Understanding the Frequency of Sharpening Hair-Cutting Scissors
Cutting hair is an art and the right tools are essential to get the perfect look. Hair-cutting scissors are an essential tool of the trade. However, like any other instruments, hair-cutting scissors can become blunt with prolonged use. This can lead to ineffective haircutting and damage hair. Most hairdressers are often unsure of when to sharpen their scissors, which makes it necessary to understand the frequency of sharpening hair-cutting scissors.
Factors Affecting how Often You Should Sharpen Your Scissors
Several factors can influence how often you need to sharpen your hair-cutting scissors. Some of these factors include:
- The frequency of use; the more frequently the scissors are used, the more often they will need sharpening
- The intensity of usage; if the scissors are used with tough hair, they will dull faster compared to scissors used for fine hair
- The quality of the scissors; high-quality scissors may hold their sharpness for longer periods compared to low-quality one
When to Sharpen Your Hair-Cutting Scissors
Typically, hair-cutting scissors require sharpening after every 500 – 700 haircuts. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. If you use your scissors frequently and on different hair types or have low-quality scissors, you may need to sharpen them after every 200 – 300 haircuts. You can tell that your scissors are dull when:
- The scissors pushhairrather than cutting it
- The scissors feel rough and lack the smooth gliding action when cutting hair
- The hair has split ends or a frayed appearance after cutting.
How to Sharpen Your Hair-Cutting Scissors
Sharpening hair-cutting scissors is a meticulous task that requires special equipment and skill to achieve the desired results. It is best to have your scissors sharpened by a professional. A professional sharpener will use specialized tools and techniques to hone the scissors’ blades to a precise cutting edge. Alternatively, you can learn to sharpen your scissors at home using a sharpening stone or a honing tool. When using a sharpening stone, you need to moisten it with oil and start by sharpening the dull side of the blade at a 20-degree angle. Repeat the process on the other side. When using a honing tool, place the sharpener’s rod at 45-degree angle at the base of the blade and carefully run the blade from base to tip several times on both sides.
Caring for Your Hair-Cutting Scissors
Proper care of your hair-cutting scissors can extend the length between professional sharpenings. After using the scissors, it is important to wipe the blades with a clean cloth to remove any hair or debris. Apply a light coating of an oil-based lubricant on the blades to prevent them from rusting. Store the scissors in a dry place and away from other metal objects that may damage them.
