How Often To Clean Hair Shears
Keeping your hair shears clean is essential for precision, hygiene, and longevity. Here's a quick guide:
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe blades with alcohol between clients and deep clean at the end of the day.
- Weekly Maintenance: Soak in warm, soapy water for 1 minute, dry thoroughly, and oil the pivot.
- After Each Use: Clean shears immediately if exposed to hair products, chemicals, or moisture.
- Professional Servicing: Sharpen and service every 6-12 months to maintain performance.
Key Tip: Store shears in a protective case and avoid soaking them in water or harsh chemicals to prevent rust and damage.
Regular cleaning ensures safety, sharpness, and longer-lasting tools.
How to Clean and Oil Hair Shears
Daily Cleaning Steps
Keep your professional shears in top condition by cleaning them regularly - both between clients and at the end of each shift. This ensures they stay sharp, hygienic, and ready for precise cuts.
Between-Client Cleaning
Disinfecting your shears between clients helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps them performing well.
"It is important to clean your scissors every day in order to remove any buildup or debris that may have accumulated during use." – James Adams
Here's how to clean between clients:
- Wipe off any visible hair and debris from the blades.
- Use a paper towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol to disinfect.
- Dry the blades thoroughly with a clean paper towel.
At the end of the day, take extra steps to give your shears a deeper clean.
End-of-Day Cleaning
A more detailed cleaning routine at the end of each day helps prevent buildup, corrosion, and ensures smooth operation.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Deep Clean | Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol and a cloth | Removes stubborn residue |
| 2. Pivot Area | Use a toothpick to clean | Clears trapped hair or debris |
| 3. Sterilize | Apply isopropyl alcohol | Ensures thorough sanitation |
| 4. Lubricate | Add a few drops of shear oil | Keeps blades moving smoothly |
Cleaning Supplies List
Make sure you have these on hand for proper shear maintenance:
- Microfiber cloths
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration)
- Shear oil
- Soft cleaning brush
- Lint-free paper towels
Tip: Avoid soaking your shears in cleaning solutions or leaving water on the blades. This can cause rust and damage to the steel .
Weekly Care Guide
To keep your shears in top shape and extend their lifespan, it's important to go beyond daily upkeep. This weekly care routine focuses on deeper maintenance to ensure precision and durability.
Complete Cleaning Steps
A weekly deep clean removes residue and helps prevent long-term damage:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bath | Soak in warm, soapy water for 1 minute | Loosens stubborn debris |
| Chemical Removal | Wipe blades with a soft cloth | Clears product buildup |
| Thorough Drying | Use a lint-free towel | Prevents rust formation |
"Professional shears are an investment for stylists, one of the most used and expensive tools in the bag, so prolonging optimal performance is a priority." - Sam Villa
After cleaning, applying oil to the pivot enhances blade performance and helps maintain smooth operation.
Oil Application
Follow these steps to properly oil your shears:
- Preparation: Hold the shears with the tips pointing downward at a 45° angle.
- Application: Add 1-2 drops of oil to the blade pivot. Be careful not to overdo it, as excess oil can cause slippage.
- Distribution: Open and close the blades several times to evenly spread the oil, then let the shears sit overnight.
Checking Blade Tension
Correct tension is crucial for clean cuts and to avoid damaging both the shears and your clients' hair.
The 90-Degree Test
- Hold the shears vertically, with the blades pointing up.
- Open one blade to a 90° angle.
- Let go of the blade and observe its movement.
What to Look For:
- Ideal tension: The blade stops at about 45°.
- Too loose: The blade closes completely.
- Too tight: The blade barely moves.
If adjustments are needed, use the tension screw. Turn clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen. Make small changes, retest, and try cutting a single strand of hair to confirm smooth operation without pulling.
When to Clean More Often
In addition to your regular cleaning routine, some situations call for more frequent maintenance to keep your tools in top shape.
Hair Product Effects
Hair products can leave behind residue that dulls your blades and affects their precision. Here's how different products impact your shears and what to do about it:
| Product Type | Effect on Shears | Recommended Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Color | Causes chemical dulling | Wipe immediately with alcohol |
| Styling Aids | Leaves sticky residue | Clean after each client |
| Perm Solutions | Leads to corrosive buildup | Perform a full alcohol cleaning |
| Chlorine Exposure | Causes surface damage | Sanitize immediately |
"Shears should be cleaned and sanitized between customers." - Campus Staff, Campus.edu
Client Numbers Impact
Busy salons with a high number of clients require extra attention to hygiene. During peak times, make sure to:
- Wipe blades between cuts to clear away hair fragments.
- Fully clean and sanitize your shears after each client.
- Remove any moisture regularly, especially in humid conditions.
Hair Type Differences
The type of hair you're cutting also affects your cleaning routine. Treatments like coloring, perms, or chlorine exposure require immediate care to prevent damage and keep your shears sharp. Here's how to handle specific scenarios:
- Chemically Treated Hair: Wipe your blades with alcohol right away.
- Chlorine-Exposed Hair: Stick to daily sanitization protocols.
- Product-Heavy Styles: Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to clean thoroughly.
Thicker hair tends to leave more residue compared to finer hair, so cleaning your shears more often can help maintain their performance and extend their lifespan.
Making Shears Last Longer
Storage Tips
Taking care of your shears starts with proper storage. This helps maintain their edge and prevents unnecessary damage. Always use a protective case with individual sleeves to shield your shears from moisture, chemicals, and impacts.
While working, keep shears in a scissor mat or holster with the blades closed. This prevents drops and keeps the alignment intact.
| Storage Method | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Protective Case | Shields against moisture and chemicals | Long-term storage |
| Scissor Holster | Easy access, drop prevention | During work hours |
| Scissor Mat | Cushioned surface, moisture protection | Between clients |
Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Cleaning shears the wrong way can shorten their lifespan. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Don’t immerse shears in Barbicide or similar sanitizers.
- Avoid chlorine-based cleaners, as they can cause corrosion.
- Never leave shears wet after cleaning.
- Skip dish soap, which can create buildup over time.
For stubborn residue, use paint thinner in a well-ventilated area.
"Always go for quality over quantity when replacing your shears." - Passion Osaka
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll reduce long-term wear and tear while keeping your tools in top shape.
Repair or Replace Guide
The material of your shears plays a big role in how often they need maintenance. Here’s a quick guide:
| Material Type | Maintenance Frequency | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Cobalt Steel | Every 3 months | 5+ years |
| VG10 Steel | Every 3 months | 5-7 years |
| Stainless Steel (53-55 HRC) | Every 2-4 months | 1-2 years |
It might be time to replace your shears if:
- They start folding hair instead of cutting cleanly.
- Tension settings no longer hold.
- Deep chips or bent blades appear.
- Sharpening becomes a constant need.
Annual servicing is essential to clean, set, and balance your shears. If you drop them, have a professional blade smith inspect them right away. Regular maintenance costs less in the long run and ensures your tools stay reliable.
Conclusion
A consistent cleaning routine is key to maintaining both the performance and safety of your tools. Proper cleaning and maintenance not only protect your tools but also ensure reliable results for your clients.
Regular cleaning helps preserve shear performance and extends their lifespan. Daily disinfection, correct storage, and routine upkeep safeguard the integrity of your tools and enable precise cuts.
"Maintaining your professional hair shears is crucial for ensuring their longevity and optimal performance. By properly caring for your scissors, you can avoid unnecessary damage, maintain their sharpness, and prevent potential hair cutting mishaps." - Fresh Shears
The foundation of shear care includes proper lubrication and storage. Apply shear oil at the pivot point every night, holding the shears at a 45-degree angle to distribute it evenly . Weekly cleaning and tension adjustments are also essential for keeping cuts accurate.
Daily cleaning, disinfecting after working with chemically treated hair, and weekly deep-cleaning all contribute to extending the life and effectiveness of your shears. Don’t forget professional sharpening every 6-12 months to round out your care routine .
