How to Choose the Right Shear

Choosing the right shear is essential to bringing your artistry to life behind the chair. At Sam Villa®, we make it easy to find the perfect tool for your craft. Tailored to your technique, your hand and your style.

Let’s find your perfect match.

Take the Shear Quiz

Why Ergonomics Matters

Comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Ergonomic shears help protect your hands, wrists, and shoulders from fatigue and strain, letting you work longer and cut with confidence. Designed for natural hand positioning, Sam Villa® shears help you stay comfortable and creative behind the chair, day after day.

When cutting hair, you're using very specific areas of your body on a daily basis – your fingers, hands and wrists – repeatedly, often replicating the same movements over and over again.

If the movement of using your shears means that you have to reach your thumb back towards your ring finger, then this stretches the thumb tendon. When you’re doing this repeatedly, every day, it creates a lot of stress and inflammation.

You may also find that you have to hold your elbow high to cut, resulting in an unnatural stance that puts pressure on your neck and elbows. These common issues that stylists face can result in a number of serious and painful conditions.

How Sam Villa® Shears Help Prevent Injury

Ergonomic shears help reduce hand, wrist, and shoulder strain, helping prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSI). They’re especially helpful for those with carpal tunnel, so you can cut comfortably and confidently all day.

Ergonomic Comfort

Signature crane handle design and forward-set thumb help reduce hand fatigue for all-day comfort.

PREVENTS:

Razor-Sharp Blades

Handcrafted convex blades ensure clean, precise cuts and stay sharper longer.

PREVENTS:

Precision & Control

Our unique dual finger tang stabilizes the top blade allowing you to cut straighter, more precise lines using just the thumb blade.

PREVENTS:

See The Difference

Other Shears

Sam Villa Shears

Elbow forced into a raised position
Elbow forced into a raised position
Stress on thumb tendon
Stress on thumb tendon
Relaxed position with thumb forward and elbow down
Relaxed position with thumb forward and elbow down

Not sure which shear is right for you?

Take the quiz and find your perfect matchTAKE THE SHEAR QUIZ

Explore Our Collections

Artist

SERIES SHEARS

  • Sharpest & longest lasting blades
  • Exceptional balance and ergonomics
  • Highest quality Japanese handcrafted steel blades
Flexible Payments and No Late Fees with
SHOP COLLECTION

signature

SERIES SHEARS

  • Available in Wet Cutting, Dry Cutting & Swivel
  • Sharp convex blades crafted from Japanese molybdenum allow
  • Ergonomic crane handle for pain-free cutting
Flexible Payments and No Late Fees with
SHOP COLLECTION

streamline

SERIES SHEARS

  • Ultra-lightweight design
  • Highly sculpted handle for comfort and control
  • Excellent fot deep point cutting, precision lines and all-around cutting
Flexible Payments and No Late Fees with
SHOP COLLECTION

classic

SERIES SHEARS

  • Classic offset handle design
  • Excellent for detail and precision cutting
  • Expertly balanced Japanese convex blades

Flexible Payments and No Late Fees with
SHOP COLLECTION

Essential

SERIES SHEARS

  • Exceptional Value
  • Ergonomic Crane Handle Design
  • Great Every Day Shear

Flexible Payments and No Late Fees with
SHOP COLLECTION

Which Shear Is Right for You?

Feature

Motor Type
Heat & Speed Settings
Ionic Technology
Cord Length
Best For
Special Features
Feature 7
Feature 8

Artist
Series

Size
6.25"
Shear: 6.25"
Slide Cutting: 6"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
6.25" Shear: Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel & Cobalt
Slide Cutting: Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)

Rockwell Hardness
6.25" Shear: 60-61
Slide Cutting: 58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Flat Line

Available In
Right Handed

Signature
Series

Size
5.75"
6.25"
7"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
True Balance
Ball Bearing

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Signature
Series Swivel

Size
5.5"
6"
7"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Swivel Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
True Balance
Ball Bearing

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Streamline
Series

Size
5.5"
6.25"
6.75"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Flat Line

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Classic
Series

Size
5.5"
6"
6.25"
7"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Traditional
Semi-Offset Handle
Slight Offset Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Flat Line

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Essential
Series

Size
5.5"
6"


Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Stainless Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Click Set
Streamline

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Artist
Series

  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For
  • Special Features
  • Feature 7
  • Feature 8

Size
6.25"
Shear: 6.25"
Slide Cutting: 6"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
6.25" Shear: Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel & Cobalt
Slide Cutting: Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)

Rockwell Hardness
6.25" Shear: 60-61
Slide Cutting: 58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Flat Line

Available In
Right Handed

Signature
Series

  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For
  • Special Features
  • Feature 7
  • Feature 8

Size
5.75"
6.25"
7"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
True Balance
Ball Bearing

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Signature
Series Swivel

  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For
  • Special Features
  • Feature 7
  • Feature 8

Size
5.5"
6"
7"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Swivel Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
True Balance
Ball Bearing

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Streamline
Series

  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For
  • Special Features
  • Feature 7
  • Feature 8

Size
5.5"
6.25"
6.75"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Flat Line

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Classic
Series

  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For
  • Special Features
  • Feature 7
  • Feature 8

Size
5.5"
6"
6.25"
7"

Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Traditional
Semi-Offset Handle
Slight Offset Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Molybdenum Alloy Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Flat Line

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Essential
Series

  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For
  • Special Features
  • Feature 7
  • Feature 8

Size
5.5"
6"


Recommended For
Wet & Dry Cutting

Handle Design
Crane Handle
Forward-Set Thumb

Steel Type
Japanese Stainless Steel (440C)




Rockwell Hardness
58-60

Blade Type
Convex

Tension System
Click Set
Streamline

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Which Blender Is Right for You?

Feature

Motor Type
Heat & Speed Settings
Ionic Technology
Cord Length
Best For
Signature
Series
InvisiBlend

Teeth
23

Handle Design
Reversible

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Seamless blending and texturizing
without leaving visible lines.

Perfect For
Point cutting, slide cutting,
and weight removal.

*Dual finger tangs allow for changing cutting position by flipping the shear

Signature Series
Reversible
Blender

Teeth
42

Handle Design
Reversible

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Extracting weight and controlling
texture, eliminating bluntness.

Perfect For
Maximum hair removal. Ideal
for scissor over comb work.

*Dual finger tangs allow for changing cutting position by flipping the shear

Classic Series
14 Tooth Point
Cutting Shear

Teeth
14

Handle Design
Classic

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Creating quick, consistent texture and
separation—not traditional blending.

Perfect For
Point cutting, removing weight and
creating separation and negative space.

Signature Series
14 Tooth Point
Cutting Shear

Teeth
14

Handle Design
Signature

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Creating quick, consistent texture and
separation—not traditional blending.

Perfect For
Point cutting, removing weight and
creating separation and negative space.

Essential Series
30-Tooth
Blender

Teeth
30

Handle Design
Reversible

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Adding natural, soft texture
without blunt lines.

Perfect For
Blending fine hair and the fringe.

*Dual finger tangs allow for changing cutting position by flipping the shear

Signature
Series
InvisiBlend
  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For

Teeth
23

Handle Design
Reversible

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Seamless blending and texturizing
without leaving visible lines.

Perfect For
Point cutting, slide cutting,
and weight removal.

*Dual finger tangs allow for changing cutting position by flipping the shear

Signature Series
Reversible
Blender
  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For

Teeth
42

Handle Design
Reversible

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Extracting weight and controlling
texture, eliminating bluntness.

Perfect For
Maximum hair removal. Ideal
for scissor over comb work.

*Dual finger tangs allow for changing cutting position by flipping the shear

Classic Series
14 Tooth Point
Cutting Shear
  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For

Teeth
14

Handle Design
Classic

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Creating quick, consistent texture and
separation—not traditional blending.

Perfect For
Point cutting, removing weight and
creating separation and negative space.

Signature Series
14 Tooth Point
Cutting Shear
  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For

Teeth
14

Handle Design
Signature

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Creating quick, consistent texture and
separation—not traditional blending.

Perfect For
Point cutting, removing weight and
creating separation and negative space.

Essential Series
30-Tooth
Blender
  • Motor Type
  • Heat & Speed Settings
  • Ionic Technology
  • Cord Length
  • Best For

Teeth
30

Handle Design
Reversible

Available In
Right & Left Handed

Designed For
Adding natural, soft texture
without blunt lines.

Perfect For
Blending fine hair and the fringe.

*Dual finger tangs allow for changing cutting position by flipping the shear

Shear Comparison Guide

Shear Anatomy

Finding The Right Shear Fit

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HAND

Not sure which shear is right for you?

Take the quiz and find your perfect matchTAKE THE SHEAR QUIZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Artist is the most premium for advanced users.
Signature is for daily pro use.
Signature Swivel adds wrist comfort.
Streamline is lighter for small hands.
Classic offers traditional feel.
Essential is affordable for students and new stylists.

Yes, all Sam Villa shears are designed for both wet and dry cutting. Some shears may have a preferred application due to their blade design, but all shears can be used for both.

All use high-carbon Japanese Molybdenum Alloy (440C), with the Artist Series adding cobalt for extra sharpness and longevity.

The Streamline Series is specifically designed to be lightweight and slim, making it ideal for all-day comfort—especially for stylists with small hands or anyone who prefers a lighter shear.

If you prefer a more traditional feel, the Classic Series features a traditional semi-offset handle—offering familiar comfort and control for those not ready to switch to a crane handle design.

For maximum hair removal, choose the Signature Series Reversible Blending Shear (42 teeth). For seamless, invisible blending, use the Signature Series InvisiBlend Shear (23 teeth). The Essential Series Reversible Blending Shear (30 teeth) is a versatile, entry-level option, while the 14 Tooth Point Cutting Shear is designed for quick, consistent texture and separation—not traditional blending.

All Sam Villa shears have a Rockwell hardness of 58–60, except for the Artist Series 6.25" Shear, which is rated at 60–61. This ensures durability and edge retention across all lines.

Yes, we offer true left-handed shears—engineered specifically for left-handed users—in all shear lines except the Artist Series.

Absolutely! Our left-handed shears feature the same high-quality materials, a range of sizes and handle styles, and are suitable for both wet and dry cutting.

No worries! If you find that an ergonomic handle shear isn’t the right fit for you, you can exchange it for another model. We want you to love your tools, so just reach out to our customer care team and we’ll help you find the perfect shear for your needs.

Let customers speak for us

from 7033 reviews

Obsessed

Kanyon
Signature Series 14 Tooth Point Cutting Shear
Signature Series 14 Tooth Point Cutting Shear
Streamline Series Shear

Beautiful design

Bradley G Hultquist
Streamline Series Shear
Streamline Series Shear

Amazing , worth the money

Maritza
Signature Series Reversible Blending Shear
Signature Series Reversible Blending Shear
I love Sam Villa tools!

I adore my dry cutting shears. They cut so smooth on dry hair that it feels like I'm cutting wet controlled hair.

David Campbell
Classic Series Shear Dry Cutting
Classic Series Shear Dry Cutting
No lines

They’re amazing the cut it gives is so soft and leaves no lines.

Neomi Johnson
Essential Series 30-Tooth Blender
Essential Series 30-Tooth Blender
Best $200 I've ever spent

I love these shears! The finger placement is perfect for me, and the slightly elongated thumb hole makes it easy and comfortable to rotate the cutting position as needed. They are also incredibly sharp, though time will tell if the sharpness holds up. I purchased them for $200 at 60% off, and I feel it's the best $200 I've spent so far in my new hairstyling career.

Joanna Totolici
Classic Series Shear
Classic Series Shear

I love them! The weight of them makes navigating them in my hands very comfortable.

Allysa
Classic Series Shear
Classic Series Shear
Sharp

Love them, but I find I don't use the thumb hole. I use the thumb tang more. I love the extra length, but somehow I'm hitting the blades when open with my finger, and it gets sliced. These blades are sharp!!

Hank D.
Signature Series Dry Cutting Shear
Signature Series Dry Cutting Shear
I 🫶Sam Villa Signature Series Swivel Shear

I I purchased two sets of Sam Villa's Signature Series Swivel Scissors and one set of Signature Series Ergonomic Scissors. Sam Villa seems to always be thinking about real-world experience to produce the best products for hair stylists, including ergonomic scissors.
✂️ When cutting hair with my signiture r, the cutting feeling is very good and there is no risk to your wrists and thumbs. I changed all my shears to Sam Villa's shear, 2 sets Signature Series Swivel Shears, 1set of Signature Ergonomic Series shers Set, 2 of Artist Series Shers, and 3 Signature Bleding shers and other products too! I'm loving and enjoying all of Sam Villa's Products!!!
Thank you, Sam Villa!!!
From Hawaii

Veronica J.
Signature Series Swivel Shear
Signature Series Swivel Shear

Amazing product! I love the way they cut and blend. They are seriously amazing!

Hailey
Signature Series 14 Tooth Point Cutting Shear
Signature Series 14 Tooth Point Cutting Shear
Awesome

Soo light weight ..perfect fit

Creasha C.
Artist Series Slide Cutting Shear
Artist Series Slide Cutting Shear

Expert craftsmanship! Sam Villa produces high quality shears that stay sharp!

Jamey
Artist Series Slide Cutting Shear
Artist Series Slide Cutting Shear
These are a need

These taper and face frame, and cut bangs to perfection! Requires little to no blending and texturing, because these get it right the first time.

Natalie O.
Artist Series Slide Cutting Shear
Artist Series Slide Cutting Shear