Short answer: a straight scissor is for fine lines and finishing, a curved scissor for rounding off and following the shape of the body, a thinning (blending) scissor for thinning out and smooth transitions, and a chunker for quick texturising and removing bulk. For home use, one curved and one thinning scissor are usually enough; salon work calls for more models in different lengths and curves.
Types of grooming scissors
Straight scissors
The classic straight scissor, with two smooth blades, is used for finishing cuts along straight lines – on the back, legs and body. It's the main tool for shaping a clean, even line before detail work with the other types.
Curved scissors
The curve of the blade follows the natural shape of the body and makes it easier to round off the contours of the head, ears, paws and hard-to-reach areas. A gentler curve is more versatile for everyday work, while a stronger curve suits detailed shaping of the face and head.
Thinning (blending) scissors
One or both blades have teeth that remove only part of the coat with each closure. The result is a smooth transition between lengths, reduced bulk, and a softer finish with no sharp lines. The number of teeth and the cutting percentage determine how aggressively the scissor "takes" – more teeth usually mean a finer, more controlled result.
Chunkers
A chunker scissor has fewer, but wider, teeth and removes a larger amount of coat at once – around 50% in a typical model. It's used to quickly reduce bulk, add texture, and create natural transitions, especially on denser or medium-thick coats, where a classic thinning scissor would take too long.
Length in inches – which for what
Length is measured in inches and includes the handles. Shorter scissors (around 6–6.5 inches) give more control for detailed work on the face, ears and paws, especially on small breeds. Longer models (7–7.5 inches and up) cover a larger area per stroke, which speeds up body work on bigger dogs or a busy salon schedule, but they need a steadier hand. If you mainly trim small dogs at home, a shorter scissor is usually more comfortable; for varied salon work, it's practical to have at least two sizes.
Scissors for left-handers
Standard scissors are designed for the right hand – the position of the thumb, the direction the blades close, and the balance all make things harder for left-handers. Some manufacturers offer specialised left-handed models, where the blades and finger rest are mirrored. If you're left-handed, check the product description explicitly for whether the model is marked as left-handed before ordering – working with a right-handed scissor in your left hand is possible, but it reduces control and tires you faster.
Care and sharpening
- Clean the blades of hair and product residue after every use with a soft cloth.
- Oil the pivot regularly with oil made for scissors – a dry pivot makes movement harder and speeds up wear.
- Store them in a case or on a stand, never loose in a drawer with other tools – knocks against metal objects blunt and nick the blade.
- Adjust the tension screw so the blades close smoothly, without excessive resistance and without play.
- Take the scissors for professional sharpening at the first signs that they're pulling the coat, rather than waiting until they stop cutting altogether – a blunt blade damages the tool itself as well.
Ergonomics
During long salon sessions, the weight, balance and shape of the handles matter just as much as the sharpness of the blade. An extra finger rest on the rotating ring allows the scissor to be turned more comfortably in both directions when moving between areas of the body, without needing to change your grip. Choosing the right length and weight reduces strain on the wrist and helps prevent fatigue during long sessions.
Suitable products
Among the curved models, the G-POINT 7.5 Inch 30° Curved Scissors is a versatile choice for everyday full-body work, while the shorter G-POINT Asian 6.0 inch 25° Curved Scissors is handy for detailed shaping around the face, ears and paws. For smooth transitions and thinning, take a look at the G-START 7.0 Inch Straight Modelling Scissors, and for quicker texturising and removing bulk, a chunker. The whole set of grooming scissors is gathered in Professional grooming – scissors.
Read more: how to choose dog clippers and grooming at home: what equipment you need.
Frequently asked questions
How many scissors should I start with?
For home use, one curved scissor for general shaping and one thinning scissor for smooth transitions are usually enough. For salon work, it's practical to gradually add a chunker for quicker texturising, as well as a second curved scissor with a different length or curve.
What's the difference between a thinning scissor and a chunker?
Both thin out the coat, but the chunker has fewer and wider teeth and removes a larger amount at once, while a classic thinning scissor with more teeth gives a finer, more controlled result. The chunker is faster for bulk work, the thinning scissor more precise for finishing.
How do I know the scissor is no longer cutting well?
If the blade pulls or crushes the coat instead of cutting it cleanly, or "chews through" instead of cutting smoothly, it's time for sharpening. Regular maintenance and oiling significantly extend the interval between two sharpenings.
Can I cut wet coat with these scissors?
This isn't recommended. Wet coat blunts the blade faster, and the result is uneven – wait for the coat to dry fully and be well brushed out before moving on to shaping with scissors.
