Best ways to handle your shears
If you want to have good shears, you have to do your research and invest. They are not the cheapest accessory, but they are totally worth the trouble. Unfortunately, you can’t just pick some you like; there are many factors to consider like budget, size, handle shape, color and what you need them for. There are so many of them, and, every store offers different ones. It is important to choose the right brand so they will last you for years. You can do it on more brand-oriented websites like https://scissortec.com/, or multibrand (auction) sites like Amazon or eBay.
After picking the right ones, you have to know how to take care of them! Bad habits may cause shears to get dull or break. Here, you can find a few tips on how to make your shears pretty and shiny.
1.  Cleaning and sanitization
Probably the most important activity there is when it comes ot shears. You have to clean and sanitize your scissors after every cut, so it’s essential to know how to do it properly. The first thing you have to remember is to remove residue after cutting styled hair. The best way to do it is to take a small cotton ball, pour a little drop of rubbing alcohol and clean the blades. Remember about minding the edges! They should be very sharp; if you try to do it carelessly, you can injure yourself.
It’s a good practice to clean shears even during the same cut. After using styling aid, the residue will glue itself to the blade and may cause them to be a little duller than expected and affect the cut.
Probably some hairdressers may be tempted to use a hairdryer whenever it seems possible. Please don’t do it. Like EVER. Yes, water smudges make them look a little dirtier, but hot air contains a lot of germs and waste. Blowing them can cause infection spread and, even worse, it can warp the blade. For drying shears, you can use a clean cloth, preferably made from natural fabric.
2.  Oil
Your shears will need lubricating on a weekly basis. It’s easier to choose one day (maybe Friday on Saturday?) and do it every week at the same time. This way, it will become a habit and you will be doing it without giving any thought. Just put a few drops of oil around the screw, open and close the shears maybe three or four times and then let them rest for the night. In the morning open and close them again. This way, the oil will flush out any waste that was stuck under the screw.
3.  Protect them from the outside world
Some high-end shears will be delivered with a special protective case, but it is not very common practice. You should keep them safe and secure at all times when you are not using them. Putting shears into cases or pouches makes it harder for other people, even stylists from your own salon, to use them in an inappropriate way (like cutting paper uh!). It also prevents moisture from reaching blades and screws so they won’t rust.
Remember that scissors should have their own place, don’t put them among other accessories. This increases the risk of bumping other instruments and causing the blades to chip. Do not store the case in a humid environment – it can mold or rust.
4.  Keep the right tension
The main goal of professional hair cutting shears is to be as precise as they can be. It is not possible if you don’t have the right tension. Without it, they will bend the hair, or it will be very hard to press and create unnecessary overtiredness in hand.
The scissors have to be clean and oiled to adjust them properly. Make sure that they are closed and straight. Open them around halfway and let go. The blade should fall down and close two thirds.
If you need to tighten the tension turn the knob to the right; if you need to loosen them, turn left. You don’t need to do it perfectly the first time. Just repeat the step until you are satisfied.
5.  Sharp shears are happy shears
Sharpening shears is not something you should do on your own unless you really know how to do it right and have the proper tools. Haircutting shears are made from different materials and in a different way than paper scissors and knives.
Sandpaper, aluminum foil or porcelain that is commonly used to sharpen home blades won’t work with shears – it can only damage them. You have to consider many factors except for sharpness; for example, the type of edge the scissors have or the “ride line”. Wrong home-made sharpeners may also cost you your warranty.
The best way is to look for a professional sharpening service near your home or salon. Always check if the service has proper certificates to be sure that they are using proper techniques and devices.
In conclusion
These few tips will help you maintain your shears in the best condition for a long period of time. They are not complicated, and with some practice, they will become a habit without which you won’t even cope.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What shears do you use? Why? Do you have any curious maintenance tips? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!