The Best ABOVE Scissors for Hairdressers
ABOVE is a USA-based professional shear brand operated by Above International. The range runs cobalt steel across every model, with four distinct handle configurations: classic even, offset, swivel thumb, and an offset thinner. Four picks here from US$180 to US$250.
Updated
What are the best ABOVE scissors?
The Classic, around US$180, is ABOVE's entry point — cobalt steel in a traditional symmetric even handle for stylists who prefer a classic grip. The Ergo, around US$200, puts the same cobalt steel into an offset handle. The Thinning Shear, also around US$200, is the offset thinner for blending and weight removal. The Swivel, around US$250, adds a rotating thumb ring to the offset build; all four use cobalt steel with a convex edge.
All four ABOVE models use cobalt steel with a convex edge. The difference between them is handle geometry: the Classic is the symmetric even-handle build, the Ergo and Thinner use an offset configuration, and the Swivel adds a rotating thumb ring to the offset. Guide prices are estimates — confirm current figures on the retailer or brand page before buying.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | Pick 1 Above Classic Professional Shear Above | Pick 2 Above Ergo Professional Shear Above | Pick 3 Above Professional Thinning Shear Above | Pick 4 Above Swivel Professional Shear Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price band | US$180Price band US$100–200 · Entry-level | US$200Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$200Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$250Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range |
| Made in | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Handle | Classic (even) | Offset | Offset | Swivel |
| Blade type | Convex | Convex | Thinning | Convex |
| Sizes (in) | 5.5· 6.0 | 5.5· 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.5· 6.0 |
| Product links | View product | View product | View product | View product |
Four ABOVE picks from US$180 to US$250
- 1Above
Above Classic Professional Shear
- Japanese Steel
- Classic (even) handle
- Convex blade
ABOVE’s entry cutting shear in cobalt steel with a classic even handle and convex edge. The even handle places the thumb and finger rings at matching heights — the symmetric geometry preferred by stylists who rotate the hand frequently through scissor-over-comb and graduation work. Available in 5.5 and 6.0 inch. Comes with a removable finger rest. Available through ABOVE Shears and authorised US retailers.
View Above Classic Professional Shear - 2Above
Above Ergo Professional Shear
- Japanese Steel
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
ABOVE’s offset cutting shear in cobalt steel with a convex edge. Its thumb ring sits lower than the finger ring, distinguishing it from the symmetric Classic. Available in 5.5 and 6.0 inch through ABOVE Shears and authorised US retailers.
View Above Ergo Professional Shear - 3Above
Above Professional Thinning Shear
- Japanese Steel
- Offset handle
- Thinning blade
ABOVE’s offset thinning shear in cobalt steel. The thinning blade removes bulk and blends weight — suited to finishing passes after a cutting session to soften hard lines and reduce heaviness. Available in 6.0 inch. Available through ABOVE Shears and authorised US retailers.
View Above Professional Thinning Shear - 4Above
Above Swivel Professional Shear
- Japanese Steel
- Swivel handle
- Convex blade
ABOVE’s swivel-thumb cutting shear in cobalt steel with a convex edge. The thumb ring rotates within the offset handle, while the Ergo uses a fixed ring. Available in 5.5 and 6.0 inch. The top of the ABOVE cutting range. Available through ABOVE Shears and authorised US retailers; confirm trial and return terms before choosing the mechanism.
View Above Swivel Professional Shear
The ABOVE range
ABOVE is operated by Above International, a USA-based company that runs the brand’s design and retail side. Cobalt steel runs through every model in the range — the brand describes it as handcrafted 100 percent premium cobalt construction across its lineup. The four cutting and thinning shears catalogued here cover 5.5 and 6.0 inch lengths, with handle geometry as the differentiating variable between them.
All four feature a convex edge and a removable finger rest. The Classic and the Ergo are both cutting shears distinguished by handle position; the Thinning Shear shares the offset configuration with the Ergo; and the Swivel adds a rotating thumb mechanism.
ABOVE sells direct through aboveshears.com and through professional supply retailers including SalonCentric and Shear Integrity.
How we chose
The four picks cover ABOVE’s complete handle geometry range: even, offset, thinning offset, and swivel. Guide prices are estimates — confirm current pricing on aboveshears.com or with an authorised retailer before buying.
The wider ABOVE catalogue
The full ABOVE range, including any models added since this page was last updated, is on the brand’s official site at aboveshears.com and through professional retailers including SalonCentric and Shear Integrity. The ABOVE brand page on ScissorPedia lists current stockist information.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 answers you can open one at a timeWhat steel do ABOVE scissors use?
ABOVE uses cobalt steel across its range, which the brand describes as 100 percent premium cobalt construction. The cobalt content raises hardness and edge retention compared to standard stainless steel. For full specification details, check aboveshears.com or an authorised retailer such as SalonCentric or Shear Integrity.
What is the difference between the ABOVE Classic and the Ergo?
The Classic uses a symmetric even handle, where both rings sit at the same height. The Ergo uses an offset handle, where the thumb ring sits lower than the finger ring. Both use cobalt steel and a convex edge — the ring relationship is the principal structural difference.
How does the ABOVE Swivel differ from the Ergo?
The Swivel adds a rotating thumb ring to the ABOVE offset handle; the Ergo has a fixed thumb ring. Both use cobalt steel, a convex edge, and 5.5- and 6.0-inch size options. Compare the exact pairs during a defined cutting task and confirm the seller’s trial and return terms before buying.
How many teeth does the ABOVE Thinning Shear have?
ABOVE’s product documentation does not publish a tooth count for the Thinning Shear. For the specific tooth count and removal percentage, check the current listing at aboveshears.com or an authorised retailer such as Shear Integrity.
Where can I buy ABOVE scissors?
ABOVE sells through its official site at aboveshears.com and through professional retailers including Shear Integrity, Scissor Dude, SalonCentric, and Scissors Master. The ABOVE brand page on ScissorPedia lists current stockists.