FAQ For Hair Scissors

Starting your hairdressing journey? The Mina starter range is perfect for apprentices - good quality without breaking the bank. Most polytechs recommend starting with 5.5" scissors around the $150-$200 mark.

Consider these options:

• Mina Entry Series: $150-$200 - Japanese steel that won't let you down while learning
• Ichiro Starter Set: $200-$300 - Includes cutting and thinning scissors
• Payment plans: Most shops offer Afterpay or Laybuy if you're strapped for cash

Pro tip: Don't go too cheap or you'll stuff up your cuts while learning. Better to invest in quality from the start.

You get what you pay for, mate. Here's the real difference:

• Steel quality: Cheap scissors use basic stainless steel that dulls quickly. Premium scissors like Juntetsu use VG10 Japanese steel that stays sharp for months
• Sharpness retention: Warehouse scissors need sharpening every month. Quality Japanese steel stays sharp 6-12 months
• Comfort: Expensive scissors have proper ergonomics - crucial when you're cutting all day
• Longevity: Cheap scissors last 1-2 years. Premium scissors can last 10+ years with care

If you're serious about hairdressing, invest in quality. Your hands (and clients) will thank you.

Both are brilliant, just different:

Japanese scissors (Ichiro, Juntetsu, Yasaka):

• Sharper edges - perfect for precision work and slide cutting
• Lighter weight - less fatigue during long days
• Need more TLC - regular oiling essential in humid Auckland
• Best for: Detailed work, Asian hair, precision cutting

German scissors (Jaguar):

• More durable - handle NZ's varying climates better
• Slightly heavier - some prefer the solid feel
• More forgiving - great for apprentices
• Best for: All-round use, thick hair, beginners

Most NZ stylists end up with both - Japanese for precision, German for everyday work.

Size matters! Here's what works for Kiwi professionals:

• 5.0" - 5.5": Perfect for detailed work, women's precision cutting, smaller hands
• 5.5" - 6.0": The sweet spot - most stylists go for 5.5" or 6". Versatile for all techniques
• 6.5" - 7.0": Barber territory - ideal for scissor-over-comb, men's cuts, bulk removal

How to measure: Place a ruler from the base of your palm to your middle fingertip. That's your ideal scissor length.

Not sure? Our 7-day return policy lets you exchange if the size isn't quite right.

New Zealand's diverse population means working with all hair types:

Fine European hair:

• Ultra-sharp convex edge scissors (Juntetsu, Yasaka)
• 5.0" - 5.5" for precision control

Thick Māori/Pasifika hair:

• Strong scissors with micro-serrated or beveled edges
• 6.0" - 7.0" for efficient cutting
• Ichiro's heavy-duty range is ace for this

Curly/Coarse hair:

• Sharp convex edge with excellent tension control
• Dry cutting scissors with special coating

All-rounder recommendation: Ichiro 5.5" offset handles most NZ hair types brilliantly.

Most NZ polytechs and private academies require:

• Cutting scissors: 5.5" or 6" (depending on your hand size)
• Thinning scissors: 30-40 teeth for general thinning
• Budget: Expect to spend $200-$400 for a decent starter set

Recommended starter kits:

• Mina Student Set: $250 - includes cutting and thinning scissors
• Ichiro Apprentice Package: $350 - higher quality, will last through your training

Check with your specific institution - some have partnerships for student discounts!

Check out these budget-friendly options that don't compromise on quality:

• Mina Sakura Series: $150-$180 - Perfect starter scissors with genuine Japanese steel
• Ichiro Entry Level: $180-$200 - Professional quality at apprentice prices
• Apprentice packages: Some retailers offer special student pricing - worth asking!

Money-saving tip: Buy during EOFY sales or Black Friday for extra savings. Sign up to newsletters for exclusive deals.

Yeah mate, pretty much everywhere does payment plans now! Makes those $300 Ichiro scissors more manageable.

Available payment options:

• Afterpay: Split into 4 fortnightly payments
• Laybuy: 6 weekly payments
• Zip: Flexible payment terms

Perfect for apprentices or when upgrading to premium scissors. No interest if you pay on time!

Some places offer trade pricing if you're studying. Here's how to save:

• Ask your polytech - many have partnerships with suppliers
• Show your student ID when buying in-store
• Email retailers directly - some offer unpublished student rates
• Buy apprentice packages - better value than individual scissors

Worth noting: Investing in quality scissors early saves money long-term. Cheap scissors need replacing every year!

Depends on your experience level and needs:

• Apprentice/Student: $150-$300 for a basic set
• Newly qualified: $300-$500 for quality everyday scissors
• Experienced stylist: $500-$800 for premium tools
• Specialist/Senior: $800+ for top-tier Japanese scissors

Remember: Quality scissors are an investment. Spread the cost with payment plans and they'll serve you for years.

Anywhere from 3-12 months depending how busy you are. Here's a rough guide:

• Busy salon (20+ cuts daily): Every 3-4 months
• Average use (10-15 cuts): Every 6 months
• Light use/home: Once a year

Signs they need sharpening:

• Hair folds instead of cutting cleanly
• You're pushing harder than usual
• Scissors feel "crunchy" when closing
• Hair slides down the blade

Budget around $70 plus courier for professional sharpening.

Heaps of options across NZ:

Auckland:

• The Sharpening Guys - top quality, courier service available
• Mobile sharpeners visit salons monthly

Wellington:

• Scissor Solutions - certified Japanese sharpening
• Edge Revival - pick up and delivery service

Christchurch:

• TrueCut Sharpening - specialise in convex edges

Nationwide: Most sharpeners offer courier service. Pack scissors securely and they'll return within a week.

Warning: Don't use knife sharpeners or non-specialists - they'll wreck your scissors!

NZ's humidity (especially Auckland) can be tough on scissors. Here's how to protect your investment:

Daily care:

• Wipe clean after every client
• Oil the pivot point at knock-off time
• Never leave wet overnight - quickest way to get rust

Climate-specific tips:

• Humid areas (Auckland, coastal): Extra oiling, silica gel packets in case
• Dry areas (Canterbury): Regular oiling still essential
• Storage: Always in a dry case, never in bathroom

Pro tip: Keep a small bottle of clipper oil at your station. 30 seconds of care saves hundreds in repairs!

Use proper scissor oil for best results:

• Recommended: Japanese camellia oil or clipper oil
• Acceptable: Light machine oil, sewing machine oil
• Never use: WD-40, cooking oil, or thick lubricants

How to oil:

• One drop on the pivot point
• Open and close scissors several times
• Wipe excess with soft cloth
• Do this daily for best results

Proper cleaning extends scissor life:

After each client:

• Wipe blades with soft, dry cloth
• Remove hair fragments from pivot area

End of day:

• Clean with alcohol wipe or Barbicide
• Dry thoroughly
• Apply oil to pivot point
• Store in protective case

Never: Soak in water, use harsh chemicals, or leave product residue on blades.

Japanese steel leads the pack. Here's the breakdown:

• 440C Stainless: Good entry-level, holds edge 3-6 months
• VG10: Premium Japanese steel, stays sharp 6-12 months (used in Juntetsu)
• ATS314: Top tier, exceptional edge retention
• Cobalt alloys: Excellent for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic

What matters: Rockwell hardness of 58-62 HRC is the sweet spot. Too soft won't hold edge, too hard becomes brittle.

For NZ conditions, VG10 offers the best balance of sharpness and durability.

Handle design is crucial for preventing RSI - a real issue for Kiwi stylists. Here's what you need to know:

Handle types:

• Classic (straight): Traditional design, symmetric handles
• Offset: Shorter thumb handle, reduces wrist strain by 30%
• Crane: Extreme offset, maximum ergonomic benefit
• Swivel thumb: Rotating thumb ring, ultimate RSI prevention

If you're cutting all day, offset or crane handles are lifesavers. Most NZ professionals prefer offset as the best compromise between comfort and control.

The edge type affects how your scissors cut:

Convex edge (Japanese style):

• Razor sharp - cuts like butter
• Perfect for slide cutting, point cutting
• Needs professional sharpening
• Found on Ichiro, Juntetsu, Yasaka

Beveled edge (traditional):

• More durable, forgiving
• Good for beginners
• Easier to maintain
• Can't slide cut as smoothly

Most professionals prefer convex once they've tried them - the cutting performance is next level!

They serve different purposes in your toolkit:

Cutting scissors:

• Two straight blades for clean cuts
• Used for length removal and shaping
• Essential tool - you'll use these 90% of the time

Thinning scissors:

• One straight blade, one with teeth (15-45 teeth)
• Removes bulk without changing length
• Creates texture and blends sections
• Different tooth counts for different effects

Texturizing scissors: Similar to thinning but with wider teeth for chunkier texture.

Proper tension is crucial for clean cuts and scissor longevity:

How to check tension:

1. Hold scissors with tips pointing up
2. Open one blade to 90 degrees
3. Let it drop - it should fall to about 45 degrees and stop

Adjusting:

• Use the tension screw (usually in the pivot)
• Turn clockwise to tighten, anti-clockwise to loosen
• Make small adjustments - quarter turns

Signs of wrong tension:

• Too loose: Hair folds between blades
• Too tight: Premature wear, hand fatigue

Local's usually better for these reasons:

• Warranty support: No dramas if something goes wrong
• GST threshold: Orders over $225 from overseas cop extra charges
• Shipping time: 2-3 days local vs 2-3 weeks international
• Try before buy: Some NZ retailers have showrooms
• Support NZ business: Keep money in our economy

Warning: Some overseas sites pretend to be NZ-based. Check they have an actual NZ address and phone number.

Stick with established NZ companies:

• Japan Scissors NZ: Genuine NZ operation, great range
• Scissor Hub NZ: 100% NZ owned, excellent service
• StyleHQ: Long-established, physical stores
• Dateline Imports: Trade supplier, professional focus

Red flags to avoid:

• No NZ presence
• Prices not in NZD
• No physical address
• Shipping from Asia despite ".co.nz" domain

Most retailers offer fast delivery:

• Major centres (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch): 1-2 business days
• Regional cities: 2-3 business days
• Rural delivery: 3-5 business days

Orders usually dispatch same day if placed before 2pm. Free shipping is standard on scissors - if they're charging, shop elsewhere!

Depends where you buy:

• NZ retailers: GST already included in price
• Overseas orders under $225: No extra GST
• Overseas orders over $225: GST (15%) plus possible customs fees

Pro tip: Buy from NZ suppliers to avoid surprise charges and delays at customs.

Yes! Several companies offer mobile services:

• Sales reps visit salons with scissor ranges
• Try before you buy opportunities
• Often combined with sharpening services
• Check with your salon - many have regular visits scheduled

Great way to test different brands and sizes before committing.

Nah mate, kitchen scissors will damage the hair something chronic! Here's why:

• Blunt edges: Crush and fray hair instead of cutting cleanly
• Wrong angle: Not designed for hair's structure
• Damage: Causes split ends and breakage
• Poor results: Uneven, choppy cuts

Even basic Mina scissors ($100) are miles better than kitchen scissors. Your family's hair will thank you!

Good on ya for learning! Here's a proper home setup:

Essential kit ($200-$300):

• 5.5" cutting scissors (Mina home range perfect)
• Thinning scissors for blending
• Professional cape
• Cutting comb set
• Spray bottle

Optional extras:

• Hair clips for sectioning
• Neck brush
• Storage case

Learning tip: Start with small trims and watch YouTube tutorials. The Mina starter kit includes a basic cutting guide!

Follow these rules for safe home cutting:

• Keep scissors sharp: If they're folding hair instead of cutting, they need sharpening
• Cut small amounts: You can always cut more, can't glue it back!
• Work on dry hair: Easier to see the real length
• Use proper tension: Don't pull too tight
• Clean cuts only: No sawing motions

Golden rule: When in doubt, see a professional. A bad home cut costs more to fix than a salon visit!

Start with these simple cuts:

• Straight fringe trim: Cut dry, small sections, point cut for softness
• Split end removal: Twist small sections, trim ends that stick out
• Boys' simple trim: Use clippers with guards for sides, scissors for top
• Long hair trim: Cut straight across at shoulders/mid-back

Avoid: Layers, short styles, or anything requiring precision. Leave those to the pros!

Kiwi barbers have specific needs for their craft:

Popular choices:

• Kamisori 7": Perfect for scissor-over-comb work
• Juntetsu Barber Series: Exceptional balance and control
• Ichiro 6.5": Great all-rounder for fades and texture

Key features barbers want:

• Longer length (6.5" - 7") for better comb control
• Slightly heavier for stability
• Offset handles to reduce fatigue
• Sharp enough for detail work

Slide cutting demands ultra-sharp convex edges. Top picks:

• Yasaka YS Series: Legendary for slide cutting
• Juntetsu Moonlight: Smooth as silk action
• Ichiro Slide Master: Purpose-built for the technique

What makes good slide cutting scissors:

• Polished convex edge
• Perfect tension (not too tight)
• Smooth pivot action
• 5.5" - 6" length ideal

Tip: Keep them exclusively for slide cutting - using for regular cuts dulls the special edge.

Time to level up? Here's how to upgrade smartly:

Step 1: Keep your student scissors - Great for rough work or backup

Step 2: Invest in one quality pair - Ichiro or Juntetsu 5.5" offset

Step 3: Add specialty scissors - Texturizing, slide cutting, detail work

Budget progression:

• Year 1-2: Mina/entry Ichiro ($150-$300)
• Year 3-5: Mid-range Juntetsu ($400-$700)
• Established: Premium Yasaka/Kamisori ($800+)

Use payment plans to spread the cost. Quality scissors are an investment in your career!

Different styles need different tools:

Men's hairdressing:

• 6" - 7" for scissor-over-comb
• Strong scissors for thick hair
• Good tension for precision fades
• Popular: Kamisori, Juntetsu barber range

Women's hairdressing:

• 5" - 5.5" for detailed work
• Ultra-sharp for slide cutting
• Lightweight for all-day comfort
• Popular: Yasaka, Ichiro precision series

Most stylists have both sizes to handle any client!

Being a leftie in hairdressing has its challenges:

True left-handed scissors have:

• Reversed blade configuration
• Handle ergonomics for left hand
• Opposite tension adjustment

Why it matters:

• Right-handed scissors in left hand = poor visibility of cutting line
• Causes hand fatigue and inaccurate cuts
• Can lead to RSI over time

Good news: Most quality brands offer left-handed options. Ichiro and Juntetsu have excellent leftie ranges.

Warranty coverage varies by brand:

• Lifetime warranties (Ichiro, Juntetsu): Cover manufacturing defects forever
• 2-year warranty (Mina): Comprehensive coverage for defects
• 1-year warranty (Most others): Standard manufacturer protection

Typically covered:

• Faulty materials or construction
• Blade alignment issues from manufacture
• Tension system failures
• Handle or finger rest defects

Not covered: Drops, rust from poor care, bad sharpening, normal wear

Our return policy gives you peace of mind:

The process:

1. Try your scissors (carefully!)
2. Not right? Contact us within 7 days of delivery
3. Return in original condition with all packaging
4. Choose: exchange, store credit, or refund

Important:

• Scissors must be in resellable condition
• Keep all original packaging
• Refunds incur 10% restocking fee
• Exchanges and store credit have no fees

Don't worry - we'll sort it out immediately:

1. Take photos of damage and packaging
2. Email us within 24 hours: hello@JapanScissors.co.nz
3. We'll arrange immediate replacement
4. No cost to you - we handle courier claims

Tip: Always inspect your scissors upon arrival. Our packaging is designed to prevent damage, but occasionally couriers are rough!

Absolutely! Here's how our tracking works:

• Tracking number emailed when order ships
• Real-time updates via NZ Post/courier website
• SMS notifications available for some couriers
• Typical delivery: 2-3 days from dispatch

Pro tip: Download the NZ Post app for easy mobile tracking!

Yes! We deliver everywhere in NZ:

• RD (Rural Delivery) addresses welcome
• Allow extra 1-2 days for rural areas
• Same free shipping policy applies
• Make sure to include your RD number

From Stewart Island to Cape Reinga, we've got you covered!

Scissors make brilliant gifts for hairdressers! We can help:

• Gift wrapping available on request
• Include a personal message
• Send directly to recipient
• Gift receipts (no prices shown)

Popular gift options:

• Apprentice starter sets
• Premium upgrade scissors
• Maintenance kits
• Gift vouchers available