What to Do When You First Get Your Professional Hairdressing Scissors?

Investing in a new pair of hairdressing scissors is an exciting moment for any hairstylist. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, properly handling and maintaining your scissors from day one is crucial to ensuring their longevity and performance. High-quality scissors are a significant investment, and taking the right steps immediately after purchase can make all the difference.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when you first get your hands on hairdressing scissors in Australia:

Inspect Your Scissors Carefully

Before using your new scissors, conduct a thorough inspection. Check for:

• Smooth Movement: Open and close the blades to ensure they move smoothly without stiffness.
• Sharpness: The blades should feel razor-sharp and free from imperfections.
• Alignment: Ensure the blades meet evenly and don’t have any gaps.
• Handle Comfort: Your fingers should fit comfortably in the rings without strain.

If you notice any issues, reach out to the manufacturer or supplier immediately for adjustments or replacement.

Clean Before First Use

Even though your hairdressing kit is brand new, they may still have residual oil, dust, or manufacturing debris. Before cutting hair, clean them properly:

• Use a soft cloth to wipe the blades.
• Apply a small amount of scissor oil to lubricate the moving parts.
• Open and close the scissors a few times to distribute the oil evenly.

This process ensures that your first haircut with the scissors is smooth and precise.

Adjust the Tension

Proper tension is essential for accurate cutting and reducing hand fatigue. If your scissors are too loose, they may bend or push the hair instead of cutting cleanly. If they are too tight, they can cause strain on your hand and wrist.

To check the tension:

• Hold the scissors by the thumb ring and let the other blade drop freely.
• If the blade closes completely, the tension is too loose.
• If it stays too high, the tension is too tight.
• Adjust using the tension screw until the blade falls to about halfway closed.

Most professional hairdressing scissors have an adjustable screw, making it easy to fine-tune for a comfortable cut.

Get Comfortable with the Grip

Proper grip is essential for precision, control, and reducing hand fatigue. If you’re using new scissors, spend some time getting used to the feel of them.

• Finger Placement: Your ring finger should rest inside the top handle ring, while your thumb controls the movement in the bottom ring.
• Relax Your Grip: Avoid holding the scissors too tightly, as this can cause discomfort over time.
• Use the Right Cutting Technique: Your wrist and fingers should do the work, not your entire hand.

If your scissors feel uncomfortable, you may need rubber inserts to adjust the finger ring size for a better fit.

Store Your Scissors Properly

Hairdressing scissors are delicate and should always be stored carefully. Never toss them into a drawer or let them sit exposed to moisture or dust.

These include:

• Keeping them in a protective case when not in use.
• Storing them in a dry, cool place to prevent rust or corrosion.
• Avoiding contact with other tools to prevent accidental blade damage.

Take care of your investment, and your scissors will take care of your craft! And, for the best quality hairdressing scissors in Australia, buy them from Zen Master Scissors. Call 0400 077 830 to get those shears ready for business.