The Best alpha Scissors for Hairdressers
alpha is a Japanese scissor brand founded in January 2006 and based in Kichijoji, Musashino City, Tokyo, trading as Alpha Scissor Co., Ltd. The brand builds every model — cutting, thinning, and left-handed — in SG2 powder micro-particle steel, and sells the full range through its official site at alpha-scissors.jp. Prices on this page are converted from yen; guide prices vary with the exchange rate and the JPY figures on the alpha site are the authoritative reference.
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What are the best alpha scissors?
The BM, around US$514, is alpha's entry point — SG2 steel with a convex edge and offset handle at the lowest price in the range. The SG, around US$771, steps into the high-grade tier in the same steel with three variants (M, C, L) tuned for different cutting applications. The OG, around US$793, is the widest variant model in the high-grade catalogue — four sub-models (C, NC, H, M) with titanium coating available. The SGT, around US$864, applies SG2 to a thinning format in 16, 18, and 20 tooth configurations for blending and texturising work. The PR, around US$1,207, sits at the top of the alpha cutting range — the same SG2 platform and convex edge at the highest price point, with titanium coating as a factory option.
Every alpha model uses SG2, which alpha designates as powder micro-particle steel (粉末微粒子鋼材). That steel grade runs across the BM entry model and the OG, SG, and PR high-grade models without change — the price difference between tiers reflects the finish, variant range, and position in the lineup rather than a shift in steel grade. Titanium coating is available across most of the range as a factory option and adds surface hardness without changing the underlying blade geometry. Alpha runs in-person showrooms in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Omiya, and Fukuoka where stylists can trial models by appointment before buying — a buying process distinct from most online-only brands.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | Pick 1 alpha BM Basic Cutting Scissors alpha | Pick 2 alpha SG High-Grade Cutting Scissors alpha | Pick 3 alpha OG High-Grade Cutting Scissors alpha | Pick 4 alpha SGT Thinning Scissors alpha | Pick 5 alpha PR High-Grade Cutting Scissors alpha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price band | US$514Price band US$400–800 · Premium | US$771Price band US$800+ · Luxury | US$793Price band US$800+ · Luxury | US$864Price band US$800+ · Luxury | US$1,207Price band US$800+ · Luxury |
| Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Handle | Offset | Offset | Offset | Offset | Offset |
| Blade type | Convex | Convex | Convex | Thinning | Convex |
| Product links | View product | View product | View product | View product | View product |
Five alpha picks from US$514 to US$1,207
- 1alpha
alpha BM Basic Cutting Scissors
- SG2
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
alpha’s entry cutting model in SG2 powder micro-particle steel with an offset handle and convex edge. The BM sits below the OG and SG lines in the alpha lineup and offers the brand’s SG2 construction at its lowest price point. Available in 6.0 inch. For current pricing, visit alpha scissors.
View alpha BM Basic Cutting Scissors - 2alpha
alpha SG High-Grade Cutting Scissors
- SG2
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
alpha’s high-grade cutting model in three variants — SG-M, SG-C, and SG-L — each on the same SG2 steel and convex edge platform. The product pages list an offset handle across the SG variants; compare the exact size, ring fit, and blade control. Titanium coating is available as a factory option across the SG line. For current variant specifications and sizing, visit alpha scissors.
View alpha SG High-Grade Cutting Scissors - 3alpha
alpha OG High-Grade Cutting Scissors
- SG2
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
The widest variant model in the alpha high-grade cutting range, with four sub-models: OG-C, OG-NC, OG-H, and OG-M. All share SG2 powder micro-particle steel with a convex edge and offset handle; blade length and handle proportions vary between sub-models. Titanium coating is available as a factory option. For full variant details, visit alpha scissors.
View alpha OG High-Grade Cutting Scissors - 4alpha
alpha SGT Thinning Scissors
- SG2
- Offset handle
- Thinning blade
alpha’s SG2 thinning model in three tooth configurations: SGT16, SGT18, and SGT20. The 16-tooth build removes the most volume per close and suits heavier blending work; the 20-tooth version gives finer, more controlled texturising. All three share the same offset handle and SG2 steel. For current pricing and availability, visit alpha scissors.
View alpha SGT Thinning Scissors - 5alpha
alpha PR High-Grade Cutting Scissors
- SG2
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
The highest-priced model in the alpha cutting range. SG2 powder micro-particle steel, convex edge, offset handle. Available in PR-C and PR-H variants. Titanium coating is offered as a factory option. For current sizing and availability, visit alpha scissors.
View alpha PR High-Grade Cutting Scissors
The alpha range
alpha is produced by Alpha Scissor Co., Ltd., founded in January 2006 in Kichijoji, Musashino City, Tokyo. The full range — cutting, thinning, and left-handed builds — uses SG2 powder micro-particle steel across every model. The brand sells directly through its official site at alpha-scissors.jp, where yen prices are the authoritative figures; USD guide prices on this page are converted approximations.
The lineup divides into an entry level (BM) and a high-grade tier (OG, SG, PR for cutting; SGT for thinning). The BM and the high-grade models share the same SG2 steel — the tier distinction reflects position in the catalogue and the breadth of variant options available per model, not a change in the underlying alloy.
All alpha scissors are made in Japan at the brand’s Kichijoji workshop.
How we chose
These five cover the full price spread of the alpha catalogue from ¥79,200 to ¥185,900 and include the only thinning model in the range. All five use SG2 steel — the choice between them is position in the catalogue, variant count, and handle sub-type rather than an alloy difference. Guide prices are JPY-converted USD approximations; confirm yen figures on the alpha site before buying.
The wider alpha catalogue
The alpha brand page covers the full lineup including left-handed builds and any models not represented in this roundup. alpha showrooms in six Japanese cities offer in-person trials by appointment — contact details are on the alpha-scissors.jp site.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 answers you can open one at a timeWhat steel does alpha use?
alpha builds every model in SG2, which the brand designates as powder micro-particle steel (粉末微粒子鋼材ＳＧ２). The same grade runs across the BM entry model and the OG, SG, SGT, and PR high-grade models. No other steel grade appears in the catalogued alpha range.
How much do alpha scissors cost?
The BM entry model sits at around ¥79,200 (approximately US$514 at the time of writing). The SG and OG high-grade models run around ¥118,800–¥122,100 (approximately US$771–793). The SGT thinning model is around ¥133,100 (approximately US$864). The PR sits at approximately ¥185,900 (approximately US$1,207). All prices are JPY — the alpha-scissors.jp site carries current yen figures, which are the definitive reference.
Where can I buy alpha scissors?
alpha sells its full range through its official site at alpha-scissors.jp. The brand also operates showrooms in six Japanese cities — Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Omiya, and Fukuoka — where stylists can try models in person by appointment before buying.
What is the difference between the alpha BM and the high-grade models?
All alpha models use SG2 powder micro-particle steel. The BM is positioned as alpha’s entry-level cutter — the same steel and convex edge as the high-grade range at a lower price point. The OG, SG, and PR models carry the high-grade designation and come in wider variant ranges, with more handle and blade options per model. The practical guide is the Japanese yen price on the alpha site.
What is the alpha SGT thinning scissor?
The SGT is alpha’s SG2 thinning model, available in three tooth counts: SGT16 (16 teeth), SGT18 (18 teeth), and SGT20 (20 teeth). Lower tooth counts remove a higher proportion of hair per close and suit heavier blending; 20 teeth give a finer, more controlled removal rate for finishing and texturising. All three share the same SG2 steel and offset handle.