Things happen. Accidents. Theft. Misplacement. You can't control everything, but you can control how prepared you are to handle some untimely adversity. And when it comes to doing hair, where cutting is your bread and butter, having a backup set of scissors is not an option; it is a necessity. If something happens mid-service, and you have no backup, you could be in for a rough day.
We also often get hairstylists and barbers coming in with chipped or dull scissors, hoping to have them sharpened by the time they finish browsing our new clipper inventory. The reality is, we just can't always offer immediate turnaround service with things as busy as they are. So the current standard is a one day turnaround - drop them off, then pick up next day. Unfortunately, we can't offer loaner scissors anymore, so if you don't have a backup, you're not cutting until your only pair gets sharpened.
So if you don't have a backup, here are a few great options to consider sooner rather than later:
1. Kiepe Sonic Series Cutting Scissor
If you're really not interested in forking over any more money than you need to, the Kiepe Sonic Series Cutting Scissors are a budget friendly option that will serve you well as a backup. They're well-made, durable, and the plastic handle keeps them very light-weight. Keep in mind, these have a micro-serrated edge, so these are likely more of a barber scissor than for hairstylists as you won't be doing anything other than straight cutting with these. If you need a backup that will allow you to do point cutting or use other advanced texturizing techniques, some of the options below will be more up your alley.
If you want something without the micro-serrated edge and still don't want to break the bank, Kiepe has another great option with the Cut Line. Italian-made with a beveled edge, this scissor is durable and reliable. It comes in a 5.5", 6", and 6.5" so there are options available to suit most people's preference.
3. Cerena Luna
With the Kiepe Sonic's micro-serrated edge and the Cut Line's long, straight handles, the first two scissors on this list are more barber style scissors. If you're looking for something that both stylists and barbers will appreciate, the Cerena Luna is a great option. The Luna doesn't have a serrated edge and its off-set handles offer greater ergonomics for those who do a lot of scissor work. Cerena scissors are German-made and built to last.
If you're able to expand your budget a bit, the Suntachi Comfort Cut is a starting-caliber player you could have come off your bench. Suntachi has been known for a long time now for the quality and longevity of its scissors. The Comfort Cut could easily serve as your go-to scissors, so having them as a backup will offer peace of mind should anything go wrong with your current go-to scissors. They're available in 5", 5.5", 6" and 6.5", and with their light weight and ergonomic offset handles they offer plenty of appeal to both stylists and barbers.
Obviously, if price isn't an issue, there's nothing wrong with keeping a pair of Kashos as a backup. Otherwise, these scissors listed above offer a range of options that won't break the bank and will be reliable when you're go-to pair is out of commission for whatever reason.