Joewell: A Deep Dive into Japan’s Finest Hair Shears
Joewell shears have set the bar for professional hairdressing tools since 1917. With over 200 models available in 50+ countries, these Japanese-made scissors combine precision engineering and craftsmanship to meet the demands of hairstylists worldwide. Known for their sharpness, durability, and ergonomic designs, Joewell offers a wide range of blade types, handle styles, and materials tailored to various cutting techniques and hair textures.
Key Takeaways:
- Blade Options: Convex Pro, Semi-Convex, Flat Single Bevel, Sword, and Concave blades, each suited for specific cutting styles and hair types.
- Materials: Premium Japanese steel and cobalt alloys ensure long-lasting performance, with some models lasting over 7 years with proper care.
- Handle Designs: Symmetric, offset, and swivel handles provide comfort and reduce strain during extended use.
- Award-Winning Craftsmanship: Recognized globally with accolades like the Good Design Award and Red Dot Award.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and professional sharpening (every 3–12 months) keep these tools in peak condition.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned stylist, Joewell shears are an investment in precision and reliability, with prices ranging from $190 to $1,399. Proper care and Joewell's warranty support ensure these tools remain a trusted companion in your hairstyling career.
Jowell Classic Pro Hairdressing Scissor
Joewell Blade Types and Cutting Technology
Joewell's blade designs reflect a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering, tailored to meet the demands of professional hairstylists. With five distinct blade types, each crafted for specific cutting techniques and hair textures, Joewell offers tools that cater to a variety of styles and needs.
Main Blade Designs
Convex Pro blades are the crown jewel of Joewell's lineup, known for their sharpest blade angle and precision cutting. These blades are perfect for creating clean lines and defined layers with minimal effort. Their sharpness, versatility, and use of high-quality materials have made them a go-to choice in the hairstyling industry.
Semi-Convex blades combine the benefits of convex and flat blade designs. This hybrid approach provides stylists with reliable performance across various cutting techniques and hair textures, making them a versatile option for day-to-day use.
Flat Single Bevel blades are celebrated for their durability and lightweight design. Joewell notes, "The convex blade is sharp for softer cutting while the flat (single bevel) blade is superior for lightweight durability because the whole blade can be designed flat". These blades are ideal for stylists who need consistent performance during long work sessions.
Sword blades stand out with their curved profile, which ensures smooth and soft cutting action. This design is particularly effective for slide cutting, allowing the blade to glide effortlessly through hair sections.
Concave blades are designed to deliver sharp cuts with reduced effort. Their natural cutting angle minimizes the force required, making them a great choice for high-volume cutting while maintaining precision.
Blade width also plays a crucial role in performance. Wider blades provide the power needed for thick or coarse hair, while thinner blades excel in precision and detailed work. Joewell carefully tailors each blade's width to match the intended application, ensuring stylists achieve the best results.
How Advanced Blade Technology Improves Performance
Joewell pairs traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern advancements to deliver superior cutting tools. Using premium Japanese steel, including Hitachi Steel, their blades are hand-finished to ensure smooth, silent cutting with clean results that minimize hair damage. The lightweight and ergonomic designs help reduce wrist strain, enabling stylists to work comfortably throughout long days.
Joewell's dedication to quality has earned them industry accolades, such as the Good Design Award for three consecutive years (2006–2009). More recently, the SPM Series received the iF GOLD AWARD in 2018, and the SPM BT Series won the Red Dot Award in 2019.
Understanding blade geometry can elevate a stylist's technique. For example, straighter blades offer better grip on hair, preventing slippage and ensuring consistent tension. Curved designs, like the bamboo leaf shape, excel in slide cutting, allowing for smooth, flowing cuts.
Blade Comparison Chart
| Blade Type | Key Characteristics | Best Applications | Hair Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convex Pro | Sharpest angle, minimal force needed | Clean lines, defined layers | Fine to medium hair |
| Semi-Convex | Balanced sharpness and durability | Versatile cutting, mixed techniques | All hair types |
| Flat Single Bevel | Lightweight, highly durable | High-volume cutting, consistent use | Medium to thick hair |
| Sword (Curved) | Smooth gliding, soft cuts | Slide cutting, flowing techniques | Fine hair, layering work |
| Concave | Sharp cuts with less effort | Effortless cutting, reduced fatigue | Thick, coarse hair |
Blade width further enhances performance. Wider blades excel in handling challenging hair textures, while thinner profiles provide the precision needed for intricate styling. By understanding these details, stylists can choose tools that match their techniques and the services they offer daily.
Materials and Build Quality
Joewell has built its reputation on a foundation of careful material selection and meticulous craftsmanship. Their approach to steel and manufacturing processes has been fine-tuned over the years, resulting in shears that offer outstanding performance and durability for professional hairstylists. At the heart of this commitment is their use of premium materials.
Steel Alloys and Cobalt Materials
Joewell relies on four advanced alloy systems to create their shears: Powder Metal Alloy for its hardness and resistance to corrosion, Cobalt Base Alloy (CBA-1) with approximately 50% cobalt for unmatched longevity (lasting 18–24 months with daily use), Super Alloy, and Supreme Stainless Alloy, which is specifically designed to maintain razor-sharp edges.
The Cobalt Base Alloy CBA-1 stands out for its exceptional durability, offering a cutting life more than 2.5 times longer than standard stainless steel. When paired with Joewell's advanced blade designs, these materials ensure long-lasting, reliable performance.
This commitment to quality isn’t just theoretical - it’s backed by real-world examples. In February 2022, professional stylist Lucy S. retired her black cobalt shears after seven years of consistent daily use, a testament to the durability of Joewell products.
Expert Hand-Finishing
High-quality materials are only part of the equation. Joewell’s manufacturing process combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern precision techniques. Skilled artisans, each with decades of experience, hand-finish every pair of scissors to ensure smooth, silent cutting and clean, precise results.
Joewell’s dedication to quality is evident in their scissors, which boast 15% higher hardness compared to competitors. This translates directly into better edge retention and superior cutting ability. Each pair undergoes multiple stages of hand-finishing to refine blade geometry and achieve a flawless finish, ensuring they meet the demands of professional use.
"With Joewell Shears, you get master artisans who use their extensive experience and leading technology to provide award-winning designs and hand-finished Hair Shears." – Scissor Tec
Finally, rigorous quality control guarantees that every pair of shears meets Joewell’s exacting standards before being distributed across their global network.
Handle Design and Comfort Features
For professional hairstylists who spend hours cutting hair, having tools designed with comfort in mind is key. Joewell understands this and focuses on ergonomic designs that not only reduce strain but also enhance precision. Their approach blends traditional craftsmanship with modern advancements, addressing the challenges of repetitive motions faced by stylists.
Handle Style Options
Joewell offers three distinct handle styles, each tailored to different cutting techniques and comfort needs:
- Symmetric Handle: This classic style features identical finger holes, allowing for a versatile grip and dual-side use. Its simple design makes it a popular choice in salons, offering a familiar and adaptable feel.
- Offset Handle: Designed with ergonomics in mind, this handle positions the thumb and fingers at different lengths, naturally aligning the hand. By reducing strain on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, it’s ideal for blunt cuts and long hours of use.
- Swivel Shears: These shears take comfort to the next level with a 360° thumb rotation, allowing for a natural cutting position. The rotating thumb minimizes awkward arm movements, helping to prevent strain and discomfort during extended use.
These designs are particularly important because repetitive thumb movements can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, a common issue among professional hairdressers.
Adjustable Features
Joewell shears come equipped with customizable features that cater to individual preferences, ensuring maximum comfort and performance:
- Adjustable Tension System: Stylists can fine-tune blade resistance to suit their cutting style and hand strength, providing smooth and effortless operation.
- Finger Rest and Rings: Many models include adjustable or attachable finger rests and rings, offering added stability and a personalized fit for precise cutting.
- Adjustable Screw System: This feature helps maintain proper blade alignment and tension, ensuring consistent performance over the lifespan of the shears.
These elements work together to create a highly ergonomic tool tailored to the needs of professionals.
Benefits for Professional Use
Joewell’s ergonomic designs aren’t just about comfort - they also boost efficiency and reduce fatigue. A prime example is the Joewell Supreme SPM Offset Hair Shears, which won the iF Gold Award in 2018 for their outstanding design. Featuring a 3D contoured handle, these shears are crafted to fit the hand perfectly, minimizing fatigue during long hours of work.
"The Joewell Supreme SPM Offset Hair Shears excel in blunt cutting and precision cutting... These versatile shears adapt seamlessly to various cutting methods, making them indispensable for stylists who demand the highest quality and ergonomic comfort in their tools."
- Professional Opinion, jpscissors.com
The Supreme SPM model also includes a permanent silicone-covered finger rest, providing both stability and precision, further showcasing Joewell’s dedication to creating tools that prioritize comfort and functionality.
How to Choose the Right Joewell Shears
Selecting the right Joewell shears depends on your cutting style and the demands of your work. Here's how to make the best choice.
Matching Shears to Cutting Techniques
The length of the blades should align with your cutting techniques, not the size of your hands.
- Short shears (4.5–5.5 inches): Ideal for precision work, detailed cuts, texturizing, and short hairstyles.
- Medium shears (5.5–6.5 inches): A versatile option for both detailed work and general cutting.
- Long shears (6.5–7 inches): Best for cutting larger sections of hair quickly, making them perfect for barbering and scissor-over-comb techniques.
The blade type also matters based on hair texture. Convex blades are excellent for fine hair, delivering sharp, clean cuts, while beveled or serrated blades provide better control for thick or curly hair.
Joewell Product Lines Overview
Joewell offers a range of shears designed to meet various cutting needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of their product lines:
- Classic Straight Shears: A must-have for any stylist, these are great for point cutting, slide cutting, and dry cutting, ensuring smooth and precise results.
- Offset Scissors: Known for their ergonomic design, these shears reduce strain during long cutting sessions.
-
Thinning and Texturizing Shears: Available in three types based on tooth count:
- Texturizing shears (25+ teeth): Perfect for finishing work and adding lightweight texture.
- Finishing shears (15–22 teeth): Create smooth, blended finishes.
- Chunking shears (7–15 teeth): Remove weight efficiently.
- Curved Scissors: Crafted for soft, natural layers and smooth, textured cuts.
- Swivel Shears: Designed to promote a natural range of motion, reducing strain on shoulders and elbows.
- Left-Handed Scissors: Feature reversed blades to ensure precision and visibility for left-handed stylists.
Professional Selection Tips
When choosing shears, consider the materials, handle designs, and the variety of tools in your kit to match your needs and goals. Here’s what to keep in mind:
-
Blade Material:
- Standard Stainless Steel: Durable and sharp enough for everyday use.
- Elite Stainless Steel: Offers better edge retention and corrosion resistance, perfect for high-traffic environments.
- Cobalt Alloys: The premium option, known for exceptional hardness and longevity. For instance, Cobalt Base Alloy CBA-1 lasts more than 2.5 times longer than regular stainless steel.
- Handle Design: Comfort is key. Traditional symmetric handles provide a familiar grip, while ergonomic and swivel handles reduce fatigue during extended use.
Many professionals build a versatile kit to handle various tasks. A typical setup might include a medium shear for general cutting, a short shear for precision work, and thinning shears for texturizing. With this range, you’ll be equipped to tackle any cutting challenge while maintaining the precision Joewell shears are known for.
Maintenance and Care Instructions
Joewell shears are designed with precision and performance in mind, but keeping them in top condition requires regular care. Routine cleaning and periodic professional servicing are key to ensuring they remain sharp and effective for years to come.
Daily Care and Cleaning
To maintain their quality, clean your shears after every use. This helps remove product residue, oils, and bacteria that can dull the blades or cause corrosion. Start by wiping the blades with a soft microfiber cloth to clear away hair, dirt, and product buildup. Then, use a disinfectant spray specifically made for hairdressing scissors - avoid soaking them, as this can damage the blades.
Once cleaned, dry the shears immediately to prevent rust. After drying, apply a single drop of shear oil to the pivot point, and open and close the blades to evenly distribute the oil. Finally, store your shears in a protective case or holster to shield them from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.
If regular cleaning no longer restores their cutting efficiency, it’s time to consider professional sharpening.
Professional Sharpening Services
No matter how well you care for them, Joewell shears will eventually need professional sharpening. How often this is required depends on how frequently you use them and your cutting techniques. Full-time stylists may need sharpening every 3–6 months, while part-time professionals might need it every 6–12 months. Occasional users can often wait 12–18 months between sharpenings.
Signs that your shears need sharpening include pulling or snagging hair, difficulty cutting straight lines, or increased hand and wrist fatigue. Techniques like slide cutting and dry cutting can also wear down the blades faster.
Joewell offers several authorized sharpening services. For example, HairArt, an official Joewell distributor in the U.S., provides professional sharpening for $51.00. Stylist Marypat P. shared her experience of owning Joewell shears since 1979, having them sharpened just three times in over 40 years, with each service restoring them to "like new" condition.
Warranty and Support Options
Joewell backs its shears with strong warranty and support options to complement regular maintenance. Purchases from authorized dealers include a 12-month warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
For sharpening, Joewell advises using certified technicians familiar with the specific blade geometry and steel composition of their shears. As the Joewell FAQ states:
"It is important that you get your scissors sharpened by a reliable technician, simply email us at sales@joewell.co.uk for details of where to send your Joewell scissor to."
- Joewell FAQ
Many retailers also provide additional protection, such as 7-day exchange and return policies for new purchases. Sandra, a hairstylist from Melbourne, shared her satisfaction with Joewell shears, saying:
"I have been using Joewell for the past 20 years. Even the cheaper $300 pair lasts for five or more years and they have enough model varieties to cover my needs."
- Sandra, Melbourne Hair Professionals
With proper care, professional support, and Joewell’s warranty services, these shears offer long-term value and reliability, making them an excellent choice for hairstylists who demand consistent performance.
Final Thoughts on Joewell Shears
Joewell shears represent over a century of dedication to quality, shaping the hairstyling industry since 1917. With more than 200 models available in over 50 countries, these Japanese-crafted tools have earned their place as a favorite among professionals, thanks to their reliable performance and forward-thinking design.
The brand's reputation is solidified by numerous prestigious awards, highlighting its leadership in precision manufacturing.
Joewell shears are built to last, boasting 12 times the impact strength and twice the wear resistance of many other high-end scissors. This durability means less frequent sharpening, saving both time and money - an undeniable advantage for professionals.
Whether you're just starting your career or are a seasoned stylist, Joewell offers a range of options to fit your needs. Their accessible XRated series starts at $190, while the premium Craft 01 Series reaches $1,399. As Sarah from Toronto Hair Professionals notes:
"For the last 20 years, I am using Joewell scissors. And, every time it feels the same. You can get the best performance even from a $300 scissor. Also, they last for over five years. Most importantly, Joewell has plenty of models to choose from."
Joewell shears aren't just tools - they're a way to elevate your craft. Their precision and thoughtful design enhance a stylist's reputation while delivering results that keep clients coming back. Choosing Joewell means investing in efficiency, precision, and long-term professional success.
With proper care and the support of a solid warranty, Joewell shears are a reliable companion for any serious stylist looking to grow their career.
FAQs
What makes Joewell shears exceptional in terms of durability and performance?
Joewell shears have built a reputation for their long-lasting quality and top-tier performance. Crafted from premium Japanese stainless steel and innovative materials like Japanese Powder Metal Alloy, these shears are designed to stay sharp and tough, even with constant use by professionals.
What sets Joewell apart is the craftsmanship behind every pair. Skilled artisans in Japan blend time-honored techniques with modern manufacturing methods to create tools that deliver smooth, precise cuts. The result? Shears that not only perform consistently but also stand the test of time. Designed with professional hairstylists in mind, Joewell shears offer both reliability and comfort, making them a trusted choice in the industry.
How can I choose the best blade type and handle design for my hairstyling needs?
Choosing the right blade type and handle design can make all the difference in hairstyling, both in terms of precision and comfort. If you're looking for smooth, sharp cuts or need to focus on detailed work, convex blades are an excellent choice. On the other hand, beveled blades are known for their durability and work well for general cutting techniques.
For handles, it's all about reducing strain and staying comfortable, especially during long sessions. Look for offset handles or crane grip designs, as these can help ease wrist and shoulder tension, making styling less taxing. The right combination of blade and handle can elevate your performance and make hairstyling a more comfortable experience overall.
How can I properly care for my Joewell shears to keep them in excellent condition for years?
To keep your Joewell shears performing at their best, it's important to clean and disinfect the blades regularly. Use an alcohol-based cleaner or ethanol for this task, and always dry the blades thoroughly afterward to avoid any moisture-related damage. Don't forget to apply a few drops of shear oil at the pivot point and along the blades every day. This helps reduce wear, ensures smooth cutting, and protects against rust.
When you're not using your shears, store them in a protective case to prevent accidental damage. By making proper cleaning, oiling, and safe storage part of your routine, you’ll extend the life of your shears and keep them sharp and reliable for years of professional hairstyling.
