Are your scissors actually Japanese Steel?

Its no secret that in the professional hairdressing world, the tools of the trade are of utmost importance, with scissors being one of the most crucial. Many stylists trust scissors made from Japanese steel, believing in their superior quality and performance. However, since 2006 we have a revealing investigation over the past years suggests that many hairdressing scissors might not be made from the high-quality materials they claim. This article delves into the findings from extensive testing, shedding light on the truth behind these claims.

The Investigation: Uncovering Material Misrepresentation

Over a span of 15 years, we tested thousands of hairdressing scissors from a variety of manufacturers. The results were startling: only 20% or 2 in every 10 pairs of hair scissors of the scissors were actually made from the materials they claimed to be. This widespread issue highlights a significant gap between marketing claims and reality, with profound implications for the hairdressing community.

The Prestige of VG10 and the Reality of 440A

VG10 steel is often celebrated as the pinnacle for hairdressing scissors due to its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. However, our research discovered that many scissors marketed as VG10 were actually made from 440A, a lower-grade steel. This discrepancy is critical, as 440A steel does not provide the same durability and performance as VG10, leading to quicker dulling and reduced effectiveness.

Impact on Hairdressers

Performance and Durability Concerns

Scissors made from lower-grade materials like 440A steel do not hold their edge as long as their VG10 counterparts, necessitating more frequent sharpening and replacement. This not only affects the quality of work that hairdressers can produce but also incurs additional costs and downtime.

Financial and Professional Implications

The financial impact of this material misrepresentation is significant. Hairdressers often invest heavily in what they believe are premium tools, only to find that these tools do not perform as expected. Brands charging premium prices for scissors made from inferior materials effectively deceive consumers, leading to wasted money and resources.

Erosion of Trust

This widespread issue of misrepresentation damages the trust between manufacturers and consumers. Hairdressers depend on accurate product information to make informed purchasing decisions. When manufacturers fail to deliver on their claims, it undermines the integrity of the entire industry, making it difficult for professionals to know which brands they can trust.

Industry-Wide Implications

Need for Greater Transparency

The findings from our study underscore the need for greater transparency in the hairdressing tool industry. Manufacturers should provide verifiable information about the materials used in their products. This would enable hairdressers to make informed decisions and ensure they receive tools that meet their professional needs and standards.

Calls for Standardisation and Regulation

To address these issues, there may be a need for industry-wide standards and regulations. Standardising the materials used in hairdressing scissors and enforcing stricter regulations on marketing claims could help ensure that all professionals have access to high-quality, reliable tools.

Conclusion

The investigation into the material authenticity of hairdressing scissors has uncovered a significant issue of misrepresentation. With only 25% of the tested scissors being made from the claimed materials, it is clear that the industry faces a challenge in maintaining transparency and trust. Hairdressers rely on accurate information to make critical decisions about their tools, and the revelation that many brands are not delivering on their promises highlights the need for change.

Moving forward, it is essential for the hairdressing industry to prioritize transparency, quality, and honesty. By adopting these principles, manufacturers can help restore trust and ensure that hairdressers are equipped with the tools they need to excel in their career. This shift will not only benefit individual professionals but also elevate the standards of the entire industry, fostering a more trustworthy and reliable marketplace for hairdressing tools.