TENSION
Why is the correct tension so important?
Correct tension of your professional haircutting scissors will ensure that you get the most efficient use out of your investment. Proper daily tension ensures the best results for haircutting and longevity in the life of your scissors. If the tension is too loose it will cause your scissors to fold and bend the hair and if it’s too tight it will cause premature wear and tear of the blade edges and unnecessary damage reducing the life of the scissors. Too much tension is also known to cause hand, wrist and joint fatigue. NEVER adjust the tension on your scissors while the blades are open. This will eliminate the possibility of nicks and damage to the blades. A pair of scissors with the proper daily tension is truly a hair professionals greatest asset in maintaining the most important tool that there is, not only to perform and cut correctly but to last as long as possible.
How to Tension Your Scissors
- Before checking for proper tension ensure your scissors are clean and oiled. Check for and wipe dry any extra oil that may have dripped on the handle.
- Hold your scissors firmly vertically by the Finger Loop or Tang.
- Lift the Thumb Loop to a horizontal position making your scissors form a cross.
- Let go of the Thumb loop. For correct tension the blade should fall slightly and close halfway up the other blade resembling a tight “V” shape.
If the blade falls completely closed, your tension is too loose. If the blade doesn't move at all or closes only a quarter of the way resembling more of an ”X” shape, then your tension is too tight. You can adjust by using the tensioning key provided with your scissors. Simply take it one click at a time repeating the 4 steps listed until proper tension is achieved. Remember to turn the tension dial clockwise for tighter tension and counter clockwise for a looser tension.
SCISSOR & SHEAR CARE
How to care for your scissors
New scissors need to be allowed a few days to bed and to wear into each other. In this time avoid heavy thumb pressing or cutting thick sections. NEVER cut anything but human hair with your professional scissors.
Proper maintenance and cleaning are important in order to extend the life and optimal performance of your scissors. The Stainless Steel (Chromium) that coats your scissors is like the enamel on your teeth. It is designed to protect and create a protective barrier but can be worn down over time without proper care. Barbicide, clippercide, water, hair, and any other chemical residue including hair styling products, if left on the Stainless Steel will wear down and erode the Chromium over time and once it's gone it’s gone. Without the chromium protection your steel will be exposed and will eventually show signs of rust and weathering.
Clean your scissors between every haircut. When the blades of the scissors are covered with hair, moisture, and chemicals corrosion can occur. Regular cleaning will help keep the blades sharp for a longer period of time. If there is product or foreign objects stuck on your scissors use a towel soaked with hot water to wipe clean and then dry thoroughly with a dry soft towel before continuing with the cleaning process. Soft clothes or microfiber towels are the safest to use when drying your scissors to ensure the fine edge of your blades is never being compromised. Then use a special Microfiber Polish Cloth to wipe clean and to shine after the scissors are dry.
Oil your scissors at the end of each day. A coating of oil will protect the scissors by helping to keep unwanted moisture out. It also prevents corrosion and will keep your scissors feeling smooth. Only use scissor oil for lubrication. Clipper oil is NOT recommended because it can attract dirt which will shorten the life of your moving parts within the scissors.
Ensure your scissors are clean and dry. Open your scissors fully and place a small drop of oil on each blade at the balance face which is just above the center screw. Open and close the scissors gently until the oil spreads over the balance face.
Store your scissors in a safe place when not in use. Secure and store your scissors in a case (not a stand) where they are safe and dry when not in use. Never toss your scissors into a drawer unprotected. Do not leave your scissors wet or dirty overnight as this will cause rust and corrosion.
Do's & Don'ts
DO
Use a soft clean cloth and throughly wipe your scissors after every haircut.
Clean, dry and lubricate your scissors at the end of each working day.
Check you scissors for correct tension adjustment at least once per day.
Check your blades for damage once per month.
Handle your scissors with love and only use them for cutting clean hair.
Store and transport your scissors in the protective case provided.
Don't
Don't use your scissors if the blades are nicked, this will cause further damage.
Don't store your scissors when dirty.
Don't throw your scissors in a drawer when not in use as this may damage the blades edges.
Don't forget to clean and oil your scissors as they come into contact with any sanitizing liquid, perm, color, or hair products as it may damage and cause corrosion to your scissors.
Don't cut anything except clean hair with them.
Don't drop or toss your scissors when putting them down.