LOOK SHARP

Scissors are the lifeblood of stylists, so if you’re looking at upgrading, or expanding your selection, check out our useful shopping guide, with pairs at every price point

1 HAITO KURO

Handmade from stainless steel with black Teflon coating, these scissors feature an offset handle for a comfortable working position and a convex cutting edge for professional cutting. Supplied within a black scissor wallet with a removable finger rest and finger rings.

Size options: 5.5”/ 7”/ 5.5” Left-handed / 5.5”Thinner

Price: from £28.50+VAT www.hairtools.co.uk

2 HAITO SAKANA

With a scalloped wave blade and handmade from stainless steel, these scissors are all about comfort.They come with a convex cutting edge for smooth, precise cutting and feature a moon design stopper.Supplied with a quilted wallet, removable finger rest and finger rings. Size options: 5.5"/6"

Price: from £41.90+VAT www.hairtools.co.uk

3 KYOTO SPRINT

Due to its impressive quality, reliability and affordable price, Kyoto Sprint has become the gold standard for economy range scissors. Razor sharp precision cutting blades suited for stylists of all abilities. A welcome kitbag addition.

Size options: 5.0"/5.5"/6.0"/6.5"/7.0"/ 5.5" Thinning

Price: £60+VAT www.dowa-international.com

4 KYOTO PHOENIX

Offering stylists more control over longer sized blades, the shortened handle shaft on these scissors allows your hand to sit closer to the action, delivering more power and control to the tips. Razor sharp cut quality to impress.

Size options: 5.0"/5.5"/6.0"/6.5"/7.0"

Price: £62.50+VAT www.dowa-international.com

5 HAITO ROZU

Handmade from stainless steel with a rose gold titanium coating, an offset form and a feather design handle with curved thumb for optimum support.The design also features a hand-adjustment screw and a convex cutting edge for smooth cutting and slicing. Size options: 5.5” Scissor / 5.5”Thinner

Price: from £67.85+VAT www.hairtools.co.uk

6 OSAKA SUPER ERGO

A pair of Osaka Super Ergo are probably sitting in most people’s kit bags already – and for good reason.The cut quality is unsurpassed, and they really punch above their affordable price tag. Comfortable to use and incredibly sharp.

Size options: 5.0"/5.5"/6.0"/6.5"/7.0" /6.0" Thinning

Price: £110+VAT www.dowa-international.com

7 OSAKA ICON

If you like to make crisp, precise cuts then Osaka Icon are the scissors to give you those essential clean lines. Razor sharp blades offer precision cutting right up to the tips. Forged from high quality 440°C steel, Icon brings quality results with every cut. Size options: 5.5"/6.0"/6.5"/7.0"

Price: £120+VAT www.dowa-international.com

8 PASSION PHANTOM

Passion Phantom looks striking in its titanium casing and backs up its good looks with equally good weight distribution, ergonomic handles and quality 440 °C steel.The shortened handles allow for larger sizes to feel agile, under control and less clumsy.

Size options: 5.5"/6.0"/6.5"/7.0"

Price: £155+VAT www.dowa-international.com

9 PASSION VERTEX

Passion Vertex hits all the right notes when it comes to ergonomics and precision cutting. Surprisingly light in the hand, comfortable grip, ball bearing screw system and finer tips ensure unrivalled cut quality in this price bracket.

Size options: 5.5"/6.0"/6.5"/7.0"

Price: £155+VAT www.dowa-international.com

10 PURE STEEL SCISSOR

The Pure Steel has the same design as Leaf's best-selling Black Edition, but in a classic steel finish. Long-lasting, durable and fits your hand perfectly. Leaf plants ten trees for every pair sold, and has planted over 100,000 so far.

Price: £180 or £15 a month on a 12-month subscription plan.Use code HJ50 for 50% off, leafscissors.com

11 JOEWELL CLASSIC PINK

1A classic style scissor, made from supreme stainless alloy and with the standard Joewell blade. Handcrafted in Japan, it is suitable for all cutting techniques and gives you a classic all-round cutting experience. Size options: 4.5"/5.0"/5.5"

Price: £229/£229/£232+VAT www.salonsupplies.co.uk/collections/joewell

12 PASSION COBALT REX

12 Only a few scissors are still made in Japan by master artisans in their workshops.The ones that are, such as the Passion Cobalt Rex,highlight the difference in the cut quality; the Rex operates on a different level when it comes to sharpness, lightness and longevity.

Size options: 5.0"/5.5"/6.0"

Price: £240+VAT www.dowa-international.com

13 BLACK EDITION SCISSOR

Ergonomically designed and made from Japanese steel dipped in titanium, these scissors are long-lasting, durable and fit your hand perfectly.

Price: £249.95 or £21 a month on a 12-month subscription plan. Use code HJ50 for 50% off,leafscissors.com

14 PASSION DAMASCUS ALTO

The first Japanese Damascus model to grace the UK market over 20 years ago, Passion Alto, still maintains its distinctive high-end craftsmanship. Layered with ATS 314 cobalt cutting core, the Alto not only looks beautiful but cuts through hair like butter.

Size options: 5.0"/5.5"/6.0"

Price: £285+VAT www.dowa-international.com

15 JOEWELL FX PRO

The FX Pro is handcrafted in Japan and features a three-dimensional style handle,for comfort.It also utilises a combination of a sword blade, delivering power to the tip, and a flat back blade. Plus,the dry bearing screw system provides a light,smooth cutting action.

Size options: 5.0”/5.5”/6.0”

Price: £349 www.salonsupplies.co.uk/collections/joewell

16 MLDSROYALPURPLE

These scissors are made using a titanium coating manufacturing method with excellent characteristics that prolong the life of the tool; it is a gorgeous and world-class product with durability and dignity, and can be used safely by people with metal allergies. Size options: 5.5”/6.0” Price: approx. £869/£899 www.matsuzaki.jp

17 MLDSPINKGOLD

These scissors are the result of traditional Japanese craft: featuring four spring plates to soften the impact during cutting and reduce the burden on the hands, these scissors are coated in titanium and offer durability and style.

Size options: 5.5”/6.0”

Price: approx. £869/£899 www.matsuzaki.jp

18 TOGIYA PAPILLON

Crafted in Japan utilising some of the most advanced techniques and exotic materials available, these scissors feature 33 layers of Damascus steel, combined with high-speed powder steel, for sharpness and strength. It is visually stunning and provides the ultimate cutting experience.

Size options: 5.5"/6.0"

Price: £1,000+VAT, www.scissorlab.com