Hairdressing and Grooming Scissors: Care, Signs They Need Sharpening and Bevel vs Convex

Good scissors are one of the biggest investments a hairdresser or groomer makes, and how they're looked after decides how long they cut well. This guide covers simple daily care, how to tell when scissors need sharpening, the difference between bevel and convex edges, and what happens when your scissors come to me.

Daily care

Wipe the blades clean and dry after each use — hair, product and moisture all dull the edge over time
Only cut hair or coat with them — paper, tape and thread blunt the edge fast
Put a drop of scissor oil at the pivot now and then to keep the action smooth
Store them closed in a case or blade guard, never loose in a drawer or bag
Don't drop them — a fall can knock the blades out of line or chip the edge
Don't keep adjusting the tension yourself — too tight wears the blades, too loose folds the hair

Signs your scissors need sharpening

They fold or push hair along the blade instead of cutting it
The cut feels rough, or you have to close them harder than usual
Hair snags or slips at the tip
You can feel a catch or grinding as the blades close
Thinning scissors pull or chew rather than taking out an even amount
There's a visible nick on the edge

Bevel or convex — what's the difference?

A bevel edge has a flat, angled cutting face. It's tough and forgiving, and common on everyday hairdressing scissors, grooming scissors and thinning scissors.

A convex edge is curved and finer, which gives the very smooth, slicing cut many hairdressers prefer. It takes more care to sharpen because the curved shape has to be kept, which is why convex scissors cost more to sharpen.

If you're not sure which you have, send me a photo and I'll let you know before you book.

How I sharpen scissors

I sharpen scissors on a dedicated, machine-guided scissor sharpening machine with an adjustable angle guide, so each blade is set to its correct angle and ride line. Tension is then checked and reset so the scissors close smoothly and cut cleanly along the full length of the blade, and every pair is test cut before it goes back.

Hairdressing scissors are $50 (bevel) or $70 (convex). Grooming scissors are $25 (bevel) or $35 (convex), grooming thinning scissors $30, and sewing and household scissors $15.

Drop-off or mail-in

Drop-off is by appointment in Campbelltown NSW. Hairdressers and groomers anywhere in Australia can post their scissors in — send me a photo first, then post them by Registered Post with a prepaid return satchel inside. Turnaround is usually 1–3 days after they arrive.