10 Hair Scissor Care Mistakes and What to Do Instead
Soaking, bleach, a damp case, guessing the oil, chasing the tension screw: 10 everyday scissor care mistakes and the simple habit that fixes each one.
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
Most scissor damage comes from small habits on a busy day, not from one big accident. Here are the 10 we’d fix first.
1. Soaking them in disinfectant
Wipe the disinfectant on, then dry it off. NSW Health says equipment shouldn’t be soaked unless the maker’s instructions allow it, and Joewell advises against soaking its scissors in ethanol because the moisture can’t all be wiped off.
2. Reaching for bleach, boiling water or steam
Joewell says chlorine bleach damages and rusts scissors. It doesn’t recommend boiling water or steam either, because moisture can stay inside the screw.
3. Putting them away damp
A closed case traps moisture. Dry the blades, the rings and the pivot before the pair goes away. Yasaka points out that its steel resists corrosion but isn’t rust-proof.
4. Tossing them in a drawer or clipping them to a comb
Give each pair its own slot, sleeve or case, closed. Kasho warns that clipping shears onto combs can scratch or nick the blades.
5. Leaving colour or perm solution on the blades
Wipe it off straight away. Kasho says sterilising liquid, perm solution and colour can all corrode scissors.
6. Guessing about oil
Use scissor oil, or whatever your maker names. KAI USA lists the Kasho oil pen, clipper oil or WD-40 for Kasho shears. Some pivots need none: Kasho’s Millennium and X-treme Perfection series, for one. The maker care instructions show who says what.
7. Chasing the tension screw
When the cut feels off, clean them first, then do the drop test. Adjust only if it says so, a little at a time. Joewell and Yasaka both warn against loosening the screw too far.
8. Cutting anything but hair
Paper, foil, thread and tape all count. Yasaka says it won’t stand behind problems from cutting anything other than hair. Keep an old pair of craft scissors in the drawer for those jobs.
9. Carrying on after a drop
Stop, even if they look fine. Yasaka warns a drop can chip the blade, and KAI USA says dropped or chipped shears should go for service straight away. Here’s what to do after a drop.
10. Sharpening them yourself
Foil, sandpaper and kitchen sharpeners have no place near a salon edge. Send them to a sharpener who works on hair scissors, about every 6 to 12 months. Kasho’s US site says only its own technicians should sharpen Kasho shears.
Common questions
What’s the worst habit for salon scissors?
Cutting on after a drop. Yasaka warns a drop can chip the blade, and KAI USA says to stop and get dropped or chipped shears serviced straight away.
Can I use a UV steriliser on my scissors?
KAI USA lists a UV steriliser for Kasho shears, and Joewell says UV disinfection works on its scissors too. Check your maker allows it.
How do I stop my scissors rusting?
Dry them completely after every clean, never soak them, keep bleach away and store them dry. Joewell’s care notice is built around exactly that.
Next step
Keep a cloth, brush and oil where you’ll actually use them:
Maintenance Kit: Clean, Oil & Fix Hair Scissors
Best for keeping the basics at your station
For the full routine, read the care guide.
Comparing scissors for your kit?
Tell us what you cut and which scissors you are comparing.
Useful next reading
Read all blog posts
How to Clean Hair Scissors: Daily Routine and Oiling
Clean hair scissors after every client: brush off the hair, wipe and clean the blades, dry the pivot and store them closed. Plus when to oil them.
Salon Scissor Maintenance Log: What to Record and When
A simple maintenance log for salon scissors: give each pair an ID, note drops, adjustments and sharpening, and keep the sharpener’s report. Free template.