, each offering different levels of control and comfort:
- Opposing Handle Design: These traditional straight handles provide a classic feel but can lead to wrist strain during extended use .
- Offset Handle Construction: Angled handles help reduce wrist tension, making them more comfortable for longer cutting sessions .
- Crane Handle Configuration: This design features a sharply angled handle that lowers hand elevation, easing shoulder strain .
Main Uses and Applications
Building on their design, knowing how to use each type of shear is key to achieving specific styling results.
Thinning Shears Applications
Thinning shears are perfect for reducing bulk while keeping the haircut's shape intact. They're commonly used for:
- Blending short or layered cuts and softening sharp lines
- Adding movement to thick hair
- Scissor-over-comb techniques
- Polishing bob haircuts
For best results, use thinning shears on dry hair, focusing on the mid-shaft and steering clear of the crown to avoid flyaways .
Texturizing Shears Applications
Texturizing shears are ideal for creating bold texture by removing larger sections of hair. They're often used to:
- Add visible separation to hairstyles
- Boost volume in fine or thin hair
- Reduce bulk while keeping the natural texture
- Replace traditional point-cutting methods
Technique-Specific Applications
Texturizing shears are effective for both wet and dry cutting. They can create noticeable separation, add lift to thinner hair, and remove bulk without altering the haircut's natural flow. Compared to point cutting, these shears save time and simplify challenging styling tasks .
The next section will dive into specific techniques for using these tools effectively.
Results on Different Hair Types
Understanding how hair type affects the performance of styling tools is key to achieving the desired results.
Fine Hair Considerations
Fine hair needs a gentle approach. Overusing thinning shears can result in unwanted layering or a sparse look . When used carefully, they can soften harsh lines and add subtle movement to layered cuts . Texturizing shears, on the other hand, are great for adding volume and texture without removing too much hair. Precision is critical when working with this delicate texture.
Medium Hair Applications
Medium-textured hair is more adaptable and works well with both types of shears. Thinning shears are ideal for blending and softening lines, while texturizing shears create a chunkier, more defined look. However, avoid cutting too close to the scalp to maintain even growth .
Thick Hair Solutions
Thick hair often requires reducing bulk and adding bold texture. Both shears can be effective here. Thinning shears help remove excess bulk and smooth out transitions , while texturizing shears are perfect for creating bold textures and managing depth .
How to Use Each Type
Using the right technique ensures you get the best results from your shears. Here’s how to work effectively with both thinning and texturizing shears.
Thinning Shears Technique
Always start with completely dry hair for even results. Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin explains:
"Thinning allows hair to lay close to the head, adds movement, and softens shapes. You can use thinning shears to remove bulk from thick hair or to simply soften the ends of a cut" .
To thin hair:
- Divide hair into 3-inch sections.
- Use a comb to lift each section.
- Position the shears halfway down the strand, with the tips pointing upward.
- Make a cut, then comb through to check the result.
- Flip the shears and make a second pass if needed.
Pro tip: Avoid thinning closer than 2 inches from the scalp to prevent short, spiky sections . Los Angeles stylist Xander Fuentes adds:
"Hair-thinning shears can be a really great tool when you are looking to remove internal weight in certain areas within your hair...They can create a very soft look" .
Now, let’s move on to texturizing shears.
Texturizing Shears Application
Texturizing shears call for a different process. Follow these steps:
- Work on slightly damp hair.
- Take ½-inch sections of hair.
- Hold the hair between your fingers, 2-3 inches from the ends.
- Cut diagonally into the outer sections.
- Use a towel to dry the ends.
| Shear Type | Distance from Scalp | Cutting Angle | Hair Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinning | 2-4 inches | Perpendicular | Completely dry |
| Texturizing | 1-3 inches | 45-degree angle | Slightly damp |
Maintenance and Care
To keep your shears in top shape, follow these care tips:
- Sharpen them every 3-6 months, depending on usage .
- Wipe them clean after each use with a soft cloth.
- Oil the pivot screws regularly.
- Store them in a protective case.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using dull blades, which can tear instead of slicing.
- Cutting too close to the scalp.
- Over-thinning one section.
- Thinning wet hair.
- Using thinning shears on curly hair .
Start conservatively - it's always easier to remove more hair than to fix an over-thinned section. Test your technique on a small area before committing to the full cut . This careful approach ensures professional results while protecting the health of your client’s hair.
Strengths and Limitations
Understanding the strengths and limitations of each type of shear ensures you choose the right tool for the job.
Thinning Shears: Main Benefits
Thinning shears, with their 20–40 teeth, are perfect for reducing weight and blending. According to Xander Fuentes, these shears are excellent for removing internal weight and achieving a soft, shattered effect .
Texturizing Shears: Key Benefits
Texturizing shears, which typically have 5–14 teeth, are designed to add texture and volume. They work particularly well for:
- Shaggy, layered cuts
- Textured bangs
- Short, textured men's styles
- Modern pixie cuts
| Aspect | Thinning Shears | Texturizing Shears |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Hair Types | Thick, coarse hair | Fine to medium hair |
| Best Applications | Weight removal and blending | Adding texture and volume |
| Application Point | About 1 inch from the scalp | Mostly at the hair ends |
| Primary Strength | Subtle weight reduction | Noticeably enhanced texture |
Common Limitations
While each shear type has its strengths, they also come with specific challenges:
Thinning Shears Limitations:
- Can cause frizz in curly hair
- Risk of spiky sections if used too close to the scalp
- Overuse may weaken fine hair
- Less effective on wet hair
Texturizing Shears Limitations:
- Improper use can leave visible chop marks
- Not ideal for very fine hair
"The reason lies within the hair. No two strands of hair are the same on a person's head. They are all growing at different rates. When you make a cut, the individual strands that help weigh down other strands spring up at a different curl elasticity for each individual strand, causing the unwanted frizz" .
Professional Selection Tips
To maximize results, select the right shear based on your goals:
Use Thinning Shears for:
- Thick, heavy hair
- Subtle weight reduction
- Seamless blending of layers
- Creating natural movement
Use Texturizing Shears for:
- Bold, textured styles
- Adding volume
- Defining dramatic layers
- Short, modern cuts
High-quality tools, like those from Saki Shears, provide precision and ease of use. Features such as adjustable tension systems and ergonomic designs help reduce hand fatigue, making them ideal for extended use.
Conclusion
Knowing the distinct purposes of thinning and texturizing shears helps you choose the right tool for your styling needs and your client’s hair type.
Take the Saki Makoto series as an example of how the right tools can elevate your results. Alex Kim, a barber based in New York, shares:
"As a barber, precision is everything. The Saki Makoto Shears are incredibly precise and durable. The Japanese 440C Stainless Steel holds its edge remarkably well, and the ergonomic design means my hand never tires, even after a full day of appointments."
Here’s a quick comparison of the two shear types:
| Feature | Thinning Shears | Texturizing Shears |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Teeth | 28–40 teeth | 5–14 teeth |
| Primary Function | Weight removal and blending | Creating texture and volume |
| Best Hair Types | Thick, coarse hair | Most hair types except very fine |
| Cutting Pattern | Subtle, uniform removal | Chunky, piece-y texture |
Thinning shears are ideal for reducing bulk in thick hair, while texturizing shears add movement and depth to layered styles.
Another stylist highlights the benefits of these tools:
"The Saki Makoto Student Hair Thinning Shears are my go-to tool for creating effortlessly textured looks. They are sharp and comfortable to use, which is a must during long days at the salon. The quality is exceptional, especially considering the price point. I recommend them to all my apprentices."
Keep in mind proper technique and timing for the best results. Avoid using thinning shears beyond the mid-shaft and steer clear of cutting too close to the scalp with texturizing shears to ensure natural-looking growth .
