Simple Maintenance Themes for Swivel Hair Shears

There are several key tasks that must be carried out by any hair stylist on a regular basis, and one of these is maintaining your hair shears in top working order. Quality shears make a huge difference in every cut, and ensuring that yours are in tip-top shape is ideal -- especially for specialty shear types like swivel shears. 

At Scissor Mall, we offer a variety of ergonomic hair shear options, including several swivel shears like the Dynasty Iris Swivel Thinner, in addition to our massive selection of other hair shears. What are some of the key areas to look at when caring for any swivel shears you possess? Here are several.

Cleaning and Oiling Themes

Some of the simplest but most important maintenance tasks you can carry out on your shears relate to cleaning and oiling them. Over time, hair and other debris can build up on the cutting blades, which can dull their sharpness and make it more difficult to cut cleanly. In addition, this build-up can cause the blades to bind together, making it difficult or even impossible to make your ideal cuts.

First and foremost, cleaning your shears after each use is critical. Many stylists recommend using a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the blades after each cut. If you notice any build-up, you can also use a gentle cleaning solution and a toothbrush (or a similar soft-bristled brush) to remove it. Be sure to rinse the blades thoroughly afterwards and dry them completely to prevent rusting.

Oiling is also important, as it helps keep the blades lubricated and working smoothly. Many stylists recommend using a shear oil or similar product specifically designed for this purpose; however, you can also use a light machine oil if necessary. Apply a few drops to the joint area and work it in gently with a soft cloth. Wipe away any excess oil to prevent it from build-up or clogging the blades.

It's also important to note that you should never use water to clean your shears, as this can cause rusting. If you do get water on them, be sure to dry them thoroughly as soon as possible.

Avoiding Damage

Of course, you also want to take steps to avoid damaging your shears in the first place. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in a quality shear case or similar storage option. This will help protect your blades and prevent them from becoming damaged or bent while not in use. In addition, be careful not to drop your shears -- even small drops can cause the blades to misalign, making them difficult or even impossible to use properly.

Tension Factors

Another vital area of swivel shear maintenance is tension. Tension refers to how tight and how close together your blades are, and having the proper tension is critical to making sure your shears work properly. If the tension is too loose, your blades will separate too much when cutting and will likely not make clean cuts. On the other hand, if the tension is too tight, your blades may bind together and become stuck, making it difficult or impossible to cut at all.

Fortunately, checking and adjusting the tension on your shears is relatively easy to do. To check tension, simply hold your shears by the finger side and open the blades completely, then let the thumb handle go. Your shears should naturally fall to about 20% closed -- if they don't fall this far, they're likely too tight. If they fall all the way, on the other hand, they're too loose and require some tightening.

From here, adjusting tension is typically quite easy. Most quality shears will have an adjustment screw that you can use to tighten or loosen the tension as needed. If you're not sure how to adjust the tension on your particular shears, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions.

Sharpening

And like any other form of hair shear, sharpening is also an important part of maintaining your swivel shears. Over time, even the best quality blades will become dull and will need to be sharpened in order to function properly.

Sharpening is a vital area where you should not skimp on quality. Many stylists recommend taking your shears to a professional sharpener at least once a year, although more frequent sharpenings may be necessary depending on how often you use them. Professional sharpeners will have the proper equipment and experience to safely and effectively sharpen your blades, ensuring that they're returned to you in top condition.

Finger Inserts

One element of some swivel shears that may wear down with time is finger inserts, which are small, removable pads that fit over the blades. These inserts help to provide a comfortable grip and can also help prevent cuts or nicks while you're working.

If your finger inserts become worn out, they can be replaced relatively easily. Most manufacturers sell replacement inserts that are specific to their shears, so be sure to order the correct size and type for your shears. In addition, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation to ensure that they're installed correctly and won't come loose while you're working.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your swivel shears in top condition and ensure that they provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning, sharpening, and tension adjustments are critical to maintaining the performance of your shears, so be sure to make them a part of your regular maintenance routine.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our quality hair shear options, speak to our team at Scissor Mall today.