Scissors vs. Clippers
Scissors vs. Clippers: What Really Matters in a Great Men’s Haircut
Walk into any barbershop or salon and chances are you’ve heard this before:
“Can you use scissors? I don’t want clippers.”
It’s a common request—and one rooted in misunderstanding. Let’s clear the air: it’s not about the tool, it’s about the technique.
Clippers and Scissors Cut Hair the Same Way—Technically
Here’s the truth: both scissors and clippers physically cut hair the same way—by shearing the strand at the point of contact. One isn’t inherently more “professional” or “accurate” than the other. The real difference lies in the way each tool handles hair, and how the barber uses them.
So when a guy requests scissors-only because he thinks it’s more precise or stylish, he’s focusing on the wrong thing. In the hands of a skilled barber, both tools are equally capable of delivering clean, custom, professional cuts.
Let’s Break Down the Tools
Plastic Guard Clippers (Adjustable Clippers)
These are the most commonly used clippers in salons and quick-cut chains. They come with snap-on plastic guards (like #2, #3, #4, etc.), which create softer, more textured ends but lack precision. Longer guards tend to leave uneven lengths and are often the reason many men feel clipper cuts “grow out weird.”
At The Rosemont Barbers, we don’t rely on big plastic guards because they limit control and often compromise the finished look.
Detachable Blade Clippers
This is what we do use. These clippers allow us to switch blades for exact lengths—think 1/16”, 1/8”, 3/16”—with precision and consistency. They’re cleaner, sharper, and more consistent than plastic guard clippers. They’re also faster and more hygienic since blades are metal and easy to sanitize.
Clipper Over Comb
Clipper over comb is a foundational barbering technique. When used properly, it’s just as precise as scissors—and often faster. The control comes from the comb, not the guard. This method lets us follow the natural shape of the head and blend seamlessly without visible lines or shelf-y weight.
Scissors (Shears)
The oldest and most versatile tool. Scissors are the base of all haircutting, and mastering them is essential. Anything you can do with another tool, you can do with scissors—fading, texturing, point cutting, blending. They allow full control of weight, shape, and length. Scissors also offer endless options for advanced techniques like slide cutting or dry cutting for texture.
Where the “Scissors Are Better” Myth Comes From
As barbering made a comeback over the past decade, many salons felt the shift—and the risk of losing their male clientele. Some leaned into the idea that scissor-only cuts were more refined, more professional, or more accurate. It was partly marketing, partly self-preservation. But the truth is: barbering never left—precision just looks different here.
Great barbers know how to choose the right tool for the right haircut, not just the one that sounds more refined.
So What Should You Ask For?
Don’t worry about the tool. Focus on the result.
If you’re aiming for a clean, structured cut that grows out well, the barber’s technique and eye matter more than what’s in their hand.
At The Rosemont Barbers, we use a mix of tools and advanced techniques tailored to your hair type, head shape, and style goals. Whether it’s scissors, clipper-over-comb, or detachable blades—our goal is simple: a great haircut that looks sharp on day one and still feels good on day thirty.