5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Shear Maintenance
Maintaining your shears doesn’t have to harm the planet. Here’s how you can keep your tools in great shape while reducing waste and using fewer resources:
- Clean with Natural Products: Use plant-based cleaners like Enviro-One ($24.95 for 32 oz) or TrulyGreen ($2.50 per quart when diluted) to avoid harsh chemicals.
- Save Water While Cleaning: Use microfiber cloths, concentrated cleaning solutions, or dry steam cleaning to minimize water usage.
- Choose the Right Oils: Opt for natural oils like olive oil or oil-free lubricants to reduce pollution and keep your shears in top condition.
- Store Shears Correctly: Use eco-friendly storage options like bamboo cases or organic cotton pouches to protect your tools and reduce waste.
- Recycle Old Shears: Donate usable shears or recycle worn-out ones through programs like TerraCycle or local scrap centers.
These simple steps not only extend the life of your shears but also help reduce waste and save resources, making your routine more sustainable.
Sustainability in the Hair Industry
1. Clean with Natural Products
Using natural cleaning products is a smart way to care for your shears while keeping things safer for you and the environment. These cleaners can handle hair, oil, and debris effectively - without relying on harsh chemicals.
One option to consider is Enviro-One, a plant-based cleaner that uses colloidal micelle technology to break down debris. A 32 oz bottle costs $24.95 and works well for daily cleaning tasks .
Another great choice is TrulyGreen, which offers more flexibility than options like vinegar. When diluted, it costs about $2.50 per quart .
Here’s how to clean your shears step by step:
- Start by wiping off visible hair and residue with a dry, clean cloth.
- Apply your diluted natural cleaner to the blades.
- Disinfect the shears with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- For wooden handles, maintain them naturally by using boiled linseed or flaxseed oil.
If there’s stubborn residue, add a few drops of natural multi-purpose oil and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. This cleaning routine not only keeps your tools in top shape but also helps prevent rust and extends their lifespan. Plus, it supports eco-conscious practices in your salon by reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.
Up next: Tips for conserving water while cleaning!
2. Save Water While Cleaning
Cutting down on water use is an important part of maintaining your shears in an eco-conscious way. With a few smart cleaning techniques, you can keep your tools spotless while using less water. These methods align well with other sustainable practices.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are a game-changer, using up to 90% less water compared to traditional cleaning methods . They trap dirt efficiently with minimal moisture. For even better results, try pre-treated microfiber cloths that already have the right amount of cleaning solution.
Concentrated Cleaning Products
Switch to concentrated cleaning solutions to cut back on both water and packaging waste . Look for rinse-free options made specifically for professional tools.
"Similarly, many surface cleaning and sanitising solutions are now being developed to be rinse-free to further save on water use."
- Joanne Gilliard, Jangro's CEO
Smart Cleaning Setup
Start by wiping off loose debris with a dry cloth. Then, use a small container or bucket to apply a measured cleaning solution. For example, Greenspeed's Probio Tabs can save around 300 liters of water for every 1,000 sprays .
Steam Cleaning
Consider using dry steam cleaning as an alternative. This method sanitizes tools effectively without requiring extra rinsing .
"A good microfibre cloth or mop will clean more effectively and using less water than a standard cotton or viscose textile. A spray mop or a pre-impregnated system will also dramatically reduce water consumption compared with a traditional bucket/wringer system."
- Katrin Schmuck, Kärcher sustainability and energy manager
Reducing water use doesn’t just save resources - it also lowers your environmental footprint. As Gaëlle Petit, Ecolab marketing communications manager, explains: "Energy is required when moving, cooling, heating and treating water across a facility, so businesses can reduce both their energy use and their greenhouse gas emissions by better managing their water operations."
3. Choose the Right Oils
Picking the right oil for your shears isn't just about keeping them in top shape - it’s also about being mindful of the environment. Many traditional mineral-based oils contribute to pollution, but there are natural options that work just as well and are easier on the planet.
Natural Oils You Can Use
Olive oil is a great option for maintaining your shears. It's eco-friendly and effective, but make sure it’s compatible with your blades before use .
How to Maintain Your Shears with Oil
- Apply oil to the pivot point once a week.
- Use small amounts to prevent buildup.
- Avoid canola or sunflower oils, as they can cause gumming.
- If you’re using vegetable-based oils, always empty the reservoir if the shears won’t be used for a while .
| Oil Type | Environmental Impact | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Low | Effective - check blade compatibility |
| Oil-Free Lubricants | Very Low | Stable performance, easy to dispose of |
"Every year, about 700,000 m³ of mineral oil-based cooling lubricants are disposed of / incinerated and the resulting gases lead to an alarming high climate and environmental impact. With our oil-free cooling lubricants, you can produce employee-friendly and environmentally friendly already today." - greenCNC
Considering Oil-Free Options
Oil-free lubricants are another choice worth considering. They provide great lubrication, ensure stable performance, and are much better for the environment .
Next, explore how to properly store your shears to make them last longer.
4. Store Shears Correctly
Storing your shears properly helps keep them in good condition and minimizes waste.
Choose Eco-Friendly Storage Options
Opt for natural materials when selecting storage solutions. For example, The Citizenry's palm leaf storage baskets ($139) and MINNA's Medium Palm Basket ($65) are both fair trade certified and designed to protect your tools while being kind to the planet.
Storage Tips and Benefits
| Storage Method | Eco Benefits | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo Cases | Renewable and biodegradable | Excellent moisture resistance |
| Organic Cotton Pouches | Washable and sustainable fabric | Good for daily use |
| Recycled Material Cases | Reduces landfill waste | Strong impact protection |
When storing shears, always keep the blades closed to avoid damage and maintain their alignment . Place them in a cool, dry spot, as moisture can cause rust and damage the blades over time .
"It is best to store your scissors in a CASE whenever they are not in your hands." - Scissor Mall
Practical Storage Ideas
- Use clean glass jars or sturdy boxes as makeshift storage.
- Install magnetic holders made from recycled materials.
- Protect the blades with sheaths crafted from sustainable materials.
- Store shears separately to prevent blade contact.
- Keep them away from heat and direct sunlight .
5. Recycle Old Shears
When your shears have reached the end of their use, disposing of them responsibly can help reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices.
Donation Ideas
- Donate working shears to charities, local schools, or creative reuse centers like PeaceQuilts Haiti. Be sure to check the specific requirements of each organization.
Recycling Options
- Use services like TerraCycle’s free program to recycle worn-out shears .
- Take steel shears to local scrap centers. Check for requirements, such as minimum weight or cleanliness, before dropping them off .
- Donate old shears to creative reuse organizations like Scraplanta Creative Reuse or rePlay Arts, where they can be transformed into art or repurposed tools .
Extending Their Life
- Have high-quality shears professionally sharpened to keep them in use longer .
- Participate in community scrap drives, like those held in New Zealand, which repurpose used shears for other needs .
Conclusion
These five tips - focusing on cleaning, conserving water, oiling, proper storage, and recycling - create a maintenance routine that's better for both your tools and the planet. Salons produce an average of 88 pounds of waste each week, so every eco-conscious decision counts.
Using natural cleaning methods and saving water not only protects your tools but also creates a healthier workspace. Regular oiling and weekly tension checks help extend the lifespan of your shears, cutting down on how often you need replacements. When the time does come to replace them, recycling ensures resources are reused efficiently.
"By embracing eco-friendly products, efficient technologies, and sustainable practices, salons can significantly lower their environmental footprint while still providing excellent services. It's a win-win for both beauty professionals and their clients." – Sustain Beauty Co
Recycling old shears is a smart way to reduce waste and energy use. Recycled steel delivers the same quality as new steel but requires far less energy to produce. Together, these practices - from cleaning and water conservation to tool maintenance and recycling - help your salon operate responsibly while supporting the environment.
