How to Clean, Disinfect & Sterilise Hairdressing Scissors?
Hairdressers and barbers use their scissors all day. That means the tools collect hair, moisture and product residue very quickly.
A quick wipe is not enough. Over time, dirty blades can affect the way the scissors cut. Good cleaning habits matter, and not just for hygiene either.
They also help your hair scissors stay sharper for longer. That means smoother cutting and less strain on the hands.
If you work in a salon or barber shop, proper barber shear maintenance should be part of your routine. It only takes a few minutes.
Why Scissor Cleaning Matters
A lot of people focus on sharpening, but not on how to clean hairdressing scissors.
Hairdressing scissors come into contact with hair oils, sprays, gels, and moisture every single day. That build-up slowly affects performance. You may notice that the scissors start to feel stiff.
Sometimes they begin folding hair instead of cutting cleanly. In some cases, rust can also appear near the screw area — especially if the scissors are left wet. Dirty scissors can also become a hygiene issue in busy salons. Clients notice cleanliness more than people think.
Keeping scissors clean helps protect both the tool and the person sitting in the chair.
Start by Removing Loose Hair
Always remove loose hair after every haircut and don’t let it sit inside the scissors.
Small hairs often get trapped around the tension screw and between the blades. That creates friction over time. Use a soft cloth (microfiber works best) or a small cleaning brush.
Clean around:
- The blades
- The pivot area
- The finger rest
- The tension screw
This is one of the simplest barber tips professionals can follow — but it makes a big difference long term.
Wipe the Blades Properly
Once the loose hair is gone, wipe the scissors carefully. Warm water and mild soap are usually enough. Do not soak the scissors in water. That can damage the metal and internal parts.
Instead, lightly dampen a cloth and clean the blades by hand. Focus on removing product residue. Hair sprays and styling creams can leave a sticky layer behind, which can be hard to notice.
Dry the scissors immediately after cleaning. Do not leave moisture sitting on the blades. Even premium hair scissors can develop rust if water is ignored for too long.
Disinfect the Scissors
Cleaning and disinfecting are different things — a lot of people mix them up.
Cleaning removes dirt and product build-up. Disinfecting helps kill germs and bacteria. This step matters in salons and barber shops where tools are shared between clients. It is part of basic hygiene standards.
Use a professional disinfectant made for salon tools. Avoid harsh household chemicals where possible. Spray or wipe the disinfectant across the blades and handles. Then allow it to sit for the recommended time.
Do not rush this step. Some products need a few minutes to work properly.
Many barbers keep disinfectant wipes nearby for quick use between appointments. It helps save time during busy hours.
Sterilising Hair Dressing Scissors
Now that you know how to disinfect, let’s take a look at how to sterilise hairdressing scissors.
Sterilising goes a step further than disinfecting. It removes almost all microorganisms from the tool. Not every salon fully sterilises scissors daily. But some shops prefer using UV sterilisers or specialised sterilising units.
If you use sterilising equipment, clean the scissors first. Never place dirty scissors inside the machine. Also, make sure the scissors are dry before sterilising. Moisture inside enclosed equipment can cause problems later.
Sterilising should support your barber shear maintenance routine. It should not replace regular cleaning.
Oil the Scissors Afterwards
A lot of stylists forget this step — that is a mistake.
Scissor oil helps reduce friction between the blades. Without it, the movement can start feeling rough.
Place one small drop of oil near the pivot point. Then open and close the scissors several times. This spreads the oil evenly through the moving parts. Wipe away any excess afterwards.
Regular oiling helps hair dressing scissors feel smoother during use. It also reduces unnecessary wear.
Check the Tension
Cleaning time is also a good time to check tension.
Poor tension affects cutting quality. If the tension is too tight, the scissors may feel heavy. That can increase wrist and thumb strain. If the tension is too loose, the hair may bend or fold during cutting. The finish will not look as clean.
Most professional hair scissors allow small tension adjustments. Even tiny changes can improve comfort. Good tension settings are important for daily barber shear maintenance — especially for people cutting hair all day.
Store Scissors the Right Way
Storage matters more than people realise.
Even expensive scissors can get damaged through carelessness. Do not throw scissors loosely into drawers or bags. The blades can chip or lose alignment.
Use a scissor case, pouch or dedicated tool section instead. It helps keep the scissors dry and protected. It also helps preserve sharpness for longer and lowers the risk of accidental damage.
Simple storage habits can save money over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some cleaning habits actually damage scissors — that is why proper care matters.
Using Strong Chemicals
Harsh cleaners can damage blade finishes and coatings. Use salon-safe disinfectants whenever possible.
Leaving Moisture on the Blades
Water is one of the biggest causes of rust. Always dry the scissors properly after cleaning.
Skipping Daily Maintenance
A quick clean only takes a minute or two. Ignoring it can shorten the life of the scissors.
Dropping the Scissors
Even one fall can affect blade alignment. The scissors may stop cutting properly afterwards.
Final Thoughts
Professional scissors are not cheap. Looking after them properly makes sense.
At Zen Master Scissors, we believe proper care is just as important as precision cutting. With high-quality hairdressing scissors and the right maintenance routine, your tools can continue performing at their best for years.