Tools Explained

Offset, semi-offset or straight: how to choose the handle of your scissors

Offset, semi-offset and straight scissor handles in the hand

When stylists compare scissors, they usually talk about steel and blade length. The handle gets less attention, yet it decides how your hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder work through every cut of the day. Professional hair scissors come in three main handle configurations: offset, semi-offset and straight.

Offset scissors in the hand: the elbow stays low
Offset: the elbow stays low
Semi-offset scissors in the hand: the elbow rises slightly
Semi-offset: the elbow rises slightly
Straight scissors in the hand: the elbow is raised
Straight: the elbow lifts to keep the blades level

Straight handle

The classic shape. Both handles are the same length, and the thumb ring and finger ring sit symmetrically in line with the blades. To hold the blades level with this shape, the hand turns and the elbow lifts. Some stylists prefer the symmetrical feel, but over a long day a raised elbow means more work for the shoulder.

Offset handle

The thumb handle is shorter than the finger handle, so the thumb sits closer to the palm in a more natural position. According to KASHO, an offset handle lets you work with your shoulders straight and your elbow down, using minimal wrist movement.

Semi-offset handle

A middle ground: the thumb handle is only slightly shorter. KASHO describes it as a comfortable compromise between the offset and straight shapes. With both semi-offset and offset handles the shoulders stay straight and the elbow is not raised, which puts far less strain on the wrist.

How to choose

  • Notice where your elbow goes when you cut at eye level. If it keeps rising, an offset or semi-offset handle is worth trying.
  • If your shoulder or wrist feels tired by the end of the day, the handle shape is one of the first things to check.
  • If you are used to straight scissors, semi-offset is a gentler step towards an offset shape.
  • Left-handed stylists need scissors made for the left hand: the handle shape and the blades are mirrored. A right-handed pair held in the left hand does not cut properly.
  • Handle shape is personal. If you are not sure, ask us which models come in which shape.

Handle shapes in the KASHO range

Every KASHO series we carry is available with an offset handle. Straight handles are available in the Design Master, Blue, Millennium and Green series, and semi-offset in the Green series. Design Master also includes left-handed models. See KASHO scissors.