6 Best Beard & Mustache Scissors for a Pristine Beard

In a hurry? Here are our top picks:

 

If you have a beard, it is very important to keep it tidy and well-groomed, if you don’t want it to look messy and wild. Luckily, there are many tools available to beardsmen nowadays that let them keep their facial hair in one place.

One of the most popular is no other than a pair of beard and mustache scissors.

Not only is the best beard and mustache scissors help you get rid of unwanted split ends, but also they give more precision when it comes to hair detailing.

In this review, we are going to give you some buying tips when purchasing facial hair scissors, review the best beard trimming scissors on the market, discuss how to use them, and compare them with other tools such as beard trimmers.

Quick summary

Before you buy: 7 Things to consider when purchasing beard and mustache scissors

There are many things to consider when it comes to purchasing a good pair of beard scissors. For example, some of them are its steel quality, its size, its grip, its handedness, its tension screw adjustability, the accessories it comes with, and its price.

If you find yourself confused at this point, don’t worry. We are going to explain each of these in detail, helping you have a clear mind before purchasing one.

The difference between a man with a neatly trimmed beard or mustache, and one that looks like they’ve been living in the wilderness for months is a pair of scissors. While you can technically use any pair of scissors to trim your facial hair, it’s important to purchase a pair that is specifically designed for trimming your beard and mustache.

Let’s dive into the buying tips!

1. Steel quality

Probably the most important thing to consider when buying beard and mustache scissors is the quality of the steel they are made of.

Usually, beard scissors are made with steel from the following countries:

• Japan
• Germany
• China

Currently, Japanese steel has the throne as the best in the world, while German steel comes closely in second place.

Let’s discuss the differences between them.

Steel consists of iron and carbon. The amount of carbon that is present in a piece of steel closely relates to its hardness, durability, and sharpness.

Japanese steel contains a considerably greater amount of carbon than German steel. This makes Japanese blades harder, but more fragile. Hard steel means that it can have a sharper edge, but it is more likely to break or become dull faster. This results in the need to sharpen them more often. When we say often, however, we mean every couple of months, so don’t get stressed out. Concluding, Japanese steel is generally thinner but sharper.

German steel, on the other hand, is generally softer (than Japanese). This means it can hold its sharpness longer, however, they are not as sharp.
Lastly, Chinese steel is solid but usually of lesser quality than its Japanese and German counterparts.

You can understand the quality of the steel using the summary list below.

• ATS-314: It is the best quality steel you can find (Japanese)
• VG-10, V-10C, V-1: They are the next best thing, respectively.
• S-3, S-1, and 440C: They are considered as the entry levels to premium steel. They provide great sharpness.
• 440A, 420: Solid standard quality steel.
• 410: This is considered the cheapest quality you could find in the market.

In summary, look for the country of origin and the quality scale above to understand if the scissors will suit your needs.

2. The scissor’s length

Most professional barbers usually use shears with sizes that range from 5.5’’ to 7’’.

For the rest of us, these sizes often are not practical as we do the cutting ourselves.

Longer sizes are usually better suited for longer beards, while shorter sizes are more appropriate for shorter beards.

Generally, it is usually advisable to use sizes from 4.5’ to ’ 5.5’’, which can give you the best of both worlds and adequately handle both larger and shorter beards equally.

For mustache detailing, it is usually advisable to go shorter than that – 3.5’’ to 4.5’’ as the smaller size lets you have more precision.

3. Handedness

Unfortunately, most scissors are designed for right-handed people. However, because of the way their handle is designed, the majority of them can be used by both right and left-handed persons. So, this is not often a problem for many.

If you are picky and would like one specifically designed for lefties, then don’t worry as there are plenty of them out there as well – We have also included some that have left-hand counterparts in our review.

4. The grip and ease of use

Look for scissors that have larger grips so that they don’t squeeze your fingers while cutting your beard or mustache.

Some even come with rubber rings that assist your fingers to stay steady while cutting the hair.

Additionally, others even come with finger rests. Depending on your preferences this type of grips might be the way to go. Some designs also provide removable fingertips, so you can choose to use them or leave them as you prefer.

You’ll be using these scissors often, so you want a pair that feels good in your hand. Look for a pair with finger loops that conform comfortably around your fingers and a finger rest that keeps the scissors from slipping out of place.

5. Tension screw

In simple words, the tension screw is the knob that holds the blades together. Always choose a beard scissor that allows adjusting the tension as it provides more flexibility to you.

This gives you the option to tighten it if it becomes loose from extensive use. It even gives you the ability to take the blades apart for easier cleaning and sharpening.

On the other hand, if the scissors have a non-adjustable tension screw, then you are stuck with what you got.

The tension of the scissors should be adjustable so you can loosen or tighten them as needed

Bear in mind, however, adjusting the blades to be very tight together won’t increase their sharpness and can even destroy the blades.

6. Does it come with accessories?

While this is not a necessity, many scissors come in a kit with a variety of other accessories that might prove useful during your cutting sessions, such as a comb, clips, a cape, etc. Some even come with a travel pouch, making it easier to travel with or store.

7. Price

The price of the scissors depends on the brand and the steel that it is made of. If you are a professional barber, it is probably best to consider your scissors as an investment and purchase one that’s made with the best steel on the market, for example, a Japanese ATS-314.

If you just want to buy one to use at home, you can get by with cheaper steel. For the best experience, go for a 440c steel. It is the entry of the premium steel category, and you will surely appreciate its performance which is more than enough for home use.

The 6 best beard & mustache scissors

1. Best overall: Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors 

What stands out about these beard & mustache scissors

• 440C Japanese steel
• Ergonomic handle with finger rest
• Safe rounded tips

The best beard & mustache scissors for

People who like a balance in performance, durability, functionality, and price.

Overview

Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors are some of the best hair scissors you will find on the market, and not without a reason. They are not only of high quality but also very ergonomic. Let’s explain more.

They are made with 440C Japanese steel, which is very sharp and durable. The manufacturer characterizes the blade sharpness to be equal to a razor which we found to be true to some extend.

Additionally, it is crafted with safety in mind as it has rounded tips to keep you from cutting yourself accidentally.

It has a length of 5.5 inches which, in our opinion, is the best size that makes the scissors very versatile. It is small enough to make precise detailing and also large enough to trim longer beards.

As for the handling, it is very easy and comfortable to hold, due to its featured finger rest. It provides a solid grip and is precise. The grip offers solid maneuverability without losing control, while the finger openings are large enough for most finger sizes. It also comes with two extra rings that you could add to the grip for extra control.

While we only tested the right-hand version, a left-hand option is also available.

The tension screw is easily adjustable using the specifically designed screw that is included in the package. This makes functionality even easier.

But there’s more.

As an added plus, the scissors come with a travel pouch and a cleaning cloth. This makes it easier to travel with and maintain clean.

Overall, this is a very sharp and durable pair of scissors that will not disappoint. Definitely, premium quality.

But, unfortunately, with quality comes a higher price. We understand that the price tag might not be for everyone. If you are on a budget then you should consider Smith Chu 4.5″ Men’s Beard Scissors in our list. While it is a bit smaller in length, it is also made with 440C Japanese stainless steel, which makes its cutting performance similar to this one.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a pair of mustache and beard scissors that can handle almost anything, Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors are for you. Their exceptional craftsmanship and versatility make them a bargain.

2. Best for professionals, Japanese steel: Aerolite Japanese Hitachi Professional Scissors

What stands out about these beard & mustache scissors

• ATS-314 Japanese steel
• Ergonomic handle with finger rest and rubber rings
• Available for righties and lefties

The best beard & mustache scissors for

People or barbers who want the absolute best scissors in terms of steel quality and sharpness.

Overview

Aerolite’s Japanese Hitachi Professional Scissors is guaranteed, the best scissors we have on our list. The only reason that it holds second place is because of its price. If you are wondering what makes it the best, let us explain.

It is crafted with the absolute best quality Japanese steel you can find on the market today: ATS-314.

ATS-314 is the best quality Japanese steel and contains the highest levels of cobalt, titanium, and vanadium. This makes it superior in hardness, durability, and sharpness.

This type of scissors is usually more geared toward professionals who want the absolute best for their work.

Make no mistake. These are even sharper than the previously reviewed Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors which, have an excellent cutting performance.

While the blades have a curve to prevent accidental cuts, make sure to pick it up from the grips and not from the blade side to avoid cutting yourself.

Except for the steel, this pair of scissors has other features that make it stand out, as well. They are not very heavy nor very lightweight, giving you more precision when necessary.

The grip comes with a finger rest and two rubber rings that provide additional support and comfort while using them.

A left-hand version of the scissors is also available if needed, which is always a plus.

As an additional bonus, it features an adjustable tension screw that can be adjusted by hand. This makes it extra convenient for a quick adjustment when you want to cut, i.e. extra thick hair, etc.

Furthermore, it comes with a premium blade oil which, if used regularly, will increase the durability and maintain the sharpness of the blades for longer periods.

Like Fagaci Professional Hair Scissors, Aerolite’s Japanese Hitachi Professional Scissors’ only drawback is their price. Unfortunately, there aren’t cheaper beard shears on our list that compare with the performance of this scissor.

Bottom line

Aerolite’s Japanese Hitachi Professional Scissors are the best professional beard scissors you will find out there. Period!

3. Best with German steel: ONTAKI Professional German Beard & Mustache Scissors

What stands out about these beard & mustache scissors

• Comes with a travel pouch and a comb
• High-quality German steel
• Can be used both with left and right hands

The best beard & mustache scissors for

People who are looking for scissors with German steel.

Overview

There is a lot to like about ONTAKI Professional German Beard & Mustache Scissors. Firstly, its astonishing black design which you can’t overlook.

Secondly, it is made with high-quality German steel which, is durable and provides solid sharpness that responds to all cutting needs.

Where you will find these scissors more effective is with medium-sized beards and mustaches. This is because of its smaller than average size of 4.5’’.

But there’s more.

Like other beard shears on our list, it features an adjustable tension screw. However, you can’t adjust it by hand, like Aerolite Japanese Hitachi Professional Scissors or Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors. Now, let’s discuss its grip performance.

While the grip it provides is great, we found it to be a bit lacking in comparison with scissors that have a finger rest or rubber rings. Nevertheless, it is equally easy to use from both left, and right-hand users.

Also, it is important to note that people with larger hands might find the finger opening a bit small. So bear that in mind.

Lastly, it comes with a high-quality travel pouch and a beard comb. The comb is nothing special but gets the job done if you don’t have a better one.

Bottom Line

This is a great scissor that offers solid sharpness and detailing at a great price.

4. Best for longer beards: Equinox Professional Razor Edge Scissors

What stands out about these beard & mustache scissors

• Adjustable tension screw by hand
• Features a finger rest
• Japanese 420 Steel

The best beard & mustache scissors for

Men looking for scissors that are suitable for their long beards.

Overview

Men with long, bushy beards have distinct requirements than those with stubble or shorter beards.

Equinox’s Professional Scissors/Shears are ideal for guys with large beards because they measure 6.5 inches in length, which allows you to trim more hair with each cut.

Their blades are made with Japanese 420 stainless steel and are hand-sharpened to prevent fraying and split ends. While 420 might not be the highest quality steel out there, it does provide a solid cutting experience.

They also feature a semi-offset handle along with a finger rest which provides ease of use and comfort while cutting. The finger holes are large enough for most men’s fingers.

Unfortunately, however, there isn’t a left-handed counterpart, so if you are left-handed, you are out of luck.

Also, these scissors are not suited for shorter beards or mustaches. If this is the case, consider other scissors on our list, such as ONTAKI Professional German Beard & Mustache Scissors, or Smith Chu 4.5″ Men’s Beard Scissors, which are smaller in size.

Equinox ships all of its Razor Edge Series shears and scissors in plastic casing, and the scissors are coated with lubricating oil.

Bottom Line

The Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series features great shears/scissors that are sharp. They’re easy to use and ideal for trimming long beards.

5. Best affordable: Smith Chu 4.5″ Men’s Beard Scissors

What stands out about these beard & mustache scissors

• Affordable price
• 4.5” inch makes it great for mustache and shorter beards
• 440C Japanese steel

The best beard & mustache scissors for

Men who are limited in budget but still looking for quality mustache trimming scissors.

Overview

There is a reason why we included Smith Chu 4.5″ Men’s Beard Scissors in our list. Not only is it affordable, but also it is constructed with 440C premium Japanese steel.

As said previously, Japanese steel is the best when it comes to sharpness and quality, so you know that these scissors are the real deal.

This pair has a size of 4.5 inch which is very ideal for detailing your mustache or medium-sized beard. The size also makes it very easy to maneuver and hold.

This is also because of its non-slip grips, which include rubber grips and a finger rest.

The finger rest is removable for added maneuverability if it is necessary, and they are super lightweight.

As for safety, it does come with safety round tips protecting you from accidental nicks and cuts that could occur otherwise.

One thing to note is that these scissors are made for right-handed people. However, we’ve found them very easy to use with the left hand as well.

But, as with all things in life, there are some drawbacks that we need to mention.

Firstly, if you have large hands, then you might find the finger holes small. Secondly, the tension screw is not adjustable, which might be an issue especially if you are a professional barber.

Nevertheless, these are great for what they offer at their price, making them a bargain for home users.

Bottom Line

This is undeniably one of the absolute best budget beard scissors you can find on the market right now.

6. Best beard scissors kit: Sirabe 10 PCS Scissors Set

What stands out about these beard & mustache scissors

• Complete set that comes with a variety of accessories
• Very affordable for the value
• Japanese steel

The best beard & mustache scissors for

People who are looking for an all-in-one package to trim their beard and hair.

Overview

Sirabe 10 PCS Scissors Set has it all. It is a kit that not only does it contain cutting scissors but also thinning scissors, a cleaning cloth, a travel pouch, a cape, two combs, and two hairpins. All at a great price!

The included cutting scissors are 6.7 inches in size, making them better suitable for longer types of beards. It is made with 420 Japanese steel, which might not be the absolute greatest in cutting performance, but it is still very decent and sharp.

Additionally, as they are larger in size, they are also very suitable for hair trimming, making them also very versatile.

As for their weight, they weigh 2.24 oz, making them a bit heavier than other scissors, but they were still very comfortable and easy to maneuver with. The added finger rest assists with control and balance while cutting.

The finger holes are average in size and will fit most hands, but people with larger hands might find them small.

The added accessories in the list provide added support if needed. You can use the combs for more precise detailing or the cape while cutting your facial hair to avoid making a mess on yourself.

Overall, a good kit that provides great versatility but does not provide anything outstanding. Great price with solid performance.

Bottom Line

A great versatile set, that comes at an affordable price. Comes with a great list of accessories that will surely prove useful.

How we choose our best beard & mustache scissors

We restricted our list of the best beard scissors to 6, although there are many more great options available.

Many criteria went into narrowing them down, some of which are their reviews, their steel quality, their size, etc.

We also considered their general usability, such as how simple they were to use and how well they fit in the hand.

How to trim your beard and mustache with a scissor, like a pro (A simple, illustrated guide)

Cutting your beard or mustache with a pair of scissors is not as difficult as it sounds.

If you follow the simple steps/tips that we mention below, you will have a well-groomed beard that looks stylish in no time.

For a proper and easier experience, make sure to have some additional tools on hand, such as a beard comb and a mirror. Also, make sure the room where you are trimming your beard or mustache has good lighting to avoid accidental cuts.

1) A clean, dry beard

You should always start trimming with a clean beard. Clean it first using a good beard shampoo or wash.

The process of washing your beard is very similar to the way we wash our hair. Use warm water while scrubbing the hair using the tips of your fingers to wash and rinse, since it helps to open the pores beneath it.

Be careful though. Your skin will get overly dry if the water is too hot.

After that, rinse your beard well until there is no trace of beard wash or shampoo.

Dry your facial hair completely before you begin trimming. If you trim a wet beard, chances are that it’s going to look different when it dries because you may have chopped off too much hair without knowing it.

2) When to trim and what tools to use

Scissors work best on beards that are at least an inch long.

Usually, you should trim your mustache and beard around once a week in most circumstances if you’re not attempting to achieve a specific style.

Along with your scissors, you should also have a good beard comb on hand. A comb is a useful tool to have for all phases of trimming, as we’ll see.

Trimming in front of a mirror with appropriate lighting, such as your bathroom mirror, is usually a good idea.

3) Getting started

Comb your whiskers up and down to get an indication of their length, as well as their thickness.

Some believe you should start trimming your beard from the sides, while others suggest you should start from the chin.

One reason to start with your chin is that it has the longest hair and can act as a guide for the rest of your face. Make your first cuts at the chin and use those cuts to determine the length of your remaining whiskers.

Trimming the underside of the chin can be tricky, but you’ll make the task easier by first combing upward and then angling it to cut only the tips of your facial hair.

An important point to keep in mind is that you want to avoid over-cutting. It’s best to trim the tips at first while working in one section at a time and only cutting more if needed.

Remember! You can’t put back what you cut in excess.

Use your beard comb, which you hold at a slight angle, as a guide. Then trim only the whiskers protruding from the teeth of the comb.

Keep the comb close to the surface of your facial hair to ensure that you’re not cutting too much.

4) Moving around your face

After you’ve trimmed your chin, proceed on to the jawline and trim in the same manner.

Continue to comb your beard hair across your whole face, then angle the comb to cut only the tips of your hair.

5) Don’t forget your neck area

Don’t forget about your neck area.

A messy, untrimmed neck detracts from your overall appearance, so pay special attention to the area behind your chin while avoiding cutting it too near to the flesh.

The hair on the top of your neck follows the same guideline.

6) Trimming your mustache like a pro

So, you finished with your beard, and now you are ready to move on to your mustache.

Like we previously stated, make sure your mustache is clean and dry.

Firstly, straighten your mustache hair to get an understanding of its length. Secondly, hold your scissors parallel to your lips and start trimming while holding the comb with the other hand.

Most guys find it simpler to start cutting at the tips and work their way up to the middle of their upper lip.

Additionally, make sure to keep the area where your mustache meets your nose trimmed.

Once you’re satisfied that you achieved the right length and fullness, comb your mustache one final time to see if you’ve missed any loose hairs.

7) Cleaning up after the trim

Lastly, wash your mustache and beard after trimming to get rid of leftover whiskers.

Beard & mustache scissors vs. beard trimmers: Which one is best?

Scissors and trimmers are the two primary options when it comes to trimming your beard and mustache.

Which method works better for you comes down to personal preference.

Nevertheless, there are instances, which using a pair of scissors is preferable to using a trimmer and vice versa.

So, here goes:

When to choose a beard & mustache scissor

What makes facial hair scissors different than regular scissors is their size.

They’re smaller and often sharper, as they’re designed for trimming and shaping facial hair. This allows you to trim hard-to-reach areas of your face with greater ease.

Scissors are a simpler tool than a beard trimmer, but don’t let their simplicity fool you.

There are many reasons for choosing scissors when it’s time to trim and shape your facial hair:

• The chance of chopping off too much beard or mustache hair is lower with scissors. They’re smaller and usually easier to control. That’s not to say screw-ups can’t happen because they can, and using scissors still requires caution and patience.
• You can use scissors to target split ends that grow horizontally from your face, but without taking as much length off your beard or mustache.
• Trimming with scissors takes longer than trimming with an electric or battery-powered trimmer. However, cleaning them afterward takes considerably less time than a trimmer.

When to choose a beard trimmer

A beard trimmer gives you the ability to shape your beard as well as define your cheek, neck, and jawline, with their ability to trim in bulk. You can take off a lot of hair at once thanks to the powerful motors that drive them, and that’s handy for any man who is limited in time.

Trimmers are also helpful for achieving specific beard styles, such as a beard fades, stubbles, etc.

Their drawback however is that you can take off too much hair if you’re not careful or take the wrong angle as you trim.

Conclusion

As always, we close out our product review while asking for your feedback and suggestions.

Which beard and mustache scissors do you use? Have you tried any of the scissors on our list?

We’d love to hear from you.