As a stylist, your professional hair cutting scissors are perhaps the most important tool in your kit. The sharpness, precision, and performance of your scissors play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality cuts and styles. However, with regular use, even the best-quality scissors can lose their edge, leading to uneven cuts, damaged hair, and frustration. The good news is that with proper care and maintenance, you can ensure your hair cutting scissors stay in top condition for years to come.
In this article, we will explore the essential steps to maintain your professional scissors, how to care for them, and what to avoid to prolong their lifespan.
Why Maintaining Professional Hair Cutting Scissors is Crucial
The health of your professional hair cutting scissors directly impacts the quality of your work. Dull or poorly maintained scissors can lead to:
- Uneven Cuts – Dull blades can pull and tug on the hair, causing uneven cuts or split ends.
- Hair Damage – Improperly maintained scissors can damage the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage.
- Hand Fatigue – Scissors that are not ergonomically maintained can lead to discomfort or strain during prolonged use.
- Reduced Longevity – Regular use without proper care will reduce the lifespan of your scissors, requiring costly replacements.
By investing in the proper maintenance of your scissors, you can ensure that they function at their best, keeping your clients satisfied with every cut.
1. Regular Cleaning of Your Hair Cutting Scissors
One of the easiest ways to keep your professional hair cutting scissors in top condition is through regular cleaning. Hair and product buildup can quickly affect the blades’ sharpness and performance. Here’s how to clean your scissors effectively:
1.1 Basic Cleaning After Every Use
- Wipe the Blades: After each use, wipe the blades with a soft cloth to remove any hair, styling product, or moisture. Avoid using abrasive cloths or paper towels, as they can scratch the blades.
- Use a Small Brush: A small, soft brush (like a toothbrush) can help remove hair stuck in the hinges or between the blades.
- Clean the Handles: The handles can also accumulate dirt, oil, and hair spray residue. Gently wipe them down to prevent buildup.
- Dry Thoroughly: Always dry your scissors completely after cleaning to prevent rusting, especially if they have been exposed to water or products that could lead to corrosion.
1.2 Deep Cleaning Every Few Weeks
- Use Mild Soap and Water: For a deeper clean, you can wash your scissors with mild soap and warm water. Soak the blades briefly, but never immerse the entire scissor in water for too long, as the handles and screws can loosen.
- Disinfect the Blades: Use a disinfectant spray or alcohol wipe to sanitize your scissors regularly, especially if they’re being used on multiple clients.
- Lubricate the Blades: After cleaning, apply a small amount of lubricating oil to the pivot screw and the edges of the blades. This keeps them smooth and ensures optimal cutting performance.
2. Proper Drying and Storing Techniques
How you store your hair cutting scissors can greatly affect their condition. Proper drying and storage will keep your scissors in top shape.
2.1 Drying After Cleaning
- Avoid Dampness: Never store your scissors in a damp environment, as moisture can lead to rusting. After cleaning, make sure they are completely dry before storing them.
- Use a Soft Towel: When drying your scissors, use a lint-free, soft towel to prevent any scratching or wear on the blades.
2.2 Proper Storage
- Scissor Case or Pouch: Always store your professional hair cutting scissors in a protective scissor case or pouch. This prevents the blades from becoming damaged or dull from contact with other tools.
- Avoid Storing Loose: Avoid leaving your scissors loose in a drawer or tool bag where they can get jostled around and potentially become damaged. Keeping them protected ensures they remain in top condition for a longer time.
2.3 Keep Away From Humid Environments
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Scissors should be kept in a dry area, free from excessive moisture or humidity. Constant exposure to humidity, such as in a bathroom or near sinks, can cause rust and corrosion.
- Use Desiccant Packs: If you’re storing your scissors in a tool bag or case, consider adding a small desiccant pack to help absorb any moisture.
3. Regular Adjustment and Tension Maintenance
The tension of your professional hair cutting scissors is vital for smooth, controlled cuts. If the tension is too tight or too loose, it can lead to uneven cuts, hand fatigue, and difficulty in cutting through hair. Here’s how to ensure the right tension:
3.1 Adjust the Tension Screw
- What is Tension?: The tension of your scissors refers to the degree of resistance between the blades when they close. If the tension is too tight, it can cause the blades to drag and make cutting more difficult. If it’s too loose, the scissors may not cut evenly, and the blades could become misaligned.
- How to Adjust: Professional hair cutting scissors come with a tension screw located near the pivot point. To adjust the tension, simply use a small screwdriver to tighten or loosen the screw until the scissors open and close with ease but without excessive movement.
3.2 Test the Tension
- Proper Tension Test: Hold the scissors in your hand and open and close them a few times. The blades should glide smoothly but not feel too loose or too tight. If you feel resistance when cutting, the tension is likely too tight. If the blades feel wobbly or don’t meet properly, they may be too loose.
4. Sharpening and Professional Maintenance
Even with the best care, professional hair cutting scissors will eventually need to be sharpened to maintain their performance. Over time, the edges of the blades can become dull from repeated use, affecting their ability to make clean cuts.
4.1 How Often to Sharpen Scissors
- Frequency: The frequency of sharpening depends on how often you use the scissors. For a busy stylist, sharpening may be required every 6-12 months. However, for occasional users, sharpening may only be necessary once every couple of years.
- Signs You Need Sharpening: If your scissors start pulling on hair or you notice that the cut isn’t as smooth as it used to be, it may be time for sharpening.
4.2 Sharpening Methods
- Manual Sharpening: Some stylists prefer to sharpen their scissors themselves using a sharpening stone or specialized sharpening tools. However, this requires expertise, as improper sharpening can damage the blade.
- Professional Sharpening: For best results, have your scissors professionally sharpened by an experienced technician. They can ensure the blades are sharpened correctly and maintain their edge.
4.3 Avoid Over-sharpening
- Over-sharpening can cause the blades to lose their integrity, leading to a decrease in cutting performance. It’s important to balance the need for sharpening with the desire to maintain the longevity of the blades.
5. Avoiding Mistakes and Common Care Pitfalls
While caring for professional hair cutting scissors is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can negatively affect their condition.
5.1 Using Scissors on the Wrong Materials
- Never use your hair cutting scissors to cut anything other than hair. Cutting fabric, paper, or even tape can dull the blades and cause them to become misaligned.
5.2 Improper Handling
- Avoid dropping your scissors, as this can damage the blades and affect their alignment. Always handle your scissors with care.
5.3 Neglecting Regular Maintenance
- Skipping regular cleaning, lubrication, and tension adjustments can lead to long-term damage. Make these practices part of your routine to keep your scissors functioning at their best.
Conclusion
Ensuring your professional hair cutting scissors stay in top condition is essential for achieving precise cuts and delivering quality results to your clients. Regular cleaning, proper storage, adjusting the tension, sharpening when necessary, and avoiding mistakes can all contribute to extending the life of your scissors. By investing time and effort into their care, you can preserve the performance and longevity of your tools, ensuring that they continue to serve you well for years to come.
With proper maintenance, your hair cutting scissors will remain sharp, precise, and comfortable to use, helping you maintain the highest standards in hairstyling.
