Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About ShearGenius Scissors

What steel are ShearGenius scissors made from?
All ShearGenius scissors are forged from Hitachi ATS-314 Japanese master alloy steel — one of the hardest, most durable steels in the industry. This is the same grade used by premium European and Japanese brands, but we build it into scissors designed specifically for Australian salon and barbering conditions.

Who designs ShearGenius scissors?
Every scissor is designed by Matt Grumley — a working hairdresser, educator, and Scissorsmith with over 35 years in the industry. Matt has completed 40,000+ haircuts, sharpened 100,000+ scissors, and sold more than 50,000 pairs. These aren't sourced from a catalogue. They're designed from the chair up.

What sizes do your scissors come in?
Most ShearGenius scissors are available in 5.5" and 6.0" — the two most popular sizes for professional hairdressing. Some models extend to 6.5" or 7.0" for specific techniques. Left-handed versions are available across our core range. See individual product pages for available sizes.

What's the difference between hairdressing scissors and barber scissors?
Hairdressing scissors are typically lighter and finer, optimised for precision cutting, slicing, and point work. Barber scissors are built for speed and durability — designed to hold up through back-to-back cuts, clipper-over-comb, and fade work. Both ranges are made from the same Japanese steel.

Do you make true left-handed scissors?
Yes. Our left-handed scissors are purpose-built for left-handers — not mirrored versions of right-handed scissors. The blade edge, screw position, and handle design are all engineered for the left hand. This matters for ergonomics, cutting angle, and long-term wrist health.

What is the warranty on ShearGenius scissors?
All ShearGenius scissors come with a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. If something's wrong, get in touch — we stand behind our product.

Scissor Sharpening

How often should I sharpen my scissors?
A general rule: sharpen every 3–6 months for full-time professionals, or every 6–12 months for part-time stylists. The real answer depends on your volume, technique, and steel quality. Dull scissors fold hair rather than cut it — if you're pushing or dragging through sections, it's time.

How does the ShearGenius sharpening service work?
Book online, send your scissors in, and we'll sharpen them to factory standard using professional convex-edge equipment. Most scissors are returned within 5–7 business days. We sharpen all brands — not just ShearGenius.

Do you sharpen all brands of scissors?
Yes. We sharpen scissors from all major brands including Kamisori, Yasaka, Joewell, Jaguar, Washi, Mizutani, and any others you bring us. If it's a quality scissor, we can restore it.

Can over-sharpening damage my scissors?
Yes — poor sharpening removes too much steel and destroys the convex edge. Our sharpening service uses the correct equipment and technique to restore the original edge profile without taking unnecessary material. Each pass removes only what's needed.

Payments & SlicePay

What is SlicePay?
SlicePay is our flexible buy-now, pay-later option — interest-free weekly payments, designed specifically for hairdressers and barbers. Pick your scissors, select SlicePay at checkout, and they ship immediately. You pay it off over time, on your terms.

Is SlicePay interest-free?
Yes — 100% interest-free when payments are made on time. No hidden fees, no catch.

What other payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Afterpay, and Zip. All transactions are processed securely through Shopify's checkout.

Shipping & Returns

Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on all orders Australia-wide, always. No minimum order value.

What is your returns policy?
We offer 30-day returns on all orders. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days of receiving your order and we'll arrange a return or exchange. Scissors must be unused and in original packaging for a full refund.

How long does delivery take?
Most orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days and arrive within 3–7 business days depending on your location. Express options are available at checkout.

Still Have Questions?

Get in touch — we're real people and we know scissors. Contact us here or email us directly at matt@sheargenius.com.au.