Scissor Care Guide
, by Martin Forshaw, 2 min reading time
Good grooming scissors are precision tools. A few minutes of routine care will help keep them cutting smoothly, protect the blade edges and extend their working life.
Daily scissor care
After use, wipe the blades clean with a soft, dry cloth to remove hair, moisture and product residue.
Apply a small drop of scissor oil:
- Along the inside of each blade
- Around the pivot screw
- Between the blades at the pivot area
Open and close the scissors gently a few times to distribute the oil, then wipe away any excess.
This is especially important for carbon steel scissors. Carbon steel can hold a very sharp edge, but it is more prone to corrosion than stainless steel—particularly when exposed to moisture, cleaning products or humid storage conditions.
Storing your scissors
Always store scissors closed, ideally in a scissor wallet, case or protective pouch.
Avoid leaving them loose in a drawer, grooming box or toolbox. Other equipment can knock against the blades, damage the cutting edge or alter the alignment.
Where possible, keep scissors flat or securely stored where they cannot fall onto the floor.
If you drop your scissors
Dropping scissors can damage the blade edge or affect the alignment, even if there is no obvious sign of damage.
With straight scissors, a small nick in the blade can often be felt as resistance or a rough spot when closing the blades. It may also cause the scissors to fold or miss hair rather than cutting cleanly.
Do not continue using damaged scissors, as this can make the problem worse. In many cases, a nicked blade can be repaired and re-sharpened by a professional scissor service.
Thinning and chunking scissors
Thinning and chunking scissors need particular care because the teeth can catch if the blade edge is damaged.
If a thinning scissor catches, jams or will not close smoothly:
- Do not force the blades shut
- Gently open the blades to release the catch
- Stop using the scissors until they have been inspected or repaired
Forcing a damaged thinning scissor closed can cause further damage to the blade or break a tooth.
A few simple habits that make a big difference
- Never use grooming scissors to cut paper, packaging or other non-hair materials
- Keep scissors away from water and damp towels
- Avoid overtightening the tension screw
- Have scissors professionally sharpened when they begin folding, pushing or missing hair
- Use a protective case when transporting scissors between appointments or salons
With regular cleaning, light oiling and safe storage, quality scissors can stay comfortable, sharp and reliable for many years.
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