Scissor Care

Maintaining your scissors properly is essential for preserving their sharpness, performance, and longevity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, effective care routine covering cleaning, sharpening, oiling, and tensioning. These steps not only keep your scissors in top condition but also enhance your cutting precision and comfort, helping to prevent strain and injury. With just a little regular care, you can ensure that your scissors deliver smooth, precise cuts every time.

Step 1: Clean with Alcohol-Based Solution

Why it’s important:
Hair products often leave a silicone residue on scissors, which can reduce cutting performance and cause blades to dull faster by pushing edges together. An alcohol-based cleaner effectively removes this build-up while sterilising the scissors.

How to use:
Spray the scissors with the solution and wipe with a cloth or paper towel.

Important:

• Avoid Barbicide; it can corrode the steel.
• Store isopropyl alcohol away from heat; it is flammable.

Step 2: Sharpen with a Chamois

Purpose:
After cleaning, use a leather chamois to polish and sharpen the cutting edge, removing any remaining impurities.

How to use:

1. Hold the chamois flat in your hand and open the scissors to a 9 o’clock position for right-handed and 3 o’clock for left-handed.
2. Gently strop the inside and outside edges against the chamois five to six times.

Important:
Handle the scissors carefully to avoid cuts.

Step 3: Oil Your Scissors

Frequency:
Apply oil daily or every few days to keep the tension system clean and smooth.

How to apply:

1. Fully open the scissors.
2. Add a small drop of oil between the blades around the screw area.

Step 4: Set the Correct Tension

Proper tension is crucial for performance and hand comfort, reducing strain and extending the scissors’ life.

How to set the tension:

1. Hold the scissors by the thumb ring with the tips pointing up.
2. Open the blades to a 35-45° angle, then release. A slight gap (1-2 cm) between tips is ideal.
3. Adjust tension if the blades close fully (too loose) or don’t move easily (too tight).
4. Repeat until the tension is perfect.

Why it matters:

• Too tight: Blades grind, dulling quickly, and strain your hand.
• Too loose: Blades fold hair, losing their cutting quality, and require extra hand pressure.

Following these steps will keep your scissors in top condition and extend their lifespan.