maintenance
How to Oil and Maintain Hairdressing Scissors
Daily and weekly maintenance for hairdressing scissors — cleaning, oiling, tension checks and storage habits that extend blade life.
9 February 2026
Professional hairdressing scissors represent a significant investment. Regular oiling and maintenance protect that investment, keep edges sharper for longer and ensure smooth action at the pivot. Neglected scissors develop rust, loose tension and premature wear that no amount of sharpening can fully reverse.
Across the UK, how to oil and maintain hairdressing scissors remains a priority topic for working barbers, salon stylists and apprentices alike. The guidance below reflects professional standards and equipment choices available to British professionals in 2026.
Daily cleaning routine
After each client, wipe both blades with a clean, dry microfibre cloth to remove hair fragments, product residue and moisture. Never leave scissors wet on a trolley — water accelerates corrosion even on stainless steel.
For disinfection between clients, follow UK hygiene guidelines using Barbicide or equivalent, then dry thoroughly before storage. Avoid soaking scissors in disinfectant for extended periods.
How to oil your scissors correctly
Apply one small drop of scissor oil — not general-purpose machine oil — to the pivot area where the blades cross. Open and close the scissors ten to fifteen times to distribute the oil. Wipe away any excess from the blade faces to prevent hair from sticking during the next cut.
Oil weekly on busy days, fortnightly on lighter schedules. Dry climates and air-conditioned salons may require more frequent oiling.
Checking and adjusting tension
Hold the scissors vertically by the finger ring. Open the blades to 90 degrees and release the upper blade. It should fall smoothly and stop around 45 degrees. If it stays at 90 degrees, tension is too tight. If it closes completely, tension is too loose.
Adjust using the tension screw in small quarter-turn increments. Test after each adjustment. Correct tension prevents edge grinding and reduces hand fatigue during long salon days.
Storage best practices
Store scissors in a protective case or pouch when not in use. Never toss them loosely into a drawer with combs and clips. Leather or fabric-lined cases prevent blade contact with hard surfaces.
Keep hairdressing scissors in a dry environment. Mobile stylists should use a rigid case in their kit bag to prevent impact damage during transport.
Professional servicing schedule
Plan professional sharpening every two to four months depending on usage volume. Inspect screws and bumpers annually — worn bumpers cause the blades to slam together, damaging the edge.
SS Nexus provides maintenance guidance with every scissor purchase. Treat maintenance as part of your professional routine, not an afterthought, and your scissors will deliver consistent results for years.
Frequently asked questions and next steps
How quickly will I see improvement? Most UK barbers and hairdressers who apply the guidance in this how to oil and maintain hairdressing scissors guide notice meaningful progress within two to four weeks of deliberate practice and consistent tool maintenance.
Do I need premium scissors for this? Not always. Solid technique with mid-range professional scissors outperforms poor technique with expensive steel. Browse hairdressing scissors for transparent specifications from £45 upward, matched to apprentices and experienced barbers alike.
Is this relevant for NVQ students? Yes. College assessors expect competent scissor handling and informed equipment choices. SS Nexus entry and mid-range tools meet typical UK barber college equipment requirements.
Begin by reviewing your current habits around how to oil and maintain hairdressing scissors. Identify one technique to refine this week and inspect your scissors for sharpness, tension and cleanliness. Speak with colleagues about their experiences — UK barbering communities share honest advice that helps you avoid common mistakes. If your tools need upgrading, compare options in hairdressing scissors before buying on impulse.
Photograph your work where appropriate to track progress over time. Small consistent improvements compound into better client results, stronger Google reviews and more confident technique behind the chair. SS Nexus supports UK professionals at every career stage with honestly specified scissors and practical aftercare guidance.