Number of Teeth on Thinning Scissors: How It Affects the Result

Why the Number of Teeth Matters

The number of teeth affects how hair is distributed during the cut.

• more teeth → softer and more even thinning
• fewer teeth → more aggressive bulk removal

👉 However, it is important to understand that the number of teeth is only one part of the construction.

The result also depends on:
• tooth width
• spacing between the teeth
• tooth shape
• the presence of micro-serrations

👉 That is why two scissors can feel completely different even with a similar thinning percentage.

📌 Learn more about the types of thinning scissors and thinning percentages:

Types of Thinning Scissors by Number of Teeth    

Classic thinning scissors most commonly range from approximately 28 to 42 teeth.
This is the main working range for professional hairdressers.

Texturizing scissors are a separate category and may have significantly fewer teeth

✂ 28–32 Teeth — More Pronounced Thinning

Scissors with fewer teeth work more aggressively.

👉 Result:
• noticeable bulk removal
• more visible texture
• faster effect

✔ suitable for thick hair
✔ ideal for active texturizing and shape work

✂ 30–40 Teeth — Universal Range

The most common option for everyday salon work.

👉 Result:
• natural-looking thinning
• smooth transitions
• good control

✔ suitable for most hair types
✔ versatile all-purpose tool

✂ 40–42+ Teeth — Soft Thinning

A higher tooth count provides more delicate performance.

👉 Result:
• soft bulk removal
• smooth blending
• natural appearance

✔ suitable for fine hair
✔ ideal for finishing work

✂ 5–25 Teeth — Texturizing Scissors

This is a separate type of tool.

👉 Result:
• strong texture
• “chunky” effect
• noticeable shape changes

✔ suitable for creative haircuts
✔ suitable for thick hair

What Determines the Hair Removal Percentage    

The thinning percentage is determined not by a single parameter, but by the overall geometry of the scissors.

It depends on:
• number of teeth
• tooth width and spacing
• tooth shape
• micro-serrations

📌 More about the tooth shapes of thinning scissors

How It Works    

Number of teeth
• affects the softness and evenness of thinning

Tooth width
• determines how much hair is captured in one pass

Micro-serrations
• hold the hair in place
• reduce slipping
• improve cutting precision

👉 The final result comes from the combination of all these factors.

A Common Mistake Among Hairdressers    

Many focus only on the thinning percentage.

However: 

the thinning percentage is only the final indicator

the actual behavior of the scissors is defined by their construction and geometry

👉  If you focus only on the percentage, the result can become unpredictable.

How to Choose the Number of Teeth

Your choice should depend on the task:

• fine hair → more teeth (softer work)
• universal work → 30–40 teeth
• thick hair → fewer teeth (more active bulk removal)
• texture work → texturizing scissors

👉 If you are unsure, choose the universal range.

Sharpening Thinning Scissors

Thinning scissors are especially sensitive to sharpening quality.

Improper sharpening may:
• damage tooth geometry
• reduce hair grip
• cause hair folding or “chewing”

👉 The more complex the construction of thinning scissors, the more important sharpening precision becomes.

✂ Professional Sharpening of Thinning Scissors

We provide:
• thinning scissors sharpening
• geometry adjustment
• hair testing

👉 After sharpening, the scissors work accurately and predictably again.

📦 Shipping via Parcel Lockers

👉 We work throughout Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
We accept tools via parcel lockers.

You send the scissors — and receive back a tool that works properly again.

📌 Instructions: How to send tools for sharpening via parcel lockers