Caring for your new hair shears

You have put the time and thought into researching a great pair of hair shears and have settled on the right pair for you. Congratulations! Now, to ensure that you get the most from your investment and that your hair shears remain in good condition, it is important to care for them properly. Appropriate hair shear maintenance includes: cleaning them regularly, lubricating them, testing and adjusting their tension, and getting them sharpened when needed. More details on all four of these steps to proper hair shear care is included below. These steps will help you to avoid the two main types of hair shear malfunction: blade corrosion (from rust, scratches, or dulling) and torque imbalances.

Scissor safety

First, a few general safety guidelines. Your hair shears can be a dangerous tool and should be treated carefully. As with any scissors, always be mindful of the sharp blades. Close the shears when not in use. If handing them to someone else, always pass them off “handle first,” allowing the other person to take the handle, not the blade. Lay them down flat, on a stable surface. Never run when carrying hair shears. If possible, wear closed-toed shoes when using them. Only use your hair shears to cut human hair—preferably clean human hair. Other items including wigs, animal hair, or hair with styling products, can damage your shears. Remember, hair shears are a tool. When used for their intended purpose and cared for properly, they can be a useful tool for years to come.

Now we will consider specific steps to take to care of your hair shears. Regular wear and tear is to be expected, but by following the steps below, you can help to keep your hair shears in good working condition.

Cleaning

Owning and maintaining a pair of hair shears takes thought and care to keep them working well. Natural oils from hair, dirt, and styling products can build up on the blades, increasing the risk of rust and causing them to become dull faster. If doing multiple haircuts in a row, be sure to wipe the blades with a damp cloth to remove all hair and visible soiling between each client. At the end of the day, wash the shears thoroughly. To remove chemicals (such as styling gels and other products), first gently wipe the shears with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball. Follow this by washing them with warm water and a mild soap. Do not use any abrasive materials (brushes, soaps with exfoliating properties, etc.) as they can scratch the blades. After rinsing your shears thoroughly, allow them to dry completely. It is best to keep them open and set upright in a hair shear holder until they are completely dry to prevent rust buildup.

Oiling & Storing

After the shears are clean and dry, use a small amount of oil to keep them lubricated. Place a drop of oil near the fulcrum (screw) and wipe the oil down each blade. Open and close the blades several times and then wipe off any excess oil. Only use oil that is designed for scissors. The oil serves two purposes: keeping the blades from getting damp (and then corroding) and keeping the blades smooth. You should lubricate your shears at the end of every day and allow the oil to dry on them overnight. Always store your scissors in a case to help prevent the tip from scratching surfaces and wearing down. A case also helps to keep the shears from encountering moisture.

Adjusting tension

Caring for your hair shears in this way will help to keep them sharp and in good working condition. However, regular cleaning, lubrication and proper storage is not enough. Over time, due to regular usage, your shears may become loose. The screw holding the two blades together can be adjusted to tighten or loosen the torque as needed. Ideally, the blades should touch when the scissors are approximately half closed. If the blades meet too soon, the tension is too tight; it will be harder to cut with the scissors and the blades are at higher risk of getting damaged. If the blades are not tight enough, then they will not meet until the scissors are nearly closed. This causes the hair to bend, making it harder to cut. When this happens, the tendency is to squeeze the blades together or to cut at an angle, but this will only cause the scissors to get bent or scratch the blades against each other, dulling them further. To appropriately tighten your hair shears, use a screwdriver and tighten the bolt slowly (less than a quarter turn each time, testing the torque after each adjustment), until the blades of the scissors meet when the scissors are approximately half closed.

Sharpening

Finally, even with proper use and care of hair shears, they will dull over time. Do not attempt to sharpen your hair shears by yourself; always take them to a professional to be sharpened. (Contact us and we can put you in touch with a manufacturer-authorized sharpener.) With regular use and appropriate care, hair shears usually need to be sharpened twice a year.

Conclusion

Caring for your hair shears requires thought and consistency. Always clean and lubricate your shears every day after using them. Test the torque often and adjust as needed. Get your hair shears sharpened every couple of months or sooner, if needed. By taking time to follow these steps, your hair shears will continue to serve you well for years to come.