Cleanliness is part of the service
Clients notice dirty tools. More importantly, product build-up and moisture degrade Japanese steel quickly. This guide lays out evidence-based steps for keeping your shears sanitary without damaging the edge or pivot.
Daily workflow
- Wipe after every client: Use a lint-free cloth to remove hair, product, and moisture.
- Disinfect: Spray a hospital-grade, alcohol-based disinfectant onto the blades while open. Let it sit for the manufacturer-recommended contact time (usually 2-5 minutes).
- Dry fully: Pat the blades dry with a clean cloth. Moisture equals corrosion.
- Oil the pivot: Apply a drop of shear oil at the screw, open and close several times, then wipe excess.
- Store safely: Place shears in a padded holster or magnetic strip away from chemicals and clippers.
Weekly deep clean
- Remove finger inserts and clean separately.
- Use a soft toothbrush to clear debris around the pivot and between thinning teeth.
- If residue persists, dampen the brush with warm soapy water, scrub gently, then dry immediately.
- Inspect the tension screw for trapped hair; remove with a toothpick or compressed air.
What not to do
- Do not soak shears: Submerging in barbicide or alcohol swells the pivot, strips lubrication, and can pit high-carbon steels.
- Avoid chlorine-based disinfectants: They accelerate corrosion and dull the edge.
- Skip the dishwasher: Heat and detergents wreck tempering and coatings.
- No cutting foil to “sharpen”: It creates micro-burrs and masks the real issue.
Choosing the right products
- Disinfectant: Look for an alcohol or quaternary ammonium spray approved for salon use. Follow label contact times.
- Oil: Use a lightweight shear oil. Clip or machine oils are too heavy and attract dust.
- Cloths: Microfibre or lint-free cotton prevents fibres from catching on the edge.
Hygiene with thinning and texturising shears
- Clean each tooth individually using a cotton swab or interdental brush.
- Rinse quickly with warm water if product residue persists, then dry immediately.
- Oil the pivot and lightly across the teeth to prevent corrosion.
Storage best practice
- Keep shears in a closed drawer or case overnight to avoid humidity and accidental knocks.
- Lay them flat with blades closed. Open blades invite damage.
- Use silica gel packs in your toolbox if you work in humid climates.
Building a maintenance log
Track daily cleaning, weekly deep cleans, and sharpening dates. A simple notebook or shared digital doc helps teams stay accountable and gives sharpeners context when servicing your tools.
Final reminder
Sanitised, well-lubed shears cut cleaner, last longer, and uphold your professional standards. Make the routine automatic-it is faster than troubleshooting a rusty pivot or apologising for a nicked client.