Professional shears are a major investment, but improper cleaning can quickly lead to dull blades, rust, and costly repairs. Common mistakes like using harsh chemicals, over-soaking in disinfectants, or skipping regular maintenance can weaken blades, damage tension systems, and reduce cutting performance. Proper care, including daily cleaning, thorough drying, and weekly oiling, ensures your shears stay sharp and last for years. High-quality tools like Shihan Shears require consistent upkeep to maintain their durability and precision.
Key Points:
- Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive tools, and prolonged soaking.
- Clean blades daily with mild soap and a microfiber cloth.
- Dry thoroughly and oil the pivot area weekly.
- Store in a dry case with silica gel to prevent rust.
- Schedule professional sharpening every 3–6 months.
Taking just a few minutes daily to care for your shears protects your investment and ensures optimal performance.
SCISSOR MAINTENANCE - How to clean, oil and tension barber & hairdressing shears to keep them sharp!
How Wrong Cleaning Methods Damage Your Shears
Cleaning your shears the wrong way can do more harm than good. From dulling the blades to ruining the tension system, poor practices can significantly reduce their performance and longevity. Let’s break down the most common cleaning mistakes and how they can impact your shears.
Rust and Corrosion Problems
Water and metal don’t mix well, especially when it comes to professional shears. If you don’t dry your shears thoroughly after cleaning, lingering moisture can lead to rust and corrosion. This is particularly problematic in areas like the pivot point or along the blade edges, where corrosion can weaken the metal over time.
Using liquid disinfectants can make things worse. Soaking shears for extended periods allows cleaning solutions to seep into screws and joints, trapping moisture inside. This accelerates the corrosion process and can lead to long-term damage. Keeping your shears dry and avoiding prolonged exposure to liquids are simple ways to protect your investment.
Dull Blades and Poor Cutting Performance
The wrong cleaning products can wreak havoc on your blades. Household cleaners, like dish soap, strip away the protective coatings applied during manufacturing, leaving the blades vulnerable to wear and tear. Alcohol-based cleaners, when overused, can dry out the metal, making it brittle and prone to damage.
Residue buildup from improper cleaning also interferes with the smooth cutting action you rely on for precise results. Over time, this can lead to imperfections along the blade edge, reducing cutting quality. Choosing the right cleaning products and methods is essential to maintaining sharp, effective blades.
Tension System and Handle Damage
The tension system, which includes screws and other internal components, is particularly sensitive to improper cleaning. Soaking your shears in disinfectants for too long can damage these precision parts, affecting the smooth operation of the tool. Additionally, if moisture isn’t fully removed, it can collect around screws and springs, leading to rust and stiffness.
Harsh cleaning agents can also harm the handle’s coating, reducing comfort and grip. Over time, this wear and tear can make your shears harder to use. By taking care to clean and dry your shears properly, you can avoid these issues and keep them in top shape.
Cleaning Mistakes That Damage Shears
Taking care of your shears goes beyond simply cleaning them - it’s about cleaning them the right way. Even with the best intentions, certain mistakes can cause serious harm to your tools. Avoiding these missteps is crucial to maintaining your shears' performance and extending their lifespan.
Strong Chemicals and Abrasive Materials
While household cleaners might be great for tackling grime in your kitchen, they’re a disaster for professional shears. Products like bleach-based disinfectants, ammonia cleaners, and bathroom sprays are loaded with harsh chemicals that strip away the protective coatings on your blades. These cleaners are designed to break down tough organic matter, but they don’t differentiate between hair residue and the delicate finishes that keep your shears in top condition.
Abrasive cleaning tools are another culprit. Steel wool, rough sponges, or even paper towels can leave scratches on the blade surface. These tiny grooves trap dirt and debris, turning into permanent flaws that impact your shears' cutting performance. A once-smooth blade surface, essential for clean and precise cuts, can quickly become uneven, leading to snagging and poor results.
Even seemingly harmless options like baking soda paste or stiff brushes can cause trouble. Baking soda’s gritty texture can wear down precision surfaces, while stiff bristles can damage the sensitive pivot area where the blades meet. And if you think soaking your shears will make cleaning easier, think again.
Over-Soaking in Disinfectant
Leaving your shears in disinfectant for too long can cause more harm than good. Many salon professionals use Barbicide or similar solutions, but these are meant for quick contact, not extended soaking. When shears are left submerged for 30 minutes or more, the disinfectant seeps into tiny crevices around screws, springs, and adjustment mechanisms, causing lasting damage.
Prolonged exposure to disinfectants weakens the steel itself. High-carbon steel, used in professional shears, relies on precise heat treatments to maintain its hardness and sharpness. Extended chemical contact can alter the steel’s structure, making it softer and less effective at holding a sharp edge. This means more frequent sharpening and a noticeable drop in cutting precision.
The tension system is especially vulnerable. Disinfectants can leave behind residue as they evaporate, gumming up screw threads and springs. This buildup interferes with the smooth adjustment of blade tension, making it harder to achieve the clean, precise cuts your shears are designed for.
Skipping Regular Cleaning and Drying
Neglecting daily maintenance might save you time in the moment, but it can lead to costly repairs later. Throughout the day, hair products, oils, and small hair fragments build up on your shears. If not cleaned off, this residue hardens into a sticky mess that accelerates rust and corrosion.
Incomplete drying is another common mistake. Many professionals give their shears a quick wipe with a towel and assume they’re dry. However, any leftover moisture can speed up rust formation, especially in humid salon environments. This trapped water, combined with product residue, creates the perfect environment for corrosion to take hold.
The damage doesn’t stop there. Sticky buildup and moisture can interfere with the smooth motion of the blades, leading to uneven wear. Over time, this can throw off the balance and sharpness of your shears, making them harder to use effectively. In some cases, the damage becomes so severe that simple sharpening won’t fix it, requiring costly professional repairs.
Regular cleaning and thorough drying aren’t just about keeping your shears looking good - they’re essential for preserving the precision engineering that makes them work. Skipping these steps can lead to long-term issues that compromise your tools and your work. Proper care ensures your shears stay sharp, smooth, and ready for action.
Correct Cleaning and Care Methods
Now that you know what not to do, let's dive into the right way to care for your shears. Taking proper care of your shears not only extends their lifespan but also ensures they perform at their best. Here's how to handle daily, weekly, and storage routines to keep your tools in top shape.
Daily Cleaning Steps
Clean the blades immediately after each client. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe away hair fragments and product residue from both blades. This quick step - just 10 seconds - helps prevent buildup. For stubborn residue, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water, but avoid soaking the blades.
At the end of your workday, give your shears a deeper clean using warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Brands like Dawn are ideal because they cut through oils and styling products without harsh chemicals. Pay special attention to the pivot area, where buildup often collects.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water to ensure no soap remains. Any leftover residue can attract dirt and leave a film on the blades. After rinsing, wipe all surfaces, making sure to open and close the blades to remove any hidden moisture.
Finish with air drying. Even after towel drying, leave your shears open on a clean surface for 5-10 minutes to let any remaining moisture evaporate. This step is key to preventing rust from forming overnight.
Daily care like this lays the foundation for the more detailed weekly maintenance.
Weekly Care Tasks
Oil the pivot area once a week with a drop of shear oil or light machine oil. Apply the oil directly to the screw where the blades meet, then open and close the shears 10-15 times to evenly distribute it. This keeps the mechanism smooth and reduces wear on the metal parts.
Check the tension adjustment weekly. Hold the shears vertically and let the free blade fall. It should close in 2-3 seconds. If it closes too quickly, the tension is too loose. If it doesn’t move, it’s too tight. Most professional shears have an adjustment screw you can tweak with your fingers or a small screwdriver.
Inspect the blade edges for nicks, chips, or dull spots. Carefully run your finger along the cutting edge - it should feel consistently sharp without any rough patches. Also, check for discoloration or dark spots, which could signal rust. Spotting these issues early helps prevent bigger problems down the line.
Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the adjustment screw and spring mechanism. This removes any product buildup that could interfere with smooth operation. Be gentle, as precision components can be damaged by excessive force.
Storage and Sharpening Methods
Beyond daily and weekly care, proper storage and sharpening are essential for protecting your shears.
Store your shears in a case with silica gel packets, which typically cost $15–30. These packets help maintain low humidity levels, significantly extending the life of your shears. Replace the packets every 3-4 months or whenever they feel saturated.
Avoid storing shears in untreated leather cases, as they can trap humidity and speed up rust formation. If you prefer leather, choose cases specifically designed for shears, featuring moisture-resistant barriers.
Plan for professional sharpening every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use your shears. For example, a stylist cutting 15-20 clients daily might need sharpening every 8-10 weeks, while lighter usage can stretch the interval to 4-6 months. Watch for signs like hair bending instead of cutting cleanly, increased effort needed to cut, or visible dullness on the blade edge.
When selecting a sharpening service, go with professionals who specialize in hair shears. These tools require specific angles and techniques that differ from kitchen knives or other blades. A proper sharpening service should cost $15-25 per pair and include tension adjustment and cleaning.
Premium shears from Shihan Shears are built to handle hundreds of sharpenings over their lifetime. Made from premium Japanese steel, they retain their structural integrity even after repeated professional maintenance. This makes proper care an investment that pays off for years to come.
Between professional sharpenings, avoid DIY sharpening. Hair shears require precise angles and specialized tools that only trained experts have. Attempting to sharpen them yourself often leads to irreversible damage, rendering the shears unusable.
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Wrong vs. Right Cleaning: Side-by-Side Comparison
Taking care of your shears properly isn't just about keeping them clean; it's about extending their lifespan and ensuring they perform the way they're meant to. Let’s break down how different cleaning approaches can affect your shears over time.
Comparison of Cleaning Practices:
| Aspect | Wrong Cleaning Practices | Right Cleaning Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Condition | Rust, dullness, and pitting from harsh chemicals or soaking too long | Sharp, rust-free blades maintained with appropriate cleaning agents |
| Cutting Performance | Snagging hair and leaving uneven cuts | Smooth, precise cuts every time |
| Tension System | Stiff, loose, or jammed due to chemical damage | Smooth, consistent tension with proper adjustments |
| Repair Frequency | Frequent, expensive repairs or replacements in 1-2 years | Rare repairs, with shears lasting 5-10 years or more |
| Hygiene Standards | Residue buildup and potential infection risks | Clean, sanitized tools that meet professional standards |
| Annual Cost | $100–$500+ annually from premature damage | Around $20–$50 per year for maintenance and sharpening |
This side-by-side comparison highlights how consistent, proper care can save you time, money, and frustration.
Stylists who use improper cleaning methods - like soaking shears in barbicide or washing them with dish soap - often find rust forming within months. This leads to replacements in less than a year, creating a costly cycle. On the other hand, shears that are cleaned and oiled correctly can last 5-10 years or longer, with only occasional sharpening needed.
Proper maintenance doesn’t just save money - it also prevents downtime caused by damaged tools. That means you can focus on your clients without worrying about equipment failures mid-service.
Even high-quality Japanese steel shears, like those from Shihan Shears, require diligent care to maintain their performance. These shears are built to resist corrosion and wear, but their lifetime warranty is only as valuable as the care you put into them.
When you follow the right cleaning practices, you’re not just preserving your tools - you’re protecting your investment and ensuring they perform beautifully for years to come.
How Quality Shears Last Longer
When you choose premium shears from Shihan Shears, you're not just buying a tool - you're investing in a product designed to withstand years of professional use. Of course, this durability depends on proper care and maintenance.
High-Quality Materials and Expert Craftsmanship
Shihan Shears are made from top-tier Japanese steel, including VG-10, ATS-314, and ZA-18. These materials are known for their strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain a razor-sharp edge. Combined with an ergonomic design that reduces hand fatigue, these shears are built to perform at a high level for years. Their advanced construction is one of the reasons Shihan Shears confidently offers an impressive warranty.
Lifetime Warranty and Expert Support
Every pair of Shihan Shears comes with a lifetime warranty, reflecting the confidence in their craftsmanship. However, it's important to note that the warranty covers manufacturing defects only. Damage caused by improper care or misuse isn't covered, so proper maintenance is key to keeping your shears in top condition and ensuring they last as long as intended.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment
Investing in professional shears is no small decision, and how you care for them determines whether they last 5–10 years or just 1–2 years. The key difference lies in your daily cleaning and maintenance routine.
Neglecting proper care - like using dish soap, abrasive disinfectants, or rough drying methods - can strip away protective coatings and speed up corrosion, drastically cutting your shears' lifespan. In fact, consistent maintenance can help prevent up to 80% of the most common shear failures. Simple habits, such as wiping your shears with isopropyl alcohol and using a microfiber cloth, go a long way in avoiding unnecessary repairs.
When you choose Shihan Shears, made from premium Japanese steel, you're investing in tools designed for durability and precision. But even the best materials require regular upkeep to perform at their peak. Making cleaning and maintenance a daily practice not only protects your shears but also ensures you deliver consistent results to your clients.
The choice is clear: spend a few minutes each day caring for your shears, or risk costly repairs and replacements. A little effort now secures the precision, reliability, and longevity of your tools for years to come.
FAQs
What are the biggest mistakes stylists make when cleaning their shears, and how can they be prevented?
One mistake many people make is skipping the cleaning step after using their shears. This can lead to hair clippings, product residue, or even rust building up over time. Another common misstep? Using rough materials, like coarse towels, which can scratch the blades and compromise their precision.
To keep your shears in top shape, always wipe them down with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use. A few drops of oil applied to the pivot area will help the blades move smoothly and reduce wear. Stick to gentle disinfectants and steer clear of abrasive scrubbing or rinsing, as these can dull the blades and shorten their lifespan. With proper care, your shears will stay sharp, reliable, and ready for years of use.
How often should I get my shears professionally sharpened to keep them in top condition?
To keep your shears in top condition and working smoothly, it’s a good idea to have them professionally sharpened every 6 to 12 months. How often you need this done depends on how much you use your shears and the type of hair you typically cut.
Routine sharpening doesn’t just ensure clean, precise cuts - it also minimizes wear and tear, helping your shears last longer. Make sure to choose a trusted professional for sharpening to avoid any accidental damage to your tools.
What daily and weekly steps should I follow to properly care for my shears and extend their lifespan?
To keep your shears performing their best and lasting longer, it’s important to clean and care for them regularly. After each use, gently wipe the blades with alcohol or disinfectant to remove hair, oils, and any product buildup. Be sure to dry them completely to avoid any moisture-related damage.
Once a week, give your shears a little extra attention. Soak them in warm, soapy water for about a minute, then dry them thoroughly. Add a drop of shear oil to the pivot screw and open and close the shears a few times to spread the oil evenly. This simple step helps maintain their sharpness, prevents rust, and keeps them operating smoothly.
By sticking to this cleaning and lubrication routine, your shears will stay sharp, dependable, and always ready for precise cuts.