Essential care
How to care for your shears
Professional shears are precision tools. A short routine after every cut keeps them clean and dry, lubricated, correctly adjusted and safely stored. This guide follows that routine in order.
Why care matters
Good habits protect the tool you work with
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Protects the edge
Cleaning and drying help prevent corrosion.
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Keeps the pivot working
Oil draws out the hair and chemicals that collect in the pivot.
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Keeps the cut comfortable
Regular tension checks and gentle adjustment keep them cutting easily.
Before you start
Know the parts
The guide below refers to three parts of the shears.
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Blades
The two cutting edges. Take care not to cut yourself when cleaning them.
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Pivot and tension screw
Where the blades meet. Oil goes on each side, and the screw adjusts the tension.
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Finger rings
Where you hold and control the shears.
The routine
Eight steps, in order
Follow the numbers. The first four are part of regular care after each cut; the rest protect the shears the rest of the time.
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After every cut
Clean the blades
Wipe the shears with a soft cotton cloth. Open them, clean the pivot on both sides and draw the cloth toward each blade tip. Take care not to cut yourself.
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After every cut
Dry completely
Dry the blades and pivot fully. Cleaning and drying helps prevent corrosion, and humidity left on the shears can dull and damage them.
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Daily
Oil the pivot
One drop of professional scissor oil on each side of the pivot, spread over each blade. Details below.
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Regularly
Check the tension
Check the tension regularly. Adjust the screw gently and in very small steps, or not at all if the shears cut easily and feel comfortable.
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Between cuts
Protect the cutting edges
Close the shears before you set them down. Keep a towel on your station to set tools on, and use a rack or holster so they do not fall.
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When not in use
Store safely
Keep the shears in their factory packaging when you are not using them.
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Always
Avoid misuse
Use the shears only on human hair. Cutting thread, paper or cotton dulls them much faster. Wet hair is easier on them than dry hair, especially hair with styling products.
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Over time
Know when to sharpen
Shears that pull or bend the hair, or that show small nicks, may need sharpening. Check the tension first. Choose your sharpener with care.
Detail
Oil the pivot: where the drop goes
Put one drop of professional scissor oil on each side of the pivot, then spread it over each blade.
- Work it in. Open and close the shears several times so the oil draws out hair and chemicals that have collected in the pivot.
- Wipe it clean. Finish by wiping the shears all around with a soft cotton cloth.
- Make it a habit. Oil the pivot at least once a day, ideally at the end of the day.
Detail
How to adjust tension
A quick drop test gives a starting point for checking tension. Adjust only if it does not feel right.
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Hold upright
Hold the shears upright.
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Lift one handle
Raise one handle to about 90°. This is only the starting position for the test.
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Let it fall
Let go, or give a small tap.
Read the result
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Likely too loose
It closes fully, or very quickly. The blades may not meet well, so hair can bend or pull.
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Likely too tight
It barely moves. The blades may press too hard, which can pull hair and add wear.
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Good starting point
It stops partway, smoothly. Generally a good place to start.
Adjust gently
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Usually, turn right: tighter.
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Turn left: looser.
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One click at a time. Then test again.
Check regularly. Check the tension often and adjust as needed. Stylist preference counts: looser for fast work such as point cutting, tighter for precise work such as layering.
Tension systems vary by shear and model, so adjustment behavior may differ from one pair to the next.
What to avoid
Avoid: what dulls shears faster
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Dry or damaged hair
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Styling chemicals such as gel and mousse
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Skipping regular cleaning
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Leaving shears uncleaned
Humidity dulls and damages them.
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Nicks from falls
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Constant use
Sharpening
When to sharpen or service
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It depends on use
Every pair needs sharpening at some point. The right interval depends on use, cutting habits and blade condition.
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Signs it is time
Shears that pull or bend the hair, or small nicks. Check the tension first, because tension set wrongly can cause the same problem. Deep nicks may not be possible to file out.
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Keep a spare pair
If a pair falls or has to be shipped for sharpening, you need a backup of the same style.
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Choose a sharpener with care
Ask colleagues for recommendations, check references or reviews, and test their work on a pair you can spare.
Questions about your shears?
Get in touch for care guidance, support or questions about a model.