Frequently Asked Questions

There is no straight forward answer due to many variables regarding the quality of the Shears, cleanliness of hair and frequency of use. However, if you do 8 haircuts a day then you would need a sharpening about every 6- 8 months for an average quality Shear. Scissor Doctor always performs a cut test and if Shears  don’t need to be sharpened they will be cleaned and returned with a “use as is” recommendation.

Shears come in many models and brand but the ultimate reason they are expensive is due to the stainless-steel quality. Higher quality Japanese steel commands a higher price than other steels. Below is a list of common steels used and their relative quality.

The steel grades from highest to lowest are as follows:

• Hitachi ATS 314
• Hitachi 440C
• V10 (VG10)
• V1 (VG1)
• 440C
• 440A

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Most stylists will have 3 to 6 Shears at their disposal. The list below represents a nicely equipped professional stylist:

• Main Shear: Usually a 5.5 – 6.0 inch length Shear for most of your general cutting
• Long Shear: Usually 6.0 to 7.0 inch Shear used for scissor over comb, deep cutting and long blunt cuts.
• Thinner: Usually from 27 to 40 teeth used for blending lines.
• Texturizer: Usually from 8- 24 teeth used for creating volume, texture and removing bulk.
• Small Thin Blades: Usually 5.0 to 5.5 inches in length and used for detailing work around ears, mustaches and necklines.
• Backup Shear: This should be one of your beauty school shears that you have outgrown but keep around for sentimental reasons and in a snap would get the job done.

Shears should be cleaned and disinfected after every client and oiled daily.

This happens frequently so don’t be embarrassed! Spread the blades apart and close them, tie a rubber band around the tips and call the Scissor Doctor for servicing. Please don’t open and close the blades as this can deepen the nick! You can use your backup until your main Shears are serviced.

Your Shears are the lifeblood of your business and they need to be treated with respect. They should be cleaned, disinfected, oiled and the tension must be adjusted as needed. The Scissor Doctor can do an onsite tension training session during a service call, no extra charge!

 Shears are complex and highly Engineered tools and becoming familiar with the anatomy of shears will help you communicate with me on how I can repair or perfect your shear sharpening. Also, it gives you the skills needed to be able to do you very own quality checks as the shears wear in.