Scissor Care & Maintenance Guide | Keep Your Investment Sharp
Right, you've invested in proper Japanese scissors. Now let's make sure they last. A few minutes of care each day saves hundreds in repairs and keeps your scissors cutting like butter for years.
The 2-Minute Daily Routine
- Wipe clean after each client (hair and product buildup ruins scissors)
- Oil the pivot at the end of each day
- Store properly in their case - never loose in a drawer
That's it! Do this daily and your scissors will thank you.
Daily Maintenance
Cleaning Your Scissors
Product buildup is the silent killer of scissors. Here's how to clean them properly:
- Between clients: Quick wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth
- End of day: Thorough clean with alcohol wipe or Barbicide
- Always dry completely - moisture causes rust, even on stainless steel
- Clean the pivot area - hair fragments here affect smooth operation
Never soak scissors in water or cleaning solution!
Oiling - The Secret to Longevity
Think of oil as vitamins for your scissors. Here's the proper technique:
- Use proper scissor oil (we recommend Japanese camellia oil)
- Apply ONE drop to the pivot point (where the blades meet)
- Open and close scissors 10-15 times to work oil through
- Wipe away excess with a clean cloth
How often? Daily for busy stylists, weekly for light use. More in winter when heating dries the air.
Tension Adjustment
Proper tension is crucial. Too loose and hair folds. Too tight and you'll get RSI. Here's how to check:
The Drop Test
- Hold scissors with tips pointing up
- Open one blade to 90 degrees (straight out)
- Let it drop - it should stop at about 45 degrees
If it drops all the way = too loose. If it barely moves = too tight.
Adjusting: Use the tension key or coin. Quarter turns only - small adjustments make big differences.
Weekly & Monthly Care
Weekly Deep Clean
- Remove any stubborn buildup with alcohol and cotton swab
- Check for loose screws (especially finger rest)
- Inspect blades for nicks or damage
- Test cutting on tissue - should slice cleanly without pressure
Monthly Inspection
Once a month, give your scissors a proper MOT:
- Blade alignment: Close scissors and hold up to light - no gaps should show
- Tip alignment: Tips should meet perfectly when closed
- Smooth operation: No catching or grinding when opening/closing
- Edge condition: Look for chips or rolled edges
Spot a problem? Don't wait - get them serviced before it gets worse.
Storage & Protection
Proper Storage
- Always in the case - not rattling around your kit bag
- Blades closed - protects the edge and prevents accidents
- Dry environment - add silica gel packets in humid areas
- Away from chemicals - perms and colours can corrode metal
Pro tip: Label your scissors if working in a busy salon. Good scissors have a habit of walking off!
Travel & Transport
Mobile stylist? Here's how to protect your scissors on the go:
- Invest in a hard case - soft pouches don't protect from drops
- Wrap individually to prevent scissors hitting each other
- Keep oil in your kit for after each location
- Never leave in a hot car - extreme temps affect the metal
Sharpening & Professional Service
When to Sharpen
Even the best scissors need sharpening eventually. Watch for these signs:
- Hair folds or bends instead of cutting cleanly
- You're pushing harder than usual
- Scissors feel "crunchy" when closing
- Hair slides down the blade
- The tissue test fails (won't cut cleanly)
Frequency: Every 500-700 haircuts for quality scissors. That's 3-12 months depending on your workload.
Choosing a Sharpener
Not all sharpeners are created equal. Japanese scissors need special care:
✓ DO Use:
- Certified scissor sharpeners
- Those trained in convex edge sharpening
- Services that sharpen by hand
- Sharpeners who ask about your scissor brand/model
✗ DON'T Use:
- Kitchen knife sharpeners
- Anyone using grinding wheels only
- Services that can't explain their process
- DIY sharpening attempts
UK sharpening costs: £25-40 for quality service. Cheap sharpening ruins expensive scissors!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Scissors Won't Cut Properly
Causes: Dull edge, loose tension, blade misalignment
Fix: Check tension first, clean thoroughly, then test. If still not cutting, needs professional sharpening.
Rust Spots Appearing
Causes: Moisture exposure, insufficient oiling, chemical damage
Fix: Light surface rust - gentle polish with fine steel wool and oil. Deep rust - professional restoration needed.
Scissors Feel Stiff
Causes: Debris in pivot, needs oil, tension too tight
Fix: Deep clean pivot area, oil thoroughly, adjust tension. Still stiff? May need professional service.
Making a Grinding Noise
Causes: Metal-on-metal contact, damaged ride line, debris
Fix: Stop using immediately! This causes permanent damage. Get professional service ASAP.
Special Care for Japanese Scissors
Japanese scissors aren't just sharp - they're precision instruments. Here's what makes their care different:
The Convex Edge Difference
Japanese scissors use a convex (curved) edge that's incredibly sharp but more delicate than German beveled edges:
- Never use on anything but clean hair
- Avoid dry, dirty, or product-laden hair when possible
- Clean more frequently than other scissors
- Only use certified convex edge sharpeners
Steel Considerations
Japanese steel (VG10, ATS314, etc.) holds an edge longer but needs specific care:
- More susceptible to corrosion - daily oiling essential
- Harder steel = more brittle - never force through tough hair
- Chemical sensitivity - clean immediately after colour/perm exposure
- Temperature sensitive - avoid extreme heat or cold
Your Essential Maintenance Kit
Keep these items in your station or kit bag:
Cleaning Supplies
- Microfiber cloths (multiple)
- Alcohol wipes or Barbicide
- Cotton swabs for detail cleaning
- Soft brush for debris removal
Maintenance Tools
- Quality scissor oil
- Tension adjustment key
- Screwdriver for finger rest
- Protective case
Optional Extras
- Silica gel packets (humid areas)
- Chamois leather cloth
- Tension gauge tool
- Magnifying glass for inspection
Quick Care FAQs
Can I use WD-40 on my scissors?
No! WD-40 is a degreaser, not a lubricant. It'll strip protective oils and attract dirt. Use proper scissor oil, clipper oil, or light machine oil only.
How often should I clean my scissors?
Quick wipe after each client, thorough clean daily. Deep clean weekly. Think of it like washing your hands - the more you do it, the healthier your scissors stay.
My scissors dropped - are they ruined?
Not necessarily, but check immediately for: bent tips, blade alignment, smooth operation. Even if they seem fine, get them checked professionally. Internal damage isn't always visible.
Can I sharpen scissors myself?
Please don't try! Japanese convex edges require specialized equipment and years of training. DIY sharpening turns £500 scissors into expensive paperweights. Leave it to the pros.
Keep Your Scissors in Top Form
Remember: 2 minutes of daily care saves hundreds in repairs and replacements. Your scissors are your livelihood - treat them with respect and they'll serve you for years.
Want this guide handy? Download our PDF care guide to keep at your station.