Hairdressing scissors are your trusty, best friend in your trade, and with proper care, they will give you many years of use and a great return on investment.
From proper cleaning to storage, learn about the best care tips to keep your professional hair cutting shears in great condition:
Clean After Every Use
Wipe your scissors with a clean, soft towel after every haircut to reduce the buildup of hair and chemicals. Styling residue, moisture, chemicals, and hair can lead to corrosion, which affects the performance of the blades over time. Regular cleaning helps ensure the scissors are free of debris and will work smoothly and stay sharp for a longer time.
Lubricate Regularly and with the Right Kind of Oil
Daily lubrication is an essential aspect of scissor care. It protects against moisture and chemical corrosion, which, as mentioned earlier, can lead to dullness.
After cleaning your scissors, open them to a 90-degree angle and apply a dollop of lubricant to the pivot. This will clear away debris, dirt, and hair from the screw and the blades.
Remember to use lubricant designed specifically for scissors. Regular oils are often made from petroleum, which can leave a sticky residue that impairs the scissors’ performance. They also contain impurities such as waxes and sulfur that can leave behind residue deposits. Once covered in these deposits, your scissors will give you a hard time.
With the right oiling technique and the right type oil, the pivot stays smooth, and the blades work seamlessly together.
Check for Tension
Do you check the balance of your scissors regularly? If the tension is too tight, the blade edges experience premature wear, and the users suffer from the occasional fatigue. If it’s too loose, your scissors will fold and bend the hair.
To check for tension, hold the scissors so that the tips are pointing upwards. Raise one handle to a 90-degree angle and release it. If the blade shuts quickly, that means you have loose tension.
The blades should be able to perform together without any side movement or strain from the user’s hand.
Sharpen Accordingly
On average, you should sharpen your scissors between 6-24 months, depending on several factors such as quality of scissors and the type of hair they’re used for.
Lower-quality scissors are made from inferior steel that loses their edge more quickly. Also, trimming unclean, dry hair puts more strain on the scissors than washed, wet hair. If the scissors start folding, pulling or catching the hair, they’re probably due for a repair.
Sharpening should not be a DIY job if you want the best for your tools. Go to an expert so they are serviced properly and ensure a long-lasting sharp edge.
Store Scissors Properly
After a day of continuous use, scissors must be stored properly. Place the scissors in a protective case, and keep the blades closed to reduce the risk of damage to the blade edges.
High-quality scissors, made from superior steel usually cost more, but they’re guaranteed to give you better and longer performance.
Much like your kitchen scissors, if you choose your hairdressing scissors carefully and care for them properly, those trusty shears will serve you well for years to come.
