Maintaining Your Professional Shears: A Comprehensive Guide
Professional hair cutting shears are an extension of the stylist's hand. Like any precision tool, they require regular care to maintain their sharpness, precision, and longevity. Proper maintenance not only ensures that your shears remain in top condition but also helps in delivering the best results for your clients. This blog post will delve into the essential maintenance practices for professional shears, offering tips and insights to keep them cutting smoothly.
Daily Cleaning
After each use, it's crucial to clean your shears. Hair remnants and product residues can accumulate on the blades, potentially causing corrosion or dulling the cutting edges. To clean, simply wipe your shears with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a mild disinfectant designed for salon tools, but ensure it's safe for your shears' material to prevent damage.
Lubrication
Regular lubrication is vital to keep the shears working smoothly. Lubricating your shears reduces friction between the blades, which can wear them down over time. Apply a drop of shear oil at the pivot point and open and close the blades several times to distribute the oil evenly. Wipe away any excess to prevent buildup. Doing this daily or after each cleaning session can significantly extend your shears' life.
Tension Adjustment
Correct tension prevents the blades from wearing out prematurely and ensures a clean cut. If the tension is too loose, the shears will fold the hair; if it's too tight, it increases hand fatigue and wears the shears out faster. Test the tension regularly by lifting one blade to a 90-degree angle and letting it fall. The blade should stay open or close only slightly. If it falls shut completely, the tension is too loose. Adjust according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Professional Sharpening
Even with meticulous care, your shears will eventually need sharpening. It's imperative to have them sharpened by professionals who specialize in hair cutting shears, as incorrect sharpening can ruin them. The frequency of sharpening depends on your usage, but generally, once a year is recommended for stylists working full-time. Keep an eye out for signs of dulling, such as bending or pushing hair, which indicate it's time for sharpening.
Storage
Proper storage is often overlooked but is essential in maintaining your shears. Avoid leaving them open and exposed to the air, which can lead to accidental damage and dulling of the blades. Instead, store your shears in a case or sheath when not in use. This protects the blades from physical damage and environmental factors like humidity, which can cause rust.
Handling with Care
Lastly, the way you handle your shears plays a significant role in their maintenance. Always use them for their intended purpose—cutting hair—and avoid using them on synthetic materials or to open packaging, which can dull the blades. Handle them gently and avoid dropping them, as even a small fall can misalign the blades or damage the tips.
Incorporating these maintenance practices into your daily routine ensures that your professional shears remain in optimal condition, enhancing your performance and ensuring the best outcomes for your clients. Remember, the longevity and effectiveness of your shears largely depend on the care they receive. By treating them with the respect and attention they deserve, you invest in the quality of your craft and the satisfaction of your clients.
