Want to keep your hair shears in top shape? Avoid these 10 common mistakes:
- Not Cleaning Shears Daily: Residue buildup dulls blades and reduces performance.
- Skipping Lubrication: Lack of proper oiling causes friction and rust.
- Improper Storage: Moisture and poor storage lead to rust and damage.
- Ignoring Tension Adjustments: Incorrect tension causes uneven cuts and strain.
- Using Dull Shears: Dull blades ruin precision and increase hand fatigue.
- Allowing Misalignment: Misaligned blades snag hair and wear out faster.
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Corrosive cleaners damage blades and finishes.
- Skipping Inspections: Missed issues lead to costly repairs or replacements.
- Neglecting Pivot Area: Poor pivot maintenance affects cutting smoothness.
- Avoiding Professional Servicing: Regular expert care ensures longevity and precision.
Quick Solution: Clean, lubricate, and adjust tension weekly. Store shears in a protective case and schedule professional servicing every 6–12 months.
Proper maintenance saves money, extends lifespan, and ensures precise cuts every time.
Cleaning Your Shears
1. Failing to Clean Shears Regularly
Neglecting to clean your shears is one of the quickest ways to damage them. Hair product residue, natural oils, and debris can build up, affecting their performance and shortening their lifespan.
Cleaning isn't just about keeping them looking good - it directly impacts how well they work. Left unchecked, residue can reduce cutting precision, strain your hands, and even cause permanent damage over time.
How Often Should You Clean?
- Daily: Wipe the blades and remove any debris.
- Weekly: Deep clean the pivot area, lubricate, and check the tension.
- Every 6–12 months: Take them to a professional for servicing.
Cleaning Tips
Use a soft, lint-free cloth with a mild cleaning solution made for professional shears. Avoid harsh chemicals - they can damage the blade's finish and dull the cutting edge. Clean both the blades and the pivot area thoroughly, dry them completely, and apply a small amount of lubricant to keep them operating smoothly.
Don’t Skip Professional Servicing
Even with regular cleaning, professional servicing is essential every 6–12 months. This ensures your shears stay sharp and function at their best. Combining professional care with daily and weekly maintenance can extend their life and keep your cuts precise.
Taking just a few minutes to clean your shears after every client can save you from costly replacements and help you deliver the high-quality results your clients count on. Regular cleaning is the first step to keeping your shears in top condition.
2. Mistakes in Lubricating Shears
Keeping your hair shears in top condition requires proper lubrication. Using the wrong kind of lubricant or neglecting it altogether can shorten their lifespan and hurt your cutting precision, which directly affects your work.
Common Lubrication Problems
Many professionals unknowingly harm their shears by using oils that aren’t designed for them. Lubricants that are too thick, too thin, or not made for shears can cause friction, fail to prevent rust, or even damage the blades.
How to Lubricate Correctly
Start with clean shears. Apply 2-3 drops of lubricant at the pivot point and gently spread it along the blades. Do this daily at the pivot and perform a more thorough lubrication weekly after cleaning. This routine helps prevent buildup and ensures smooth performance.
Signs of Lubrication Issues
If you notice uneven cuts, hair pulling, rust, stiffness, or even hand strain, your lubrication routine may need attention. To avoid these problems, use lubricants specifically made for shears. While they may cost more, they provide better protection and help your tools last longer.
Expert Advice
Skipping proper lubrication doesn’t just wear out your shears faster - it also impacts the quality of your work. Regular maintenance with the right products keeps your tools performing well and prevents early damage. And remember, how you store your shears matters just as much as how you care for them.
3. Storing Shears Improperly
How you store your professional hair shears can make or break their performance and lifespan. Unfortunately, many stylists unknowingly harm their tools by neglecting proper storage.
The Role of Storage Conditions
Moisture, humidity, and temperature swings can wreak havoc on shears. These factors can lead to rust, corrosion, or even blade misalignment, all of which affect cutting accuracy and shorten the life of your tools.
How to Store Shears the Right Way
The best way to protect your shears is by using a protective case. This shields them from physical damage and helps control moisture levels. Avoid tossing them into pockets, open drawers, or leaving them near chemicals and water. Instead, store them in a place with stable, moderate temperature and low humidity.
| Storage Method | Effect on Shears | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Protective Case | Prevents damage and controls moisture | Use every day |
| Open Drawer | Exposes to dust, humidity, and risk of damage | Avoid completely |
| Pocket Storage | Misaligns and dulls blades | Avoid completely |
| Wall Magnetic Strip | Can lead to drops and chemical exposure | Use sparingly |
Key Storage Tips
- Always store shears in a closed position, but don’t overtighten the tension.
- Keep them far from chemicals, water, and steamy areas.
- Inspect for any wear or damage before putting them away.
- Avoid storage spots with extreme temperatures.
When combined with regular cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance, proper storage ensures your shears stay in top shape. It not only prevents external damage but also keeps crucial adjustments, like blade tension, in check.
4. Ignoring Tension Adjustment
Getting the tension right is crucial for your shears to perform their best. Incorrect tension can lead to poor cuts and shorten the lifespan of your tools.
How to Spot Incorrect Tension
Watch out for these signs:
- Stiff or jerky movement
- Uneven cuts
- Hair pulling during use
- Hand fatigue
Why Tension Matters
When tension isn’t set correctly, it impacts both the quality of your cuts and the durability of your shears. Mismanaged tension can cause unnecessary wear and tear or lead to inconsistent results.
| Tension Problem | Effect on Use | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Too Tight | Excessive wear | Loosen slightly (quarter-turn) |
| Too Loose | Inaccurate cuts | Tighten slightly (quarter-turn) |
| Inconsistent | Unreliable performance | Regular weekly adjustments |
Keeping Tension in Check
Make it a habit to check your shears’ tension every week, especially after cleaning and lubricating them. Adjust the screw in small, quarter-turn increments to avoid over-adjusting.
Here’s a quick test: Hold your shears at a 45-degree angle. When properly adjusted, they should close smoothly under their own weight. Keep in mind, tension settings can vary depending on your cutting style and the types of hair you’re working with.
Once your tension is sorted, you’ll want to focus on keeping your shears sharp and aligned for top-notch cutting results.
5. Not Sharpening Shears Often Enough
Using dull shears can ruin your cutting accuracy and even leave clients dissatisfied. Knowing when and how to keep your blades sharp is key to delivering top-notch results.
Signs Your Shears Are Dull
If you notice hair being pushed or pulled, uneven cuts, needing extra effort to cut, or feeling more fatigued while styling, it's a clear sign your shears need attention.
Why Professional Sharpening Matters
Skip the DIY methods like using aluminum foil or sandpaper - they can cause serious damage to your shears. Professional sharpening keeps the blades aligned, minimizes metal loss, and ensures they meet the original factory standards [1]. While it might cost more upfront, it's worth it to protect your tools and maintain consistent performance.
How Often Should You Sharpen?
Most stylists should aim to sharpen their shears every 6–12 months, depending on how often they're used. This usually corresponds to around 500–700 haircuts [3]. Pair sharpening with regular cleaning, lubrication, and tension adjustments to keep your shears performing at their best.
Keeping your blades sharp is essential, but don't overlook proper alignment - it’s just as important for achieving clean, precise cuts.
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6. Allowing Shear Misalignment
When shears are misaligned, they lose cutting precision and can even damage hair. Instead of delivering clean cuts, misaligned shears may cause hair to fold or snag. This not only affects the quality of your work but also puts unnecessary strain on your tools and hands.
Signs of Misalignment
Here’s how you can spot misaligned shears:
- Gaps between blades: Hold the blades up to the light - visible gaps indicate misalignment.
- Hair issues: Hair folds or cuts unevenly.
- Hand fatigue: You notice your hands tire more quickly than usual.
Impact on Performance and Longevity
Misaligned blades create extra friction, which wears them out faster. Investing in professional servicing (around $50–$75) can save you from having to replace your shears, which can cost $300–$500 or more [2]. Regular maintenance keeps your tools in top shape and ensures your clients get consistent, high-quality results.
Prevention and Maintenance
Avoid making large self-adjustments to your shears. If you need to tweak the tension, stick to small, quarter-turn adjustments [3]. For bigger alignment issues, it’s best to consult a professional shear maintenance expert.
Daily cleaning and proper storage can go a long way in preventing misalignment. Additionally, scheduling professional servicing every 6–12 months will help maintain alignment, prevent uneven cuts, and keep your shears performing at their best. Alignment, sharpening, and tension adjustments all work together to ensure your tools stay reliable.
7. Using Harsh Chemicals on Shears
Chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners can corrode blades, weaken steel, and drastically reduce the life of your shears. Keeping your professional shears free from chemical damage is key to maintaining their performance and longevity.
Safe Cleaning Practices
Stick to mild soap, baby shampoo, or professional shear cleaning solutions for daily maintenance. These gentle options clean effectively without harming your tools. Combine this with proper lubrication and storage to keep your shears in top condition for longer.
Care Tips to Follow
- Skip the harsh chemicals. Use mild soap or professional cleaners to clean blades, paying extra attention to the pivot area.
- Always dry your shears thoroughly to prevent moisture damage.
- Get your shears professionally serviced every 6–12 months to address wear and tear and extend their usability.
Protecting Your Investment
Investing in a good cleaning solution is far cheaper than replacing high-quality shears. Proper care not only safeguards your tools but also ensures they deliver consistent cutting performance.
Even with regular cleaning, it's smart to inspect your shears routinely for hidden damage to keep them performing their best.
8. Skipping Regular Shear Inspections
Even if you clean and store your shears properly, regular inspections are key to spotting hidden damage that could affect their performance. Routine checks can stop small problems from turning into costly repairs.
Daily and Weekly Inspections
Pay attention to these areas when inspecting your shears:
| Area | What to Check | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Edge | Sharpness and nicks | Cuts are uneven |
| Pivot Area | Smooth movement | Squeaking or grinding |
| Tension | Balance and resistance | Blades feel too loose or tight |
| Surface | Rust or corrosion | Visible discoloration |
A magnifying glass and good lighting can make it easier to catch small issues. Keep a maintenance log to document inspection results and note service dates.
Professional Maintenance
In addition to your own inspections, schedule professional servicing every 6-12 months. This ensures any potential problems are addressed early, keeping your shears in top condition and avoiding expensive repairs.
While spotting issues early is crucial, don’t overlook the importance of maintaining the pivot area for smooth and efficient cutting.
9. Neglecting Pivot Area Maintenance
Regular inspections are great for spotting problems early, but they’re not enough. Keeping the pivot area in top shape is key to smooth operation and accurate cutting. Ignoring this part can undo the benefits of sharpening and cleaning, leading to quicker wear and tear.
The pivot area is where the blades meet and rotate, making it central to how well your shears perform. Taking care of this spot can extend the life of your shears by as much as 50% [3].
Maintenance Schedule
- Daily: Apply lubricant to minimize friction.
- Weekly: Deep clean to remove debris and check tension for proper alignment.
- Every 500–700 haircuts: Arrange professional servicing for thorough upkeep.
Signs of Pivot Area Problems
Watch for these issues, as they can signal pivot area neglect:
- Resistance when opening or closing the shears.
- Squeaking or grinding noises during use.
- Uneven cutting, even when the blades are sharp.
Care Tips for the Pivot Area
Keep the pivot area in good condition by following a consistent routine:
- Clean and lubricate daily to keep everything running smoothly.
- Use only specialized shear lubricants - household products can damage components and void warranties.
- Check tension weekly to ensure proper alignment.
- Schedule professional servicing every 6–12 months to handle wear patterns that regular care can’t address.
When cleaning, focus on the pivot area and apply lubricant to both the blades and tension screw. This simple routine ensures your shears stay reliable and perform at their best [1].
10. Overlooking Professional Maintenance Services
Some stylists try to handle all their shear maintenance on their own, but relying on professional services is key to keeping your tools in top shape. Regular expert care not only extends the life of your shears but also ensures they maintain their cutting precision.
When to Seek Professional Help
Plan to have your shears professionally serviced every 500-700 haircuts (or every 6-12 months). You should also seek help immediately if you notice:
- Uneven cuts
- Hair pulling or snagging
- Resistance while cutting
- Squeaking or grinding noises
Why Professional Maintenance Matters
Professional services bring a level of expertise that goes beyond your daily care routine. Specialists can:
- Fix minor blade misalignments
- Restore precise blade angles
- Address wear patterns
- Ensure your tools comply with warranty requirements
"A sharp pair of hair cutting shears is a key tool for a professional stylist. When hair cutting shears need sharpening they can affect your work and make it difficult to achieve precision and a polished finish." - Sensei Shears [1]
Suggested Maintenance Schedule
| Service Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Maintenance | Every 500-700 cuts | Sharpening, inspection, and alignment |
| Full Service | Every 6-12 months | Comprehensive maintenance and repairs |
Tips for Between Services
Avoid using household items like aluminum foil, sandpaper, or generic lubricants, as these can harm your shears [1][4]. Instead, stick to daily cleaning and proper lubrication to keep them in good condition between professional appointments.
Professional servicing is an essential part of a complete maintenance plan. It ensures every detail, from tension to alignment, is handled with care. Combine expert servicing with consistent daily upkeep to keep your shears performing at their best [3].
Conclusion
Keeping your shears in great shape requires consistent care. Simple steps like daily cleaning, proper lubrication, and regular professional servicing can go a long way in ensuring your tools stay sharp, dependable, and long-lasting.
Here’s a quick guide to maintenance:
| Maintenance Task | How Often |
|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | Every day |
| Professional Servicing | Every 6-12 months |
Taking care of your shears isn’t just about preserving the tool itself. Consistent maintenance helps ensure clean, precise cuts, reduces hand fatigue, and saves you from expensive replacements down the line. By sticking to a routine, you’ll deliver the quality your clients expect while protecting your investment.
Don’t wait for problems to arise. A solid maintenance routine, combining daily care with professional check-ups, keeps your shears in peak condition, supporting both their lifespan and your performance.
If it’s been more than six months since your last professional servicing, now’s the time to schedule it. Your tools - and your clients - will appreciate it.
FAQs
How to maintain hair cutting scissors?
Taking care of your hair cutting scissors involves proper daily routines and periodic servicing. Here's a simple guide to keep them in top condition:
Daily Care Tips:
- Wash with mild soap and water.
- Dry completely to avoid rust.
- Sanitize using alcohol.
- Apply shear-specific oil to the pivot point.
Maintenance Schedule:
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| Daily | Clean and lubricate to prevent buildup. |
| Weekly | Perform deep cleaning and adjust tension. |
| Every 500-700 cuts | Get professional sharpening and alignment. |
| Every 6-12 months | Schedule full servicing and inspection. |
Important Guidelines:
- Use products designed specifically for professional shears.
- Adjust tension with small quarter-turns to avoid over-tightening.
- Store scissors in a protective case, away from moisture.
- Rely on professional services for sharpening and alignment.
- Avoid DIY sharpening or using unsuitable lubricants.
Keeping your scissors sharp ensures precise cuts, prevents snagging, and reduces hand strain. Consistent maintenance not only extends the life of your tools but also supports the quality of your work and client satisfaction [2][3].