When Should I get my Hair Shears Sharpened?
- Michael Swanson
- Jan 19, 2024
- 2 min read
They are not cutting like they used to. This is a good sign that it is time to send them in. Try adding oil and adjusting the screw to see if that helps. If that doesn't help it might be time to send them in.
It dulls quickly. This could be a product of improper sharpening techniques or an inferior product. This could be a sign that you need a sharpening or that you should upgrade to a product that has a more durable steel like 440C or higher.
Nicks on the blade. You should get your shears sharpened as soon as you notice a nick.
Cuts feel more difficult and you start feeling a strain in your fingers and wrist. Getting the blade sharpened is the answer to avoiding this kind of strain.
Barbers do more cuts than a stylist at a typical color/hair salon. Working on customers with only wetting down hair vs. giving a full shampoo; can dull shears quickly. It is recommended that Barbers sharpen 2 - 5 times a year based on the quality of the shears. Stylists that do color can go a year in between sharpening, depending on the quality of shears you have. The better the steel, the longer the blade will last between sharpening.
A test to tell if my shears need sharpening?
Take a piece of tissue paper/ perm paper/ toilet paper and wet it down with a spray bottle. Hold your shears over the paper and close them. Pull back the shears while they are still shut. You should have a straight line and the blade should not snag on any of the paper. This is a test that manufacturers do during production. You should never test them on paper.
Maintenance Tips
Adjust the tension. Improper tension can cause extra wear or damage. Check your tension often and adjust accordingly.
Dont apply Pressure when cutting. This can cause nicks on the cutting blades.
Keep Shears Lubricated. Oil the pivot and along the blade. Clean them regularly.
Keep Shears Protected. Store them in a case when not in use. Proper storage prevents accidental damage. If shears are dropped, they should be serviced immediately. Some dropped shears may never work the same way again. Some can be restored.
Kamibijuu Hair Shears offers nationwide sharpening. Reach out to find out more about receiving a loaner pair to use while your shears are being sharpened. In the Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington area we offer in-person sharpening. Email customercare@kamibijuu.com with any questions.
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