subject: Shear Sharpening Repair and Alignment – How to Maintain Them [print this page] Shear Sharpening Repair and Alignment How to Maintain Them
A good pair of shears is an essential part of any professional hairstylist's toolkit. A professional pair of scissors designed specifically for cutting hair can easily cost up to $400. Shears such as these are designed to last a lifetime and can easily cut and trim hair at lightning speed when in the hands of an experienced stylist. Of course, years of hard work can take their toll on any piece of equipment which is why shear sharpening, repair and alignment is so important when it comes to keeping an expensive pair of scissors in top-notch condition at all times.
In order to extend the life of a pair of shears they need to be cleaned properly on a regular basis. A soft towel is the best choice for wiping the blades clean. All moisture, hair, and any other debris should be cleaned by wiping the blades in a direction away from the cutting edge. These blades are extremely sharp so an individual should take great care not to cut themselves when cleaning their scissors. After using the appropriate type of cleaning agent, the shears should be allowed to air dry so that their alignment is not accidentally thrown off.
The best way to prevent the alignment from getting thrown off is to store the shears securely. Most professional cutting shears come with a protective pouch or holster. If they came with a box, that is even better. If the scissors fall on the floor they can easily get knocked out of alignment or dull the blades which can make them ineffective when it comes time to give someone a perfect haircut. An expensive pair of shears should be treated in such a way that does not cause undue damage to them. This will prevent them from needing excessive shear sharpening, repair or alignment.
As with any expensive piece of equipment, proper maintenance is the key to longevity. This may require that the shears be sharpened from time to time. This is a job best left to the professionals. If a pair of shears needs to be repaired because their alignment is off or if they just need to have their edge brought back, it is possible to send them off and have them returned in like new condition in no time at all. Considering the price an individual pays for professional set of shears, it is well worth the extra investment to have them professionally maintained.