How to Clean and Oil Professional Hair Shears
Want your professional hair shears to last longer and perform better? Regular cleaning and oiling are essential. Here's a quick rundown:
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe blades with a lint-free cloth to remove hair, residue, and moisture. Use alcohol-based cleaners for disinfection.
- Weekly Oiling: Apply 2-3 drops of shear oil at the pivot point to keep blades smooth and rust-free.
- Monthly Deep Cleaning: Disinfect blades, remove debris, and reapply oil for long-term care.
- Tension Adjustment: Check and adjust tension regularly to ensure precise cuts.
Proper maintenance prevents dull edges, nicks, and poor performance, saving you time and money. Follow these steps to keep your shears sharp, hygienic, and cutting perfectly for years.
How to Clean, Oil and Tension Professional Hair Shears
Tools and Supplies Needed for Shear Maintenance
Keeping professional hair shears in top condition starts with having the right tools. Here's what you'll need:
Lint-Free Cleaning Cloths
Use lint-free chamois cloths to gently clean the blades of hair, residue, and moisture. These are better than regular towels since they won't leave fibers behind or scratch the blades [1].
Shear Oil
A good shear oil keeps your shears moving smoothly and helps prevent rust. Some popular choices include:
- Hanzo's HHWX Lubricant: Designed specifically for professional hair shears.
- Japonica Camellia Seed Oil (Tsubaki): Known for its smooth lubrication properties [4].
Apply a small amount of oil at the pivot point to maintain smooth movement and protect the blades from corrosion. This simple step can extend the life of your shears and maintain their cutting edge.
Alcohol-Based Cleaners
Use alcohol-based cleaners to disinfect your shears. Be cautious - wipe and dry the blades immediately after cleaning to avoid rust [1][2].
Maintenance Kits
Professional maintenance kits, like those from JPS Scissors, often include everything you need: oil, cleaning cloths, tension keys, and small brushes [4].
Steer clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage your shears [1]. With these tools at your disposal, you're ready to clean and oil your shears effectively.
How to Clean and Oil Hair Shears: Step-by-Step
Daily Cleaning Steps
After every haircut, use a lint-free cloth to wipe the blades, removing any residue or moisture. If there's stubborn buildup, rinse the shears carefully under warm water and dry them immediately. Pay extra attention to the pivot area, as it often collects debris. Skipping this daily routine can lead to residue buildup and dull blades. Always check the blades before putting them away.
Weekly Oiling Instructions
Keeping your shears in top condition requires regular oiling. Here's how:
1. Preparation
Open the shears to about a 45-degree angle. This allows better access and ensures the oil spreads evenly.
2. Application
Add 2-3 drops of specialized shear oil directly to the pivot point. Let the oil sit overnight to fully lubricate the mechanism [2].
3. Finishing
The next morning, use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess oil. This prevents the oil from transferring to clients' hair.
Deep Cleaning for Long-Term Care
Once a month, give your shears a more thorough cleaning to keep them in excellent shape:
- Use an alcohol-based cleaner to disinfect the blades, then reapply shear oil to protect them.
- Remove trapped debris using a small brush from your maintenance kit.
- Make sure the blades are completely dry before storing them.
Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals or exposing your shears to too much water. These can damage the finish and affect their cutting performance [1][2].
sbb-itb-3cc0078
How to Adjust Shear Tension for Better Performance
Cleaning and oiling are important, but adjusting shear tension is just as crucial for keeping your professional hair shears in top shape. The right tension ensures clean, precise cuts every time.
Testing and Adjusting Tension
To check the tension, hold your shears at a 90-degree angle with the tips pointing downward. Release the moving blade - it should glide smoothly without swinging too freely (too loose) or feeling stiff (too tight). Look for any gaps between the blades and listen for scraping or clicking sounds when opening or closing them.
Here’s how to adjust the tension:
- Find the tension screw located at the pivot point.
- Turn the screw in small 1/8 increments: clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen.
- Test the blade movement after each adjustment until you achieve smooth, controlled cuts.
Tip: Don’t overtighten the screw - it can damage the pivot.
Finding the Right Tension
The ideal tension depends on how you use your shears and your cutting techniques. Keep these pointers in mind:
- Too Loose: If the blade swings freely, tighten the tension.
- Too Tight: If the blades require effort to move, loosen the tension.
- Just Right: The blades should close smoothly, delivering precise cuts.
Make tension checks part of your daily maintenance routine, especially if you use your shears frequently. Regular adjustments not only keep your shears performing well but also extend their lifespan.
Proper tension helps avoid common problems like nicks, dull edges, or hair folding - topics we’ll cover in the next section.
Common Shear Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with proper tension adjustments, hair shears can sometimes run into issues that impact their performance. Here's how to spot and address the most frequent problems.
Fixing Nicks and Dull Blades
Nicks or dull blades can lead to uneven cuts, snagging, and extra effort when using your shears.
Avoid trying to fix nicks yourself with files or home sharpening tools.
Doing so can cause irreversible damage. Instead, rely on professional sharpening services that specialize in hairdressing tools.
To keep your blades in top condition:
- Clean your shears after every use (refer to the cleaning section for tips).
- Store them properly in protective cases to avoid damage.
- Schedule professional sharpening every 6-8 months.
- Apply blade oil regularly to reduce wear between sharpenings.
Addressing Hair Folding or Pushing
If your shears are folding or pushing hair instead of cutting cleanly, it’s often due to one of these issues:
| Problem Sign | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blades don’t grip hair | Incorrect tension | Adjust tension (see earlier section) |
| Hair bends before cutting | Dull blades | Get professional sharpening |
| Inconsistent cutting | Product buildup | Clean thoroughly with an alcohol solution |
For quick troubleshooting:
- Check the tension and clean your shears as outlined earlier.
- Test their performance by cutting a single strand of hair.
- If the problem continues, consult a professional for servicing.
Keeping track of sharpening schedules can help avoid these issues altogether. With proper care and regular maintenance, professional-grade shears can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Tips to Keep Hair Shears in Great Condition
Taking care of your hair shears isn't just about fixing problems when they arise. Building good habits can help you avoid issues altogether. Since professional hair shears are a big investment, proper care can make them last longer and keep them cutting perfectly.
Storage and Maintenance Tips
Always store your shears in a secure, high-quality protective case. This prevents them from getting misaligned or damaged. Keep the blades closed, with the tips pointing downward, and store them in a cool, dry place, away from chemicals that can cause rust.
Here’s why proper storage matters:
| Storage Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Environment | Protects against rust and other damage |
| Individual Compartments | Prevents contact with other tools |
| Temperature Control | Maintains the integrity of the blades |
Using specialized products like Tsubaki oil can also help. Apply a small amount to keep the blades moving smoothly without attracting dirt or debris [4].
Other important maintenance tips include:
- Avoid exposing your shears to extreme temperatures.
- Get them professionally serviced every 6-8 months.
- Clean them with lint-free cloths made specifically for professional tools [1][3].
Key Points for Shear Care
Taking proper care of your professional hair shears ensures they stay sharp, smooth, and last for years. Daily cleaning helps remove buildup, while regular oiling keeps rust at bay and promotes smooth blade movement [1].
Here’s a quick guide to essential maintenance tasks:
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | Daily | Removes buildup |
| Oil Application | Weekly | Prevents rust, smooth blades |
| Deep Cleaning | Every 3 months | Extends lifespan |
| Tension Check | Monthly | Maintains cutting precision |
Staying on top of these tasks not only extends the life of your shears but also ensures they deliver consistent cutting performance. Regular care helps you avoid costly sharpening and keeps your tools functioning at their best [2].
If you notice resistance or unusual noises during use, it’s a sign your shears need attention. Address these issues with proper cleaning or a tension adjustment to keep everything running smoothly [2].
