Whenever I visit a salon or speak to a hair stylist, I often get asked “Do my scissors need sharpening?”. To which I reply “Are your scissors cutting the way you want them to?”
Scissors become blunt at such a slow rate that it is not until we ask ourselves a question from a different perspective that we can find the answer. My job as a scissor sharpener is to take as little metal off your scissors as possible in order to prolong the life of your scissors, but when a tool won’t do what it was designed to do – then it’s time to get them tuned up. But, what are the signs to look out for to know when they do? And what can result in sticking with dull scissors?
Hands can become tired and fatigued when cutting hair with blunt or dull scissors. Just like a surgeon, as a stylist your hands are your most important asset. Dull scissors will increase the chances of you getting problems like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome later in your career. Sharp scissors will also speed up your productivity at work meaning you will be able to do more cuts during your day, meaning more customers, resulting in more profits.
As a scissor sharpening expert – here are my 7 top tips for knowing when your scissors are ready for sharpening.
- Are you getting crisp cuts along the fringe or do you find yourself chasing the hair? It’s a simple problem that no barber or hair stylist would normally put up with, but many do. When your scissors begin displaying these signs—pulling hair, pushing hair, skipping hair and folding hair – you know your scissors are due for a sharpening. A sharp scissor will cut crisply and smoothly in 1 simple and effortless action. Don’t compromise for less.
- Are you getting that distinct crunchy feel when you open and close your scissors? Each one of those crunches are imperfections along the edge of the blade of your scissors. These imperfections can cause all of the problems stated above. Sharp scissors should open and close very smoothly. It’s a beautiful thing when they do.
- Have you dropped your scissors? When you drop your scissors and they are even slightly open the edges will compress against each other and cause nicks and flat spots. Sometimes you won’t be able to open and close them. Don’t force them! Forcing them can worsen the damage. Give me a call and I can fix them.
- Is there rust on the blades? Rust is steels worst enemy. The better the steel – (often) the more prone they are to rust. Rust eats away at your expensive scissors. SAY NO TO RUST!
- Are your hands becoming fatigued at the end of the day? Remember, a sharp scissor will reduce the amount of work your hands will do. This significantly adds up over the span of your career.
- Are your customers complaining of split ends? A dull scissor can cause split ends as it is ripping and tearing the hair rather than performing a silky-smooth crisp cut.
- You used another sharpener…..
Just like a racing car driver keeps their car in top working order, so should you keep your scissors sharp. Your scissors are your tools of your trade for getting your job done and paying your bills. Don’t compromise for anything less than perfection.
