Understanding the Ergonomics of Hairdressing Shears:
- What does it mean if a scissor is Ergonomic?
- What are some features of ergonomic scissors - swivel, double swivel, and bent thumb shears?
- I have hand, arm, shoulder, neck and back problems, what should I do?
- I cannot get used to a swivel scissor, what other scissor would you recommend to help the pain in my hands, neck, and shoulder?
What does it mean if a scissor is Ergonomic?
An ergonomic scissor is designed so that it puts the least amount of stress on the hand, arm, shoulder and back when the stylist is cutting. Ergonomic scissors can help reduce pain in your hand, elbow, shoulder, and back. They can also help if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or bursitis. There are a number of ergonomic styles: double swivels, swivels, bent thumbs, and spacing between finger and thumb holes when the scissor is closed. To learn more about these different designs, check out the videos below, in the next section:
What are some features of Ergonomic scissors?
Off-set or crane handles, which allow the finger and thumb to not move in order to comfortably grip the shear.
Offset Grip and Crane Handle shears allow the stylist's hand to keep a natural hand position. Choose a handle design with ergonomic features that insure the minimum risk for repetitive motion injuries.
Spacing between the finger and thumb rings, which prevents your hand from cramping. A bent down thumb ring or a rotating thumb swivel ring, which allows the stylist to straighten the wrist and drop the shoulder and elbow. Check out demonstrations of ergonomic scissor handle designs below:
Caralee of Shear Technology shows how to use an ergonomic swivel shear and how it can really help stylists who suffer from pain in their hands, elbow, shoulder, or back:
Caralee demonstrates what a double swivel scissor is and the freedom of movement it provides the stylist:
Not everyone can use a swivel-thumb scissor, but you can use a shear with a bent thumb that can also help to drop your elbow, straighten your wrist and reduce tension. Caralee demonstrates a shear with this ergonomic design:
I have hand, arm, shoulder, neck and back problems, what should I do?
Things that will help in this problem are using an ergonomically correct shear, such as a shear with an off-set handle, a crane handle, bent down thumb ring, or particularly a rotating swivel thumb, and using a shear that is not too heavy. View the videos in the question above to learn more about finding the right ergonomic shear for you.
I cannot get used to a swivel scissor, what other scissor would you recommend to help the pain in my hands, neck, and shoulder?
A scissor like the Shisato Echo, which has most of the design features of a swivel shear but has a very severely bent down thumb instead of a rotating thumb, is a great alternative to a swivel.
Caralee of Shear Technology showcases the Shisato Echo, an alternative shear to a swivel shear:
