Posted by Scott Wilson

26th Feb 2025

Why Your Shears Should Fit Like a Glove (And Not Like a Clown Shoe)

Buying a new pair of hair shears isn’t just about finding the sharpest, shiniest pair—it’s about making sure they actually fit your hand correctly. If your shears don’t fit properly, you’re setting yourself up for fatigue, pain, and long-term strain on your hand, wrist, and even shoulder.

Yet, most manufacturers don’t even mention this. Why? Because they just want to sell you a pair of hair scissors, not educate you on ergonomics.

Now, imagine walking into a shoe store, asking for a size 7, and getting handed a size 12 instead. Ridiculous, right? But that’s exactly what happens when you buy hair shears without considering fit.

Let’s break it down—how should your shears fit, and why does it matter?


The Perfect Fit: How to Find the Right Hair Shears for Your Hand

  1. Thumb Fit: The Goldilocks Rule
    • Your thumb should sit comfortably in the thumb hole—not too loose, not too tight.
    • The ring should rest right at the cuticle, allowing for a little movement but not sliding over your knuckle.
    • If the hole is too big, you’ll instinctively start hooking your thumb, which leads to fatigue and pain.
  2. Finger Placement: The Knuckle Check
    • Your ring finger should sit between your first and second knuckle, without sliding past the second knuckle.
    • If your finger slides in too deep, you’ll lose control and grip awkwardly—causing strain.
    • Finger inserts for hair shears exist for a reason—use them to get a snug, customized fit!
  3. The Stability Test: No Sloppy Fit Allowed
    • Properly fitted hair scissors should feel like an extension of your hand, not something you’re struggling to control.
    • If they wobble or shift, you’ll overcompensate by gripping too hard, leading to hand pain and fatigue.
    • If you feel unstable, check if you need finger inserts for hair scissors to adjust the fit.

What Happens When Your Hair Shears Don’t Fit?

If you’re using ill-fitting hair shears, here’s what’s coming for you:

  • The Death Grip – When your shears are too loose, you’ll naturally grip too hard—leading to hand fatigue and pain.
  • Thumb Hooking & Finger Curling – A bad fit forces your hand into unnatural positions, increasing strain and discomfort.
  • Wrist & Shoulder Pain – Poorly fitted shears don’t just affect your hand; they put unnecessary pressure on your wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
  • Reduced Shear Lifespan – If your shears aren’t sitting in your hand correctly, you’ll be forcing unnatural movements, wearing them down faster.

How to Ensure Your Hair Shears Fit Correctly

  • Use Finger Inserts for Hair Shears – If the rings feel too big, fix it! Inserts provide the perfect snug fit.
  • Check Thumb & Finger Placement – No sliding, no struggle—just natural, ergonomic movement.
  • Test for Stability – Your hair scissors should feel secure and comfortable, not like something you have to grip for dear life.

Final Thoughts: Get the Right Fit, Save Your Hands

Choosing the right ergonomic hair scissors isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your hand, wrist, and arm from unnecessary strain. If your shears don’t fit correctly, you’ll end up dealing with fatigue, discomfort, and even long-term injury.

Want to learn more about fitting hair shears properly? Check out our in-depth guide here to find the perfect pair for your hands.

Your hands deserve better—ditch the bad fit and get hair shears that actually work for you!