The Best Mina Scissors for Hairdressers
Mina is a Japanese scissor brand popular for affordability and supplied through distributors worldwide. Its $95 to $299 USD range serves professional hairdressers and barbers as well as students and apprentices. These five picks cover SUS440C and 7Cr models across offset and double-swivel handles.
What are the best Mina scissors for professional hairdressers?
The Jay is the affordable SUS440C offset in five sizes from 5.0 to 7.0 inches. The Umi adds a 4.5-inch detail option. The Sakura II is the next SUS440C offset configuration, while the Sakura Double Swivel adds a rotating thumb mechanism. The Black Diamond moves to 7Cr steel in three sizes from 5.5 to 6.5 inches.
The Jay and Umi are affordability-led offset picks, separated mainly by size run. The Sakura II provides another SUS440C configuration, the Sakura Double Swivel adds the only swivel mechanism in this group, and the Black Diamond is the 7Cr pick. Mina’s current brand range is $95 to $299 USD.
Verified Jul 2026
The picks, at a glance
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Product photos from the ScissorPedia catalogue; see each product page for provenance.
Five affordable Mina picks
| Attribute | Mina Jay Offset Hair Cutting Scissors Mina | Mina Umi Hair Cutting Scissors Mina | Mina Sakura II Hair Cutting Scissors Mina | Mina Sakura Double Swivel Hair Cutting Scissors Mina | Mina Black Diamond Cutting Scissors Mina |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price guide | US$95 | US$95 | US$95 | US$95 | US$100 |
| Price tier | Budget | Budget | Budget | Budget | Entry-level |
| Steel | SUS440C | SUS440C | SUS440C | SUS440C | Not listed |
| Made in | Japan | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Handle | Offset | Offset | Offset | Double Swivel | Offset |
| Blade type | Not listed | Flat | Convex | Convex | Convex |
| Sizes (in) | 5.0· 5.5· 6.0· 6.5· 7.0 | 4.5· 5.0· 5.5· 6.0· 6.5· 7.0 | 5.0· 5.5· 6.0· 6.5· 7.0 | 5.5· 6.0· 6.5 | 5.5· 6.0· 6.5 |
| Product links | View product | View product | View product | View product | View product |
Steel grades and configurations from product pages. Mina's current brand range is $95–$299 USD; confirm the exact current model price.
Mina’s affordable Japanese range
Mina is a Japanese scissor brand popular for affordability. Distributed worldwide, its $95 to $299 USD range serves professional hairdressers and barbers alongside students and apprentices. The cutting catalogue includes SUS440C and 7Cr models with offset and double-swivel handles. Two models break from the pattern: the Umi, available from 4.5 inches, and the Sakura Double Swivel.
The five picks below show the range’s main configurations: the affordable offset, the wide-size pick, another SUS440C option, the double swivel, and the 7Cr model.
The five picks
1. Mina Jay. An affordability-led option in the Mina cutting range: SUS440C steel at 58-60 HRC, a convex edge, and an offset handle in 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 inches. It can suit an apprentice’s first kit or a working stylist’s practical backup pair. Available through Japan Scissors, Scissor Lab, and the Mina Scissors official store.
2. Mina Umi. SUS440C with a wider size brief: the Umi runs 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 inches. The short length handles close fringe and detail work; the long end reaches scissor-over-comb territory. The product page lists a flat cutting edge, an offset handle, and a 58 HRC rating.
3. Mina Sakura II. Mina’s SUS440C offset option at 58-60 HRC, with a convex edge and ergonomic handle in five sizes from 5.0 to 7.0 inches.
4. Mina Sakura Double Swivel. The swivel pick in this roundup. SUS440C at 58-60 HRC in 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 inches, with a double-swivel thumb ring that rotates on two axes through the cutting stroke.
5. Mina Black Diamond. The 7Cr pick. Mina’s product page lists 7Cr steel with an offset ergonomic handle and convex edge in 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 inches.
How we chose
The Jay and Umi are SUS440C offsets separated by size run: five standard sizes on the Jay and six sizes including 4.5 inches on the Umi. The Sakura Double Swivel adds the rotating mechanism, while the Black Diamond is the 7Cr option. Mina’s current brand range is $95 to $299 USD; confirm the exact model price and construction details before buying.
Where to buy: all five picks are stocked by Japan Scissors, Scissor Lab, and the Mina Scissors official store.
The wider Mina range
The Mina Rainbow II is a SUS440C offset model in six sizes from 4.5 to 7.0 inches with a rainbow titanium surface finish. The Mina Ash Black is another 7Cr option at 55-57 HRC, while the Mina Classic II provides a SUS440C offset alternative in three sizes from 5.5 to 6.5 inches. Thinning scissors, scissor sets, and left-handed models are on the Mina brand page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mina based and what steel does it use?
Mina is a Japanese brand distributed worldwide. The cutting range uses SUS440C across many models and 7Cr on coloured models including the Black Diamond and Ash Black. For exact construction details and current pricing, check the individual model through the brand or an authorized distributor.
What is the double swivel thumb on the Mina Sakura Double Swivel?
The Sakura Double Swivel’s product page lists a double swivel thumb ring — a mechanism that rotates through two axes rather than one. The thumb moves naturally through the cutting stroke without pulling out of the ring between cuts, which reduces the rotation asked of the wrist and thumb joint over a long session. It is the only double swivel model in the Mina cutting range and comes in 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 inch.
Why does the Mina Umi go down to 4.5 inch?
The Umi’s product page lists a size range from 4.5 to 7.0 inch — a wider span than the standard 5.0 to 7.0 inch of most Mina cutting models. The 4.5 inch length suits close detail work, fringe trimming, and work around the ears where a shorter blade is easier to control. That makes the Umi the only model in the range covering that lower length, while still reaching standard salon and barber lengths up to 7.0 inch.
What is 7CR steel on the Mina Black Diamond?
7CR — sometimes written 7Cr or 7Cr13 — is a chromium stainless steel used in the Mina Black Diamond and Ash Black cutting models. The brand page lists 7CR as one of the steel grades in the Mina cutting range alongside SUS440C. For full specification details on 7CR as used in Mina scissors, consult the product page or the Mina brand website.
Is Mina suitable for students and apprentices?
Yes. Mina serves students and apprentices as well as professional hairdressers and barbers. Its $95 to $299 USD range is known for affordability, with multiple sizes and configurations that can suit training or professional use.