How do thinning shears work on hair?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Thinning shears are specialized scissors designed to reduce hair volume and thickness. Unlike regular scissors, they feature teeth-like notches on one or both blades, allowing them to cut some strands while leaving others intact. This creates a softer, more textured look and helps blend layers seamlessly.

If you're noticing unusual hair thinning, shedding, or changes in hair texture, it may be worth understanding the cause before reaching for the shears. Hair changes can signal underlying health factors ranging from stress and nutrition to hormonal shifts. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes and guide your next steps confidently—whether that's a lifestyle adjustment or a conversation with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Thinning shears are a type of scissors used in hair cutting to make hair look less thick. They have a unique design with one blade that looks like a comb with teeth and another blade that is straight. When you use them, they cut some hair strands while leaving others longer. This helps to reduce the volume of hair without changing its overall length.

While the provided medical literature references focus on hair cortisol analysis and surgical techniques, they do not specifically address the function or use of thinning shears in hairdressing. However, if you're experiencing concerns about hair thinning or hair loss, consider using Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential underlying causes and determine if you should consult a healthcare professional.

(References)

Bates RA, Salsberry PJ, Ford JL, Pickler RH, Dynia JM, & Justice LM. (2020). Hair sampling for cortisol analysis with mother-toddler .... Infant behavior & development, 33068954.
Ford JL, Boch SJ, & Browning CR. (2019). Hair cortisol and depressive symptoms in youth. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 31351399.
Takushima A, Asato H, & Harii K. (2000). Endoscopic-assisted harvest of the temporoparietal fascial .... Annals of plastic surgery, 11037158.

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