Ergonomic Scissors - The Best Tools for Hairdressers
May 25, 2021There's no hairdressing career without a trusty pair of scissors. Actually, you'll need more than just one pair to cut and style all types of hair you handle in your salon. When you're working with your client’s hair, you may even maintencance feel like the shears you use are an extension of your hand - that is, if you manage to find a model that suits you perfectly. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing pain or an injury on your hand, fingers, elbow, or wrist. It's every hairdresser's nightmare, but if you don't manage to find the right model for you, it's not a matter of "if," but rather "when."
Let's go back to this ideal pair of scissors. Now you probably want to ask, "Is that even possible? There's no such thing as a perfect pair of scissors!" You're right, a model that would suit all hairdressers hasn't been invented yet. Still, there are scissors that come close to this seemingly unreachable goal! Have scissor manufacturers managed to crack a secret code? Well, yes and no. Some of them have their trademark techniques and styles, but they all follow the same principle. Their goal is to make ergonomic scissors, which are the best tools for hairdressers and stylists all over the world. After all, there are no two hairdressers that are the same, much like there's more than one reason why cutting hair with regular scissors is more than just frowned upon. In the hairdressing industry, it's like a crime!
Since you're here, it means that you're looking for an ergonomic pair of scissors for your personal or professional use. And let us tell you - you've come to the right place! This article is for those who want to learn everything there is to know about ergonomic scissors. We'll gladly share our knowledge with you and help you find a pair you'll be using for years to come, without worries.
Our Choice of Ergonomic Shears
Don’t have the time to read our awesome post from start to finish? Let your hair down! If you want to read the sections that interest you the most, check out the table of contents below.
- Pain and Discomfort Problems - Where Do They Come From?
- Ergonomic Hair Shears - Everything You Need to Know
- Features of Ergonomic Hair Shears
- Types of Hair Cutting Scissor Handles
- Types of Shear Blades
- Left-Handed Vs Right-Handed Scissors
- Long or Short Scissors - Which Ones Are More Ergonomic?
- How to Measure Your Scissors
- Ergonomic Scissor Maintenance
- Best Ergonomic Scissors - Our Picks
- FAQ
- What does it mean that a scissor is ergonomic?
- How to pick the right ergonomic scissors?
- How should a good ergonomic shear feel in my hand?
- Why are ergonomic shears so pricey?
- Which shears should I use if I experience neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, or back pain?
- What else can I do to make my work more efficient and minimize the risk of developing negative health conditions?
- Our Brands
Pain and Discomfort Problems - Where Do They Come From?
Everyone knows that some occupations take a toll on the body. You might be wondering what's the reason behind all those painful problems, and truth be told, it's hard to put the blame on just one factor. If you want to ask us what kind of health issues many hairdressers have to deal with, and where do they come from, but most importantly - is there a way to prevent them completely or at least reduce the risk - read on! You'll find the answers below.
Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI)
Repetitive Motion Injuries, or RMIs for short, are, as the name would suggest, injuries that occur as a result of performing a certain task repeatedly. They may be temporary, which means that you'll experience painful symptoms for some time, but then you'll be relieved because they'll go away. However, repetitive motion injuries can be permanent. It may happen as a result of serious damage to nerves, muscles, or tendons.
RMI is also known as RSI - Repetitive Strain Injuries. It’s a term used to describe a gradual buildup of damage and pain in muscles, nerves, and tendons, caused by repetitive motions and overuse. Typically, it affects hands, wrists, elbows, forearms, neck, and shoulders. Over time, symptoms like pain, swelling, throbbing, numbness, tenderness, or stiffness, may become more intense, making your usual activities more difficult to perform.
It goes without saying that a hairdressing career does, in fact, involve repetitive strain on specific joint and muscle groups. After all, it requires performing certain hair-cutting techniques that must be done in a specific way. That's right - if your attention drifts away when you're learning the ins and outs of your trade, you're doomed. Getting the right pair of scissors is one thing, but wrong posture and hand position can make the problem so much worse. There's no other solution, and hairdressers all over the world suffer from frequent hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or back pain.
Right now, you may be wondering if there's anything that can help you deal with this problem. Luckily for you - YES, there is! If you're looking for a light in the tunnel, you found it right here. In a moment, we'll explain the ins and outs of occupational ergonomics in the context of the most vital tools in your hairdressing career - your hair-cutting shears and scissors.
Other Conditions Associated with Hairdressing
Unfortunately, repetitive motion injuries are not the only issues professional hairdressers may have to deal with in their career. As exciting as it sounds, being a hairdresser is not a piece of cake, and there are other conditions associated with this line of work. These include:
- Postural fatigue
- Tennis elbow
- Trapped nerves
- Tendinitis
- Locked joints
- Joint tightening
- Muscle tightening
- Cramps
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Stress
- Headaches and migraines
The list goes on and on, but don't get discouraged! We've been there, and we've had the same doubts. Still, we managed to emerge victoriously, and so will you, especially if you're determined enough. Hairdressing is our passion, and you're in the right place - we'll share our knowledge with you and let you in on some of the best-kept secrets that will ensure your safety and prevent any injury. Don't believe us? Keep on reading!
Ergonomic Hair Shears - Everything You Need to Know
If you want your hairdressing career to belong, successful, and painless, you should equip your professional inventory with a pair of scissors that are ergonomic. They should be your go-to tools, no matter which technique and cut you'll be doing! Ergonomic hair shears are the answer to health problems related to the career of a hairstylist. Honing your professional skills is up to you, but we can certainly help with the choice of scissors you might be using for work.
Let's dive into the world of ergonomic hair shears. They truly can make your work more comfortable, and you're about to find out how and why!
Features of Ergonomic Hair Shears
The main goal behind the ergonomic shear design is to minimize the stress on stylists' bodies. There are several features that make hair shears truly ergonomic. These include:
- Handle design.
- Blade design.
- Position and spacing between the finger and thumb rings.
- Weight and length.
When implemented by a reputable manufacturer, they help reduce hand, wrist, elbow, arm, shoulder, and back pain. The right spacing also prevents your fingers from cramping due to a better hand position.
Types of Hair Cutting Scissor Handles
A shear handle is one of the elements of design that determine how ergonomic a specific pair actually is. There are four different types of scissor handles:
Classic. The classic handle design is very popular, and it's preferred by people who are used to holding their shears with their middle finger, and not their ring finger. However, classic shears are not the most ergonomic option out there because they don't promote the healthiest grip.
- Offset. This design is even more common. It's often used by people who hold their scissors the right way - that is, with their ring finger. Offset shears are somewhat ergonomic, allowing for a more natural, hand flexible position and reducing the risk of a wrist injury. However, they may require you to raise your elbow, which may lead to shoulder pain in the long run.
- Crane (increased offset). This design is great for hairdressers who struggle with neck and shoulder pain. It allows you to better position your body while cutting hair because of the angle in the arch which allows you to drop your elbow position. It's not a common type, but you can certainly find scissors featuring this design!
- Swivel. Some hairdressers love and some hate them, but let's get real - swivel shears are very ergonomic once you learn how to use them. They're not as restrictive and they allow you to adjust your thumb position regardless of your cutting angle. They're also helpful in reducing injury to your hand or wrist.
Types of Shear Blades
The shape of blades also determines the level of scissor ergonomics. You may encounter:
- Beveled edge blades. This type is the oldest and the least expensive. It's not that great when it comes to performance and appearance, but it can do quite well if it's made of high-quality materials.
- Convex blades. Narrow and extremely sharp, convex blades are for true hairdressing experts who know how to deal with pro shear design.
- Semi-convex blades. This type combines the features of the other two. As a result, these blades are narrower and sharper than the beveled edge, but they fall behind the real convex blades.
Left-Handed Vs Right-Handed Scissors
Using the tools that are not fitted to your preferences and, more importantly, anatomy, is TORTURE! If you're left-handed, you can definitely relate to this statement. Fortunately, scissor brands have your back! You can buy left-handed scissors and no longer worry about adjusting your hand position to right-handed shears. But if you managed to teach yourself how to cut hair with both hands, hats off! Some brands have actually come up with reversible shears, perfect for all the uniquely ambidextrous hairdressers.
Long or Short Scissors - Which Ones Are More Ergonomic?
Just like types of blades, handles, and left-or right-handed design, the length of scissors matters - a lot! Basically, we're dealing with short shears when we talk about models that measure between 4.5 and 6 inches. Long shears, on the other hand, measure between 6 and 7 inches, although some are up to about 8 inches. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and there are certain hair cutting techniques where one would perform better than the other.
Long shears take more hair per cut, saving you time and helping you achieve a smooth, organic look. They're frequently used by barbers, and for techniques such as shear over comb, cutting with a comb and cutting in-comb.
Short shears allow you to work quickly, efficiently, and safely - you don't have to worry about accidentally cutting and injuring your clients. They're great for achieving hairstyles that involve point cutting, in-hand, and palm to palm cutting, precision cutting, and cuts that are close to a client's body.
To answer the original question, both long and short shears are ergonomic. You just need to consider your needs and techniques and pick the length accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to try out shears that have different lengths. They're going to feel differently in your hand, and they probably differ in weight - but you can be surprised if you end up using longer shears made of more lightweight materials. Look for a model that feels the most comfortable to you, but keep in mind length recommendations when it comes to different hair-cutting techniques.
How to Measure Your Scissors
Supposing you own some shears already and you're satisfied with their length but you forgot the exact details. What next? Measuring your scissors is a piece of cake, and it's a useful thing to do before you decide to buy a pair online. All you need to do is to measure from the tip of the blade to the edge of the finger hole. Don't include the finger rest, though!
Ergonomic Scissor Maintenance
How to Take Care of Your Ergonomic Scissors
Once you get your ergonomic shears, you need to know how to take care of them so that they will serve you for years to come. Chances are they weren't cheap, so you should treat them accordingly! After all, they're a tool that you'll use every day, all day long. Trust us - the better you treat them, the better they perform; you can see it by assessing how your haircuts turn out. Skills and experience are one part of the story, but the right equipment and proper maintenance can help you create hairdressing masterpieces time and time again, encouraging more clients to come to your salon. That's a happy ending every hairdresser dreams about!
So, what are the best practices in ergonomic scissor care? There are six important steps you need to know about. These include:
- Cleaning. Don't skip this step, not ever! Wipe down your scissors with a clean, dry cloth to get rid of water, chemicals, dirt, hair, and other particles lingering in the air. Your shears will look and perform amazing, trust us!
- Lubrication. When you're done cleaning your scissors, it's time to oil them. To do so, open the shears and oil them in the screw area on both sides. Then, you need to allow the oil to distribute evenly. Do it by gently opening and closing the blades.
- Re-tensioning. After you lubricate your shears, you should check the tension and re-tension them if they feel too tight or too loose. Take a look at this video to see how a professional does it!
- Storage. If you leave your scissors lying around in random places, you run the risk of losing or damaging them or even endangering other people. The best thing you can do is to store them in a protective case; lucky for you, we add a free case for every shear purchase you make on our website!
- Sharpening. You don't have to do it every day, but we hope you know that you can't cut your client's hair with nicked scissors. It sure is a no-go, but so are improper scissor sharpening techniques. If you want to see how an expert sharpens a pair of hair-cutting scissors, check out this video!
- Servicing. Every once in a while, you should service your hairdressing tools. Let a professional take care of them, check the tension, sharpen them, and assess their condition. Do it once every 6 to 24 months, or whenever you feel the time is right.
Sounds like a lot? Actually, it's not that bad! However, if some of these practices are new to you, make sure to adjust your habits and incorporate them into your hairdressing routine. Trust us, your performance will improve, and your clients will be happy with the haircuts you give them. And that's not all! You'll be able to enjoy your beautiful scissors for many years to come - and without any pain related to this profession. How cool is that?
Do's and Don'ts of Ergonomic Scissor Maintenance
All right, you now know the steps you need to take two ensure your scissors are in pristine condition - as they should be! But that's not all - we'll teach you everything you need to know about the dos and don'ts of ergonomic scissor maintenance. Some people are aware of the best practices in scissor care, and yet they keep making simple mistakes that can lead to shear damage. How scary! We can't let you do the same.
Take a look at our do's and don'ts list, learn it by heart, and adhere to it as if your life depended on it - because it does! Or, to be more precise, your entire hairdressing career is at stake, which basically means the same thing. But let's get down to business and figure out once and for all what you should and shouldn't do in ergonomic scissor maintenance.
Do's
- Use your scissors according to their purpose - to cut your client's hair.
- Clean your scissors regularly, and always after you're done using them.
- Use shear oil to lubricate your scissors.
- Sharpen your shears regularly.
- Check the tension of your shears and re-tension them if need be.
- Make sure you know where your scissors are - keep an eye on them!
- Store your shears in a safe, dry place; preferably in a dedicated case.
- Service your hair cutting tools at least once every 6 to 24 months.
Don'ts
Don't use your shears to cut anything else other than a human hair.
- Don't put your scissors away while they're still dirty and wet.
- Don't cut your client's hair with dull scissors.
- Don't forget about sharpening your shears.
- Don't clean your shears with toxic chemicals.
- Don't lubricate your scissors with sketchy oils - stick to the ones dedicated to shear care.
- Don't drop your scissors - duh!
- Don't leave your hair shears lying around unattended.
- Don't forget about servicing your scissors. Ideally, you should do it every 6 to 24 months.
Best Ergonomic Scissors - Our Picks
Enough with all those technical details! Right now, you probably want to see which scissors we believe are the most ergonomic. Your wait is finally over! Below, you'll find our top picks from various shear collections you can find on our website. If you want to get inspired, read on!
This beautiful rose-gold set from Matsui is perfect for left-handed hairdressers and stylists! It contains two pairs of shears: a 5.5" or 6" Lefty Matsui Precision Rose Gold Cutting Shear, and a 6" Lefty Matsui Precision Thinning Shear. The set also includes a case, shear oil, cleaning cloth, tension adjuster, and spare plastic finger inserts to ensure the perfect fit. The shears are made from premium Hitachi Japanese steel and are covered by a lifetime warranty.
If you want to introduce joy and excitement to your life, you can't go wrong with this amazing Matsui Rainbow Triple Combo. In this triple set, you'll find a Rainbow 5.5" Cutting Shear for ladies cuts, a 6.0" Matsui Rainbow Shear for barbering or blunt cutting, and a 6" Matsui Rainbow Thinning Shear. These rainbow shears come with a high-quality storage case, shear oil, shear tension adjuster, and a lifetime warranty. Free shipping included!
Produced by the world-famous Yasaka brand, these offset handle shears are perfect for slicing and point cutting. This shear is specifically recommended for people suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pressure on a nerve in your wrist causes pain and numbness in your hand and fingers) or Repetitive Strain Injuries. You can choose the size you prefer the most and opt for 5", 5.5", or 6" shears.
If you want a product that's unique and stylish, check out the Sozu Essentials Oriental Cutting Scissor. The silver finish is quite standard, but it's a beautiful handle design that makes it stand out from the crowd. You can choose between 5.5" and 6" models with hand-made blades. This Sozu shear comes with a hard case and other accessories including scissor oil, tension key, and spare plastic finger inserts.
Are you bored with the classic silver finish? Show your rebel side by rocking the Matsui Aichei Mountain Matte Black Triple Set. It includes three pairs of scissors made from premium Aichei Japanese steel: a 5.5" Matsui Matte Black Aichei Mountain Shear, a 6" Matte Black Aichei Mountain Shear, and a 6" Matsui Thinning Shear. The set comes with a high-quality case, cleaning cloth, tension adjuster, shear oil, and spare finger inserts for optimal comfort and perfect grip.
If colorful shears are not for you but you want to introduce some bling to your life, choose the Sky Blue Shear Thinner Combo from the Matsui Swarovski Elegance Limited Edition series. Made from Japanese cobalt-infused steel that keeps the scissors razor-sharp for days on end, these scissors are fitted with a small sky blue Swarovski crystal, one for each handle. This combo features two pairs of scissors: a 5.5" or 6" Matsui Swarovski Elegance Sky Blue Cutting Shear, and a 6" Matsui Swarovski Elegance Sky Blue Thinning Shear. The set comes with a shear oil, cleaning cloth, tension adjuster, and spare plastic finger inserts to ensure a firm and comfortable grip.
There's no better way to complete your professional inventory than buying a scissor combo from the Sozu Classic Scissor Thinner range. This set includes two pairs of high-quality shears: 5.5" Classic cutting scissor, and 5.5" Classic 27 Tooth thinning scissor, both with removable finger rests. This Sozu combo comes with a hard case. Inside, you'll find accessories such as a tension key, scissor oil, and spare plastic finger inserts.
Here's another great model for left-handed stylists. The ergonomic design of the Joewell XO Lefty Series ensures a comfortable grip, and the offset handle helps adjust the position of your hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. This model features a convex blade and a precision flat screw, making your hairdressing job faster and easier. You can order a 5" or a 5.5" model with a stylish, black titanium coating.
FAQ
In this section, we'll answer some of the most burning questions stylists and hairdressers often ask when looking for ergonomic scissors. Get ready for some first-hand tips, tricks, and shear knowledge every hairstylist should have!
What does it mean that a scissor is ergonomic?
You may be wondering, what's so great about ergonomic scissors? You may be skeptical at first, especially after you see the prices - yes, they can get quite expensive but trust us - they're worth every cent! Just to recap what we've said before, ergonomic shears implement a set of structural and design-related solutions with the goal of easing the stress from your back, shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand while you're cutting your client's hair.
How to pick the right ergonomic scissors?
It's safe to assume that you'll go through many pairs of scissors in your hairdressing career. What's more - there will be days when you'll have to use more than one shear because you'll have to serve clients with different hair types. As such, your professional inventory has to be fully stocked - preferably with various ergonomic shear models.
You now may be wondering, "But where do I start and how do I know I'm choosing the right pair?" If you're buying your shears from an online store, it gets even harder. Whenever you're about to make a decision, think about these factors:
- Purpose. First things first: you need to figure out what you need those shears for. Which hair-cutting techniques are you going to perform? What types of hair will you be dealing with? If you're a beginner stylist, you're probably starting from scratch, which makes your task a bit more tricky (and expensive). However, it's a basic question you need to ask yourself. Once you're sure what you need for those shears, you can start looking for a pair (or pairs) that will fit your needs.
- Type. Take a look at your inventory. Which type of hair-cutting scissors is missing? Do you want to try out every handle design available? If yes, look for models that would fill the gaps in your professional toolkit. On the other hand, you may already know what types work best for you. In this case, you can purchase more scissors with the same features, or opt for the ones with the same handle design but with different blades, and the other way round.
- Style. Who said that ergonomic scissors can't be fancy and stylish? Not us! There are so many beautiful styles available on the market that it's a crime not to pick the pair that's visually appealing to you. Here at Scissor Tech, you can find all kinds of scissors, from the classic silver and stylish matte black to rose gold, neon pink, and joyful rainbow. You can also find shears with Swarovski crystals and various handle designs.
- Brand. Some stylists swear by certain brands and only buy products from a specific manufacturer. Nobody says it's wrong to stick to one brand only. However, we recommend testing out shears from various brands to get the full spectrum of the world of hair-cutting scissors. Some brands use specific materials or specialize in a certain type of scissors. Don't be afraid to branch out if you see amazing shears with a different logo!
- Size. Before you buy any pair of scissors, you should always check out details and descriptions provided by a website or a manufacturer. Scissor size is one of the most important details - the length and weight are going to directly influence your performance, so you should make sure you're buying products with the right parameters.
- Price. Ergonomic shears can be quite expensive. If you want to completely restock your inventory or start building it from scratch, it may feel like you are breaking the bank. As such, you may want to consider setting up a budget and sticking to it. Still, there's a reason (actually, more than one!) why those prices can be so high - we'll talk about it in just a moment!
- Single pair or a set. Last but not least, you can buy a single pair of scissors, or opt for a whole set. You can't go wrong here - this decision should be based on your needs. Sometimes you'll need just one pair to complete your inventory, but there are also cases where buying a set of two or three shears will be more cost-efficient. You may also opt for a set if you want to stick to a specific color scheme. But then again, the choice is yours, and you should make your decision based on your needs.
How should a good ergonomic shear feel in my hand?
Choosing the right type of scissors is one thing. However, using it is a completely different story. You'll know you found the best pair of shears for you if your whole body feels comfortable while you're using them. In particular, you should pay attention to these factors:
- Length. We've discussed this point a short while ago, but just to remind you - there is a difference in performance when it comes to long and short hair cutting scissors. You should think about hair-cutting techniques you'd like to use but ultimately, you should pick a length that's the most convenient for you. Typically, if you're a stylist with bigger hands, opt for longer shears, while stylists with smaller hands should choose shorter models. Still, if you have small hands but know that you enjoy using 6.5' or 7' scissors, don't switch to smaller models because "that's what should be done."
- Weight. Depending on their size and materials, different shear models will vary when it comes to their weight. There's no clear answer to this question because the perception of weight is subjective, and some people may find certain models less comfortable, while others will use them all the time because they feel just right in their hands. A good rule of thumb is to pick scissors that allow you to handle them with a firm, steady grip. They can't be too heavy because your hands will get tired in no time, but they also can't be too light because you'll find it difficult to find the right balance. It's all about finding a pair that gives you the most comfortable grip over a long period of time.
- Handle design. Different handle designs have different feels to them. This is mostly a matter of preference, but we believe that some handle types are more ergonomic than others. Classic and offset handle designs are very popular, with the latter being slightly more comfortable in the long run. However, crane handle designs have their fair share of devotees, and so do swivel shears. Some hairdressers may find it difficult to get the hang of the swivel handle but once they do, they tend to forget about other types. It's a tough choice, but feel free to take a look at our recommendations, maybe they will help you make up your mind!
- Left or right. We can't stress it enough - you don't have to use right-handed scissors if you're a leftie! They simply won't feel comfortable in your hand, and you can end up with painful injuries. You don't have to adjust to "fit in" - brands go all the way to accommodate the needs of all the lefties out there. You can find left-handed versions of almost all types of hairdressing scissors. Take this chance and go out there, astonishing your clients with your talent and skills.
Why are ergonomic shears so pricey?
We get it - hair-cutting scissors can be on the more expensive side. More specifically - if you want to buy truly ergonomic hair shears, you may have to dig deep into your pockets. It will be worth it, though! Here's why professional shears have the edge over the regular ones, and why they can be so expensive:
- Quality. When it comes to professional ergonomic shears, it's one of the cases when quality corresponds to the price. It's true that the longer you're in the hairdressing industry, you get to know the ins and outs of this business. You shop for shears, compare prices, talk with your colleagues, attend workshops, and listen to other professionals sharing their opinions regarding specific brands. Some of them come up with work-related conversations more often than others, and when you check the prices of specific models, you notice they're definitely on the high-end spectrum. Here's the thing: once you get your hands on a pair of ergonomic shears from a renowned brand, you'll notice the difference. It's similar to the situation when you wear regular and designer clothes. The regular ones are just fine, but you can really see and feel the difference when you're dressed in high-end clothes. Here's the kicker: when it comes to ergonomic scissors, you'll never pay just for a nice logo on the handle. The best brands have developed advanced techniques, use specific materials, and have their fair share of trade secrets related to shear production and design - that's what gives them the edge over other names in the market.
- Comfort. You already know how important the right wrist and hand position is, as well as the proper application of various hair cutting techniques for your safety. Now, whenever you buy any kind of shears for work from a reputable retailer, you can be sure that they've been designed with the purpose of making cutting hair for you as comfortable as possible. From handle and blade design to the length and weight of your shear, you'll know that each element has been carefully manufactured to fulfill the needs of professional hairdressers.
- Style. High-quality scissors are simply beautiful and stylish. They feel amazing when you hold them, but they also look bomb! With so many great styles available on the market, making up your mind won't be easy for sure. Reputable brands pay attention not only to the quality of their products but also to their appearance. That's why you can find shears with Swarovski crystals or fancy handle designs - and there are various color options to choose from as well! You certainly don't have to cut your clients' hair with silver scissors for the rest of your career. Mix and match various styles to your heart's content; at Scissor Tech, we have the classic silver shears (duh!), but you can also find neon pink, matte black, rose gold, and even rainbow scissors. Each one is ergonomic and crafted with care to the smallest details, and their quality is top-notch. Take a look at some pieces from our collections - we bet you can't wait to get your hands on some of them!
Which shears should I use if I experience neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, or back pain?
If you feel pain while cutting your clients' hair (and long after you're finished working), it may be a sign that the shears you're using are not the right fit for you. In this case, to avoid any further injury to your arms, elbow, neck, shoulder or back, we recommend looking for a more ergonomic option, such as shears with a bent down thumb ring, a rotating swivel thumb, a crane handle, or an offset handle. Additionally, make sure the pair of shears you're using for work is not too heavy for you. Consider switching to more lightweight models if you feel any pain in your wrist
Also, pay attention to the position of your body and hand while you're cutting hair. You may have developed some unhealthy habits, so try to see if there's something else that might be causing you pain, next to ill-fitted scissors.
What else can I do to make my work more efficient and minimize the risk of developing negative health conditions?
Obviously, buying the right tools for your hairdressing job is the first step to make it more comfortable. Still, there's so much more you can do to minimize the risk of developing painful health conditions relating to your hairdressing career.
Here's what you can do to help yourself and cut your clients' hair with the same passion you've had at the beginning of your career:
- Relax your arms and shoulders - minimize the tension by shaking them every once in a while
- Avoid twisting your wrists at uncomfortable angles
- Don't hunch - keep your ears over your shoulders
- Avoid wearing heels at work; instead, put on some supportive, lace-up, non-slip shoes
- To avoid excessive bending, stand closer to your client and adjust their chair height
- Adjust your position while you're standing
- Get the most out of your breaks between clients. Drink water, get some fresh air if it's possible, and stretch your neck, arms, and back
- To minimize the risk of muscular strain, keep your elbows tucked in to your sides
- Keep an eye on your posture by using a mirror
Our Brands
Here at Scissor Tech, we want to provide you with tools that will allow you to fall in love with your job all over again. Whether you're a pro stylist or you're just a beginner, we'll help you find the best hair-cutting scissors to fit your needs and minimize the risk of repetitive motion injuries. With so many brands offering different types of scissors, making up your mind can be really tough - but don't worry! We're here to help you make the best decision, and our knowledge stems from our passion and years-long experience in the hair-cutting business.
In case you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We'll clear out any doubts you might have and will give you advice regarding the pro equipment you can find on our website. Thank you for shopping at Scissor Tech!