Thinning shears remove weight, soften lines and add texture after the shape is cut. The number of teeth is the biggest single factor in the result. Here is how the Takano thinners on ProHair compare.
Fewer teeth (15 to 30): visible texture and fast debulking
Fewer, wider teeth take out more hair in each close, leaving chunky, piece-y texture. Use them on thick hair or to create movement. The Takano Yasaka Thinning Shears in its 15-tooth version is a true texturizer; the Takano Atali SR Left-Handed Thinning Shears (27 teeth), the Takano Hair Kiss HC-102 Thinning Shears (28 teeth) and the 30-tooth Takano Atali SR Thinning Shears, Takano Atali KZ Thinning Shears and Takano Hakucho Super 4#30 Thinning Shears remove weight quickly.
Around 35 teeth: the all-round blender
The Fitz 35-tooth range covers everyday blending. The Takano Fitz VO-35 Thinning Shears and Takano Fitz FO-35 Thinning Shears have offset handles and a fixed finger rest; the Takano Fitz FX-35 Thinning Shears and Takano Fitz VX-35 Thinning Shears have straight handles with a detachable rest on each side, and Takano says the VX blends more softly than the FX.
Many teeth (38 to 40): fine, seamless blending
More, finer teeth remove a little hair per close for invisible blending and softening lines: the Takano Yasaka Thinning Shears in its 38-tooth version, the Takano Tohri T-40 Thinning Shears, the Takano Tohri T-40C Thinning Shears (with a full front cutting blade) and the Takano Alu-Coba AC Thinning Shears.
Left-handed thinners
Takano Atali SR Left-Handed Thinning Shears, Takano Fitz LO-35 Thinning Shears and Takano Fitz LX-35 Thinning Shears are set for the left hand.
How to use a thinning shear
Work on dry or damp combed hair, insert the teeth about a third of the way from the ends, close once and move on; repeat higher up only where more weight must go. Never cut a baseline with a thinning shear.
FAQ
Thinning or texturizing — what is the difference?
It is a matter of tooth count and spacing: wide-spaced teeth texturize (remove chunks), fine teeth thin and blend.
Compare all models on the Takano collection, or read our guide to choosing cutting shears.