Salons are fascinating places where tools, techniques, and fashion intersect. If you’re looking for a transformation, a salon is a perfect destination. Have you ever noticed how versatile scissors are? Whether you need a haircut or eyebrow shaping, they always come in handy.
Many people are captivated by the sharpness and shine of salon scissors, which stands in stark contrast to the rusty and dull scissors often found in households.
The secret to the salons’ superior scissors lies in their dedication to maintaining and caring for their tools, setting them apart from the average household.
Salons rely on reputed brands of scissors. It is because they have precision-made blades, perfect alignment, and rust-proof surfaces. Brands like Scissor Tech are known to manufacture both left-handed and right-handed scissors.
For hairdressers, these scissors are akin to magic wands, essential tools of their trade. Moreover, the hairdressing business is recession-proof, as people will always require haircuts, making it a continuously thriving industry that demands the best investment.
Scissors play a crucial role in hair design and are not simply tools for trimming. A skilled hairdresser utilizes at least 5-6 different types of scissors, each with a specific purpose. Over time, this exclusivity has developed to ensure maximum efficiency in the hair-cutting process. For instance, using clippers for styling bangs is ineffective and impractical, emphasizing the importance of using the appropriate tool for the job.
The salon industry has embraced technology with the inclusion of hair steamers, hairdryers, and electric razors as integral tools. Despite these advances, handheld manual scissors remain the undisputed champion of the salon. This is because they provide hairdressers with a level of control that cannot be achieved with automated tools. The precision of manual scissors comes only with practice, making them an essential tool for any skilled hairdresser.
The hairdressing industry is a highly valued profession where clients are willing to pay top dollar for a unique and personalized look. While electric razors provide efficiency, they tend to create a standard and robotic appearance, lacking the elegance that can be achieved with a pair of scissors.
Mastery of the art of hairdressing requires a deep understanding of scissors and their application, with knowledge of which type to use for specific styles. Just as stationary scissors are not meant for cutting vegetables, trimming scissors are not suitable for creating an army cut, highlighting the importance of selecting the right tool for each job.
We will unveil the secrets behind achieving the perfect salon scissors. To begin, we will shed light on the common challenges that professionals face in selecting the appropriate pair of scissors. If you are in search of professional-grade scissors, sites like japanscissors.com.au carry them.
What are the Common Issues with Salon Scissors?
Salon scissors are commonly crafted from stainless steel, but despite their durability, they are subject to harsh conditions such as high temperatures, humidity, and rough handling. Consequently, a few prevalent issues may arise, including:
1. Extreme conditions
During a haircut, hairdressers often wet the hair before using scissors. However, this moisture can linger on the surface of the scissors for extended periods, creating an ideal environment for rust to form. While hairdressers may wipe the blades in between cuts, rust can still develop and be a concern.
Simply wiping down scissors is insufficient in ensuring their longevity. Water particles can easily become trapped in the joints, and some hairdressers even heat up the blades before cutting hair for certain designs. Unfortunately, direct contact with heat can cause the ends to become blunt, and extreme conditions like prolonged exposure to moisture and heat can significantly degrade the sharpness of the blades over time.
2. Rough Handling
Each hairdresser has their own unique style of handling scissors, with some treating them delicately and others using a more forceful approach. In times of rush, hairdressers may be forced to use their scissors quickly, exerting significant pressure on the blades. Over time, this can lead to a gradual loss of sharpness, ultimately impacting the overall performance of the scissors.
Hairdressers often leave their scissors open, exposing them to heat and moisture which can cause damage. Furthermore, when performing hair treatments with the blades left open, chemicals may come into contact with the surface and cause a negative reaction, ultimately leading to dulling of the blades.
3. Different Types of Hair Texture
Hair texture is a unique characteristic that varies from person to person. While some individuals possess soft hair, others have coarse and frizzy hair. When scissors are used on soft hair, minimal pressure is placed on the blades. However, when working with rough and frizzy hair, the blades must work harder to achieve the desired result.
You may have noticed in popular hairdressing videos that hairdressers often opt for a hair treatment before cutting the hair. This is because softer hair is easier to cut with scissors. However, hair spa treatments can be quite costly, and many salons skip this step to keep their prices affordable, opting instead to simply wet the hair.
Unfortunately, this approach can take a toll on the scissors, causing them to dull over time. Established salons, however, understand the importance of maintaining their tools and therefore make a hair wash an integral part of the hairdressing process.
How to Care for & Maintain Salon Scissors?
We have examined the leading causes of scissors deteriorating in salons, but unfortunately, these factors are inherent to the hairdressing industry. A salon cannot turn away clients simply because they have difficult-to-cut hair, as sharp and efficient scissors are essential to their business every day.
This necessitates meticulous care and maintenance of their primary tool. If you are unsure of how to maintain your scissors, do not worry, read on to learn more.
1. Clean Scissors Frequently
It is crucial to clean your scissors thoroughly after each hair-cutting session. Wipe the blades clean with a cloth, and use a soft brush at the end of the day to remove any hair stuck in the corners, paying special attention to thin scissors and those with combed blades that tend to trap finer hairs. Avoid using a rough brush, as it can cause marks or dull the blades.
After brushing out the hair, soak the scissors in warm, soapy water and thoroughly clean the pivot joints and inner sides with a soft cotton cloth. Properly completing this daily maintenance routine is key to maintaining your scissors’ longevity.
To keep your scissors working perfectly, apply the scissor’s oil after cleaning and leave it overnight. Only use scissors oil for this purpose, as other oils tend to create a sticky film over the surface, resulting in a less smooth and messier tool in the morning. With the proper use of scissors oil, you can ensure a clean and smooth-cutting tool for the next day.
Maintaining sharp scissors is essential for achieving the perfect haircut. Failure to provide this to your customers can be detrimental to your business. Blunt scissors can cause damage to the hair fibers, which may not be immediately apparent.
As the hair grows, split ends become more noticeable, and clients may quickly realize that the issue stems from your scissors. The salon business revolves around caring for the human body, and if you cannot take care of your tools, it is challenging to claim to be a good salon.
2. Proper Storage
One common mistake made by salon owners is neglecting the importance of properly aligning their scissors. Storing them horizontally or vertically on dressing counters or stands can lead to misalignment, resulting in improper cuts. As a tool, scissors must be stored and maintained with proper alignment.
Always store your scissors in their designated pouches or boxes, as most professional scissors come with one. If you do not have a box, make a pouch out of cotton or a soft cloth.
If you accidentally drop your scissors, check their alignment by holding them vertically by the thumb loop and running the blades multiple times before letting go of the finger loop. If they fall halfway between the blades, the alignment is perfect. However, if you notice any deviation, even minor, seek the assistance of an experienced scissors maker.
Attempting to repair the scissors on your own can be risky and may result in further damage, especially considering the expense of professional scissors. It is best to consult a specialist to avoid losing your investment.
3. Sharpening the Blades
Haircutting scissors typically require sharpening every 3-6 months, depending on their frequency of use. It is essential to enlist the services of an experienced sharpener with a proven track record of handling salon scissors and access to proper tools. Without the appropriate expertise or tools, your scissors may become unusable.
Although there are several DIY suggestions and videos on the internet claiming to offer 100% effective methods for sharpening salon scissors, do not be tempted to try them. Saving a few bucks may end up costing you your most important tool.
4. Proper Use
A salon is a dynamic environment where various services are offered, from haircuts to eyebrow shaping and the constant use of cutting paper sheets for various purposes. It is important to keep separate scissors for each task to avoid using the same pair of scissors for different surfaces.
Hair fibers, for example, are thicker than eyebrows, requiring different scissors. Using the same scissors on different surfaces can deteriorate the blades over time.
Now, let us discuss ‘pressure cutting,’ which involves cutting through thick hair segments by applying pressure on the thumb loop. This can cause the blades to go blunt quickly. To avoid this, it is recommended to cut hair in thin segments to ensure the longevity of the blades.
5. Sharing
If you run a salon with multiple hairdressers, give a separate tool set to each one of them. Do not let them share their tools. Everyone has a different way of using the tools.
Hairdressers have different techniques when it comes to using scissors, with some handling them gently while others use a tougher approach. Scissors must be aligned according to the hairdresser’s technique to ensure optimal efficiency.
If a hairdresser with a gentle approach uses scissors that were set up for a tough-handed hairdresser, they may find the blades too loose, whereas if a tough-handed hairdresser uses scissors that were adjusted for a gentle hairdresser, they may loosen the pivot joints.
Sharing scissors can lead to these issues, resulting in a loss of efficiency. Therefore, it is best to avoid sharing tools to maintain the desired performance.
6. Constant Checking
Your tools make up your salon. Be on a constant lookout for wear and tear. If you notice even a slight misalignment or damage, then get it repaired. Do not use damaged scissors on clients.
An unsatisfied customer can cost you your business. Most salon tools are made up of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant metal. So, you can be sure of not getting them rusted. However, you use a variety of chemicals in the salon. Hair colors, perms, dyes, waxes, etc., contain various chemicals. These can corrode steel as well.
Since your salon is the lab for all these chemicals, you need to constantly lookout for any damage. Make it a habit to give your tools a thorough check every week.
Quick Tips & Tricks
- Clean rust with a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar.
- Remove glue from blades with a cotton ball soaked in acetone nail polish remover.
- Use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to remove finger smudges.
- Store scissors with blades closed. It prevents rusting.
- Use cotton gloves while using scissors. It will prevent your fingers from slipping due to sweat.
- Always apply oil while holding the blades at 45°.
Final Words
The constant clipping sound of scissors is a familiar sound in a salon, reminding us that they are the ultimate tools for achieving perfect haircuts. Keeping your scissors in good condition is essential to maintaining the quality of your work, as well as ensuring that they last a lifetime.
By following the discussed maintenance rituals and making them a habit, you can keep your scissors in excellent shape. It is also essential to encourage your co-workers to do the same and invest in the maintenance of their tools, as a well-maintained pair of scissors will stay like new.
Although it may seem trivial, the latest US statistics reveal that the hairdressing industry is expected to grow by 13% between 2016 and 2026, highlighting the importance of investing in good tools and maintaining them properly. If you plan on opening a salon, be sure to invest in high-quality tools and implement a proper maintenance regime, as it can help you save a significant amount of money in the long run by avoiding the need to purchase new scissors.
