Hairdressing scissors maintenance checklist: daily, weekly, every 6 months
Keeping hairdressing scissors in top shape takes three habits: every day cleaning, a drop of oil and a tension check; every week a check of blades and tips with a cutting test; every 6–12 months professional sharpening with a check of the mechanical parts. Two minutes at the end of the day are enough to make the edge last longer and always cut clean.
Every day, at closing time
| What | How | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Remove hair | Soft, dry cloth along the blades, from the pivot to the tip, with the edge facing outwards | Residue holds moisture and products |
| Clean the pivot | Scissors open at 90°, cloth or small brush around the screw | Dirt in the pivot causes friction and play |
| Disinfect and dry | A product made for scissors, then dry immediately; never leave them soaking | Moisture in the pivot is the main cause of oxidation |
| Oil | One drop of scissor oil near the pivot, open and close 5–10 times, wipe off the excess | Smooth closing and less wear; too much oil attracts dust |
| Check the tension | Drop test: the moving blade should stop just before closing | Wrong tension folds the hair or tires the hand |
| Store them | Closed, in their case | Protects edge and tips from knocks |
The step-by-step routine, with the video and the drop-test table, is in the guide to caring for and maintaining hairdressing scissors.
Every week
- Check under raking light: look at the edge and tips under side lighting. Scratches, small chips or tips that do not meet should be reported straight away.
- Cutting test: cut a wet section using the whole blade, right to the tip. The hair should come away cleanly, without folding.
- Clean the case: hair and dust in the case end up back on the blades.
- Check the adjustment dial: if you have to adjust the tension every day, make a note. It can be a sign that a washer or bearing needs checking.
Whenever needed
- After colour, bleach or perm: clean and dry the scissors right away, without waiting for the end of the day. Chemicals can corrode the blade.
- After a drop: check the tip and edge before cutting again. If you see a mark or hear a different sound when closing, do not use them: carrying on makes the damage worse.
- Before a long break: full cleaning, a thin film of oil on the blades and the case stored somewhere dry.
Every 6–12 months
- Professional sharpening: with daily salon use it is usually needed every 6–12 months, sooner if the scissors start pushing, folding or chewing the hair. The signs are explained in how often to sharpen hairdressing scissors.
- Check of the mechanical parts: stoppers, bumpers, washers and the bearing wear with use and change how the scissors feel when closing.
With the TOUCH sharpening and maintenance service our workshop in Sondrio sharpens following the original geometry of the edge, convex, flat or toothed, and replaces worn parts. The service is available in Italy, Switzerland and Europe.
Mistakes that undo your maintenance
- Tightening the screw to make up for a blade that no longer cuts: the problem is the edge, not the tension.
- Using too much oil: it forms a paste of oil and hair that slows down the closing.
- Leaving scissors loose in a drawer or on the trolley.
- Using them for paper, tape, elastics or synthetic extensions.
- Lending them to colleagues: every hand adjusts and wears scissors differently.
- Sharpening them yourself or at a non-specialist grinder.
The printable checklist
In the TOUCH guide to professional hair scissors you will find this checklist on one page, ready to print and hang by your station, with space to note sharpening and maintenance for each pair. You can get it free by email by filling in the form below.
Frequently asked questions
How often should hairdressing scissors be cleaned?
At the end of every working day, with cleaning, drying and a drop of oil on the pivot. Straight away after any contact with colour or perm products.
How often should you check the scissor tension?
At least once a day, with the drop test: the moving blade, dropped from the horizontal position, should stop just before closing.
What oil should you use for hairdressing scissors?
A specific scissor oil, light and clear. One drop near the pivot is enough: wipe off the excess with a cloth.
How often should scissors be sharpened?
With daily salon use, usually every 6–12 months, but the real signal is the blade: when it pushes or folds the hair instead of cutting it, it is time to sharpen.
Scissors that are always ready
Well-kept scissors cut better and last for years. If you want to build a complete set with no duplicates, discover the TOUCH Cutting system, or contact us for advice on lengths and models.
