There’s a major difference between a beard that’s groomed and one that’s not. If you don’t mind the unruly, ungroomed look, then you may not trim your beard very often, but for those who want a well-manicured beard, the best beard scissors can be one of the most important beard care products you’ll ever use. Learning how to use this type of grooming tool can take a little practice and patience, but once you get the hang of it, these scissors will allow you to quickly get rid of stray hairs and can instantly shape your beard for a well-groomed look.
But many of the leading beard scissors on the market aren’t what they’re cracked up to be. Buying this type of grooming tool can take a little research on your part since it’s one that you’ll find yourself using the most often, especially if you have a longer beard, or you have a short, close-cut bead that requires daily upkeep.
I’ve checked out some great products and have tested them out to determine which models have what it takes to make it on my top-six best-of list. The comparison chart below will show you some of the differences between each pair of scissors, so you can choose one that will work with your grooming needs and beard style.
Table of Contents
Beard Scissors Comparison Chart
Product | Extras | Material | Length | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
ONTAKI Premium Hand Forged![]() | Yes | Japanese steel | 5 in | |
BEARDCLASS Beard Mustache Kit![]() | Yes | Stainless steel | 6.8 in | |
Equinox Professional Shears![]() | no | Japanese steel | 6.5 in | |
Grow Alpha Beard![]() | Yes | Stainless steel | 3.5 in | |
Badass Beard Care![]() | no | Stainless steel | 5.5 in | |
Macho Man Care Beard Scissors![]() | no | Surgiacal-grade stainless steel | 6.8 in |
ONTAKI Premium Hand Forged
Our Rating:
These scissors are built tough and made out of the finest Japanese steel. They’re not only designed to handle all of your beard and mustache trimming tasks, but they can also be used to trim the hair on your head, thanks to the durable design and sharp and precise cuts it offers. This pair is also deemed travel-friendly and comes with a cover that protects the blades and a comb you can use to comb out your beard before you trim. These scissors are designed for both pro and amateur use.
Pros
- Japanese steel
- Extra-sharp edge
- Comes with cover and comb
- Precise cuts
- Holds an edge for a longer period of time
- Adjustable tension screw
Cons
- Tension screw can be difficult to adjust
- Designed for right-handers only
Conclusion
These Ontaki scissors are designed with a shallow arc to the back of the blades and features a fine edge that can retain its sharpness for longer, compared to traditional scissors. These thin blades can make it easier to shape and sculpt your beard for a well-groomed look.
BEARDCLASS Beard Mustache Scissors Kit
Our Rating:
This set by Beardclass comes with some nice extras. Not only does it come with beard trimming scissors, but it also comes with a mustache comb, nose hair scissors, and a carrying case for the longer beard trimming scissors. The beard trimming scissors are versatile and designed for both right and left-handed users, so they’re very comfortable to hold. Both scissors are made out of stainless steel, so they’re not quite as sharp as a pair that’s made out of Japanese steel and may need to be sharpened more often. This kit comes with everything you need to shape a long beard, trim your mustache, sideburns, and nose hairs, and includes a comb that you can use to ensure you achieve an even, well-groomed look.
Pros
- Designed for right and left-handed users
- Made out of stainless steel
- Durable
- Includes several free extras
Cons
- Must be sharpened often
Conclusion
Not only will you get a pair of durable beard trimming scissors with the purchase, but you’ll also get a carrying pouch, comb, and nose hair trimmers. The scissors designed for beard use may need to be sharpened regularly, depending on how often you use them since the blades do not hold an edge quite as long as a model that’s made out of Japanese steel. Considering the low price and all the free extras you’ll get, this set will give you more bang for your buck.
Equinox Professional Shears Razor Edge Series
Our Rating:
This model is made out of Japanese steel, for ultimate durability and a sharper edge. The scissors feature a hand-sharpened cutting edge and precise blades, which allows you to easily shape your beard without pulling on facial hair. The scissors measure in at six and a half inches and come equipped with a distinct grip that will allow you to easily and comfortably hold the scissors as you trim. This model is perfect for both home and professional use and can hold an edge for a longer period of time. This model also comes with its own carrying case which will cover the blades for added protection.
Pros
- Weighs only 4.8 ounces
- Comfortable grip
- Made out of Japanese steel
- Low price
Cons
- Blades may be too long for short beard use
Conclusion
The longer blade length is perfect for thicker or longer beards, but it can be overkill for beards that are around one to two inches in length. These Japanese steel scissors are designed to hold an edge longer, so you’ll only have to sharpen them once every four to six months. Well-built and designed to last, this pro-quality model is a steal for the price.
Grow Alpha Beard-Beard Brush & Comb Set
Our Rating:
These scissors are smaller than your average pair and are designed to be pocket-sized so you can take them with you wherever you go, whether its work or on your next vacation. This will allow you to make fast touch-ups, should you notice any wiry stray hairs. The scissors come with a mustache comb and beard brush, so you can ensure your beard looks well-groomed when you’re on the go. The boar bristle brush is perfect for thicker beards and can keep your beard looking groomed and perfectly sculpted. The anti-static comb is made out of thick wood and is designed to easily work out mats and tangles.
Pros
- Perfect for travel
- Includes brush and comb
- Small scissors are perfect for short beards
Cons
- Blade length makes the scissors a poor choice for thick beards
- Made out of stainless steel
Conclusion
This pocket-sized beard grooming kit will come in handy for a quick touch up or if you’re looking for scissors you can bring along on your next family vacation. But considering the shorter blade length and the stainless steel material of the scissors, this set isn’t a great choice if you’re looking for a model that can handle regular touch-ups at home and for beard wearers with a length over two inches.
Badass Beard Care Beard & Mustache Stainless Steel Trimming Scissors
Our Rating:
These stainless steel scissors by Badass Beard Care feature sharper blades that are designed with durability and a cleaner cut in mind. These eye-catching matte black scissors are just the right length for all beard types, so you should have no trouble going in and shaping your beard while catching all of those wiry stray hairs. The manufacturer offers a one hundred percent satisfaction guarantee, which will give buyers every reason to give these scissors a shot. The blades measure in at five and a half inches in length, which is perfect for beginners, since the scissors will be easier to handle and control.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic grip
- Matte black color
- Low price
- One hundred percent satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- May require frequent sharpening
- Does not come with a carrying pouch
Conclusion
This model doesn’t come with any extras, including a carrying pouch, so you’ll need to purchase one out of pocket, in order to protect the blades and prevent an injury. The stainless steel material does add to the scissor’s durability, however, it can also mean you’ll need to sharpen them more often, depending on how often you trim your beard. Overall, the scissors are well-made and feature a very masculine design that most buyers will appreciate.
Macho Man Care Beard Scissors
Our Rating:
These scissors feature a precise and comfortable grip that helps to improve the user’s control. The well-balanced blade design also makes it easier to handle these scissors and expertly shape your beard and take care of any wiry stray hairs along the way. The length of the scissors measures in at 6.8 inches, which may be too long for beard wearers with a length of just one to two inches. This model is made out of surgical-grade stainless steel that can hold an edge nicely, but not as well as Japanese steel. The tension screw will allow you to easily adjust the resistance and friction between the blades, based on beard thickness and length.
Pros
- Tension screw
- Ergonomic grip
- Made out of surgical-grade stainless steel
- Perfect for thick or longer beards
Cons
- Not recommended for short beards or fine beards
- Does not come with a carrying pouch
Conclusion
These multifunctional scissors can be used for all of your facial hair needs, but may be too long for beards that are under a few inches in length. The tension screw will allow you to tweak the friction between the blades, based on how thick your beard is. These scissors are a great buy if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a versatile pair that can keep your beard looking well-groomed.
Beard Scissors Buyer’s Guide
There are several reasons why you may need to use a pair of scissors that are specifically designed to groom and shape a beard. You should never use regular scissors on your facial hair, since most are designed to cut the hair on your head, which is much finer in comparison. Instead, use a pair of beard scissors, which are specifically designed to keep your beard looking great, well-groomed, and classy. Trimming your beard is also a great way to thicken your beard instantly, giving it a fuller appearance. This type of tool is going to be one that you’ll find yourself relying on daily if you have a close-cut beard or a long beard that tends to be a little unruly. Below, I’ll discuss many of the important features to look for in your next pair of grooming scissors, before you hit that buy now button.
Length
There are many models of grooming scissors on the market and most are around the same length. However, if you have a longer, thicker beard, then you’ll want to look for a longer pair. In general, scissors that are specifically designed for beard use only will have longer blades compared to scissors designed to groom mustaches. For mustaches, their shorter blades make it easier to handle smaller cuts, but for beards, especially bushy ones, you need scissors that are tough enough to cut through all that wiry stubborn hair with a single cut.
Handle
Most pro hairdressers and barbers use scissors that measure in at around six to seven inches. Seven-inch scissors aren’t exactly practical, so you should search for a pair that’s at least around five to six inches, which should be more than enough length to handle even the bushiest beard.
Material
Top of the line scissors tend to be made out of one of two types of materials, German or Japanese stainless steel. Both types of steel are great options, but each offers its own pros and cons.
Scissors that are made out of Japanese steel tend to feature a delicate curved cutting edge that offers a more refined cut. However, this type of steel tends to become dull faster, compared to models that are made out of German steel. Models made out of this material tend to have a reputation for a more precise cut.
Scissors that are made out of German steel will feature a beveled cutting edge, which offers a firmer grip on beard hair. This type of steel doesn’t need to be sharpened as often as Japanese steel, however, once they do become dull they can be painful to use since they will tug on your beard hair as you trim.
Right-Handed and Left-Handed
Most models that you’ll come across are designed for right-handed people since only around six percent of the earth’s population is left-handed. However, using right-handed scissors can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult to achieve the right cut. Fortunately, some manufacturers do offer options for lefties, but in most cases, you’ll have to learn how to adapt to using right-handed models.
Grip
The scissor’s grip is important for many reasons. A good grip will be comfortable and designed to keep your hand nice and steady while you trim. Look for a model that features a grip that comes with large enough openings that it will not pinch or squeeze your fingers. If you have larger hands, keep this in mind when you’re shopping for a new pair and pay close attention to the spec sheet’s description of the grip and user reviews.
Finger Rests
Many scissors designed to cut hair, including facial hair, come with finger rests, which are bars that you’ll find on the bottom ring of the scissors that protrude directly from the ring itself. Some models will also come with finger rests that are removable, since they can be uncomfortable for some people to use.
Screw
A tension screw is a knob that’s located at the center of the scissors and holds the blades together. This screw allows the user to adjust the tension by bringing the blades together. Yet it doesn’t alter the sharpness of the blades, which is a common misconception.
Using Your New Grooming Scissors
Learning how to trim your facial hair doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right type of technique and the best scissors for the job, you can have your beard looking perfectly groomed and shaped in a matter of minutes.
Trimming your beard on a regular basis will come with a variety of benefits. It can help to prevent general skin irritation and can also prevent bacteria growth, mold, and dirt, food, and debris from remaining trapped in your beard. When you trim, you should always start off with a beard that’s clean, which means you need to wash it before you get started. Make sure you use a good beard shampoo and conditioner for the job. You don’t need to use a lot of shampoo to get your facial hair clean, but you will want to scrub deep down in order to reach the skin underneath. Do so using the tips of your fingers to ensure you remove any trapped debris and flaky skin.
Clean your beard in the shower or sink using warm water since this will help to open up your pores. Using water that’s too hot can cause your skin to dry out. Rinse out the shampoo thoroughly to prevent any residue.
Some people prefer to use a hot towel after washing their beard. To do, you’ll place a towel that’s moderately warm, over your face for a period of five to ten minutes. This will help to further open up your pores and remove the top layer of debris and dirt.
Next, dry your beard completely before you begin trimming. Trimming a wet beard can be a big mistake since it’s going to look much shorter after your beard has had time to dry. Once your beard is dry, you can take a comb and carefully comb it out, which will help to capture stray hairs and can also give you a better idea of how you want to shape your beard. Doing so will also allow you to remove any matted or tangled hairs.
How Often Should I Trim?
Before you begin trimming, it’s always a good idea to check out the overall length prior and determine how much you want to cut off. You don’t have to cut off much each time. Many men that have longer beards will simply trim off any wiry or stray hairs, which can instantly have a huge impact on how tame a beard looks.
Scissors tend to work the best on beards that are longer than one inch. As you trim, make sure you keep your mouth free of stray whiskers, unless you want a specific style that allows the hair to reach past your top lip. Most men prefer to keep their mustache neatly groomed for a cleaner look and to prevent accidentally biting and pulling on their mustache hair when they eat or drink. Your mustache and beard should be trimmed at least once a week if you have a thick or long beard. If you have a shorter beard, then you may need to trim it more often in order to maintain that well-groomed look that most short beards require. If you let a short beard go for a few days without any maintenance you can quickly start to look a little scruffy.
As you trim, use your comb to continue to brush out your beard with every snip. This will ensure you shape it correctly since you want to make sure your beard has an even, sculpted look. Mats and tangles that are not combed out during a trim can easily cause your beard to look lopsided once you do decide to comb or brush it.
Final Thoughts
The best beard scissors are important tools that are designed specifically for beard use and made to easily handle thicker, wiry hair. These scissors are designed from tough materials and are able to hold a sharper edge much longer compared to traditional scissors. This buyer’s guide and product recommendations will give you a clear idea of which type and style will work the best for your grooming needs and specific beard type.