Want to avoid injuries and keep your tools in top shape? Salon safety starts with proper shear handling, storage, maintenance, and posture. Here's a quick summary of the 5 essential tips every stylist should follow:
- Hold and Pass Shears Safely: Use a relaxed grip, match shears to your hand size, and always close blades before passing.
- Store Shears Properly: Use protective cases, keep them dry, and store them in a secure, designated spot.
- Clean and Sanitize Regularly: Wipe off residue, sanitize with shear-safe products, and oil daily to prevent rust and bacteria buildup.
- Maintain Correct Posture: Keep your back straight, wrists neutral, and take regular breaks to avoid strain.
- Check Tension and Sharpness: Adjust tension daily and sharpen shears every 6-8 months for smooth, safe cutting.
Beginner Hair Tutorials: How To Hold Scissors and Comb For Haircutting
1. How to Hold and Pass Shears
Knowing how to handle shears properly is key to maintaining safety in the salon. Your fingers should fit comfortably in the finger holes, with your thumb resting naturally in its designated spot. According to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, it's important to choose shears that match your hand size to reduce strain and improve comfort [1]. If your fingers are slim, plastic ring inserts can help ensure a better fit.
Keep your grip relaxed to avoid tension and maintain control. When passing shears to another person, always close the blades, point the handles toward them, and make eye contact while verbally confirming the handoff.
Here are a few best practices for daily use:
- Keep shears within easy reach but away from workstation edges.
- Be mindful of others nearby when handling tools.
- If your shears slip, let them fall - trying to catch them can lead to injury.
Mastering these techniques creates a safer work environment. Once you've got handling down, the next step is learning how to store shears safely.
2. Where to Store Shears Safely
Keeping your shears stored properly is key to ensuring safety and staying organized in a salon. A well-thought-out storage system can help prevent accidents and make your tools easy to access when you need them.
Protective cases made from materials like leather, nylon, or fabric are great for shielding your shears from dust, moisture, and accidental impacts. If you need your shears close while working, a scissor mat or holster is a practical option to keep them secure and within arm’s reach.
Here are some essential tips for storing shears safely and keeping them in top condition:
- Always clean and dry your shears before putting them away to prevent rust or residue.
- Use protective cases or mats to avoid damage and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Store shears in a designated spot, away from moisture, chemicals, or other tools.
- Regularly check your storage solutions for any signs of wear or damage.
Pro Tip: If you’re installing shear holders or racks, make sure they’re placed at a height that’s easy for you to access but out of reach for children or unauthorized individuals. This ensures safety without disrupting your workflow.
For extra protection, avoid storing shears alongside other styling tools. Keeping them separate in their own storage solution reduces the risk of damage and makes sanitizing easier. Proper storage not only keeps your tools safe but also helps maintain their performance and hygiene.
3. Cleaning and Sanitizing Shears
Keeping your shears clean and sanitized is essential - not just for client safety, but also to extend the life of your tools. A proper cleaning routine helps stop bacteria from spreading and keeps your shears working at their best.
Here’s a simple daily cleaning routine every stylist should stick to:
Post-Use Cleaning and Sanitizing
After each use:
- Wipe off hair and residue with a microfiber cloth, paying extra attention to the pivot area.
- For stubborn grime, gently clean with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Finish with a shear-safe disinfectant - avoid harsh chemicals or fully submerging the shears, as this can harm the steel.
Daily Maintenance Tips
- Always clean and sanitize your shears between clients, ensuring they’re completely dry before storing.
- Add a drop of shear-specific oil to the pivot area, then wipe off any extra oil.
- Store your shears in a designated case or holder to keep them clean and protected.
Important Safety Reminders
- Use only shear-friendly cleaners or isopropyl alcohol for sanitizing.
- Avoid soaking shears in Barbicide - it’s a common salon disinfectant, but it can damage your tools.
- Stick to a consistent cleaning routine to prevent buildup and maintain top performance.
- Use minimal cleaning solutions to avoid moisture damage or rust.
By following these steps, your shears will stay in top shape, ready to deliver great results every time. Up next: how to ensure proper body posture for safe and efficient use.
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4. Correct Body Posture When Using Shears
Staying mindful of your posture while cutting hair is key to avoiding long-term injuries and staying comfortable during extended work hours. Poor posture can lead to repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or shoulder pain.
Tips for Proper Positioning
Good posture starts with how you position your body and set up your client. Here’s how to stay aligned:
- Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Keep elbows close to your sides.
- Align your wrists neutrally - no bending up or down.
- Adjust the client’s chair so your forearms are parallel to the floor.
- Stay within arm’s reach of your tools and work area.
- Move the client’s head as needed to avoid twisting your body.
Using tools designed with ergonomics in mind, such as Shihan Shears, can also help reduce wrist strain and support proper posture. These tools are worth considering for long-term comfort and performance.
Taking Breaks to Stay Fresh
Regular breaks can help prevent muscle fatigue. Incorporate the following into your routine:
Time Interval | Suggested Action |
---|---|
Every 30 minutes | Shoulder rolls, wrist stretches |
Every 60 minutes | A 5-minute full-body stretch |
Between clients | Stretch hands and arms |
During consultations | Let your hands rest |
Posture Mistakes to Watch For
Avoid these common habits that can strain your body:
- Letting your wrists bend downward.
- Overreaching across the client’s head.
- Lifting your shoulders unnecessarily.
- Leaning forward instead of adjusting the client’s chair.
Maintaining proper posture isn’t just about feeling good in the moment - it’s about protecting your health and extending your career in the salon industry. By combining good ergonomics with body awareness, you can work effectively and avoid injury.
Once your posture is on point, the next step is ensuring your shears are in top condition for safe and efficient use.
5. Maintaining Shear Tension and Sharpness
Just like good posture safeguards your body, keeping your shears in top condition ensures safe and effective cutting.
Daily Tension Checks
To check the tension, fully open the blades, lift the thumb handle to a 90-degree angle, and let it go. It should settle around 45 degrees. If it doesn't, adjustments are needed.
If the tension feels off - too tight (causing resistance) or too loose (resulting in uneven cuts) - use the tension screw. Turn it in small, quarter-turn increments: left to loosen, right to tighten. Your goal is smooth cutting without resistance.
Keeping Shears Sharp
Plan for professional sharpening every 6-8 months, or sooner if your shears see heavy use. In between, keep an eye on their performance. Watch for signs like hair folding, odd noises, hand fatigue, uneven cuts, or visible blade damage - these are clear indicators your shears need attention.
For longer-lasting sharpness and consistent performance, consider shears made from Japanese steel, such as Shihan Shears. They're designed to hold their edge and deliver reliable results.
Conclusion
Shear safety training is a key element of maintaining a professional and secure salon environment. By putting clear safety practices in place - covering handling, storage, sanitization, posture, and maintenance - salons can cut down on accidents and promote a strong safety culture.
Stylists who are well-trained tend to have better techniques, experience less fatigue, and provide higher-quality results for their clients. As Global Scissors puts it:
"Safety is the foundation of excellence in hairdressing."
The tools you use matter too. High-quality shears with ergonomic designs help reduce strain and ensure precise cuts. Combined with proper training, these tools boost both safety and performance.
To keep your safety program effective:
- Develop a clear and structured safety plan, including regular training sessions.
- Stick to a maintenance schedule and conduct routine safety checks.
Safety training isn’t a one-time task - it’s an ongoing effort. Experts recommend sharpening professional shears every 3–6 months and performing daily tension checks to keep tools in top condition. This not only protects your team but also maintains high professional standards.
FAQs
How often should shears be sharpened?
Typically, shears should be sharpened every six months, though this can vary based on how often they're used and the types of hair being cut. Here are some factors that influence sharpening frequency:
- Usage: Heavy daily use will require sharpening more often.
- Hair type: Dry or chemically-treated hair tends to dull blades faster.
- Blade material: Shears made from high-grade materials like Molybdenum stay sharp longer.
Using dull shears not only affects performance but can also lead to hand fatigue and increase the chance of slips. To keep your shears in top shape between sharpenings, follow these tips:
- Clean and oil blades after each use.
- Store shears in a protective case.
- Ensure proper tension is maintained.
- Use them exclusively for cutting hair - no other tasks.
Maintenance schedule to follow:
- Daily: Check tension to ensure smooth, clean cuts.
- After each use: Clean, oil, and store shears properly.
- Every 3 months: Have a professional inspect them for any early signs of wear.
- Every 6 months: Sharpen to restore their cutting edge.