The Ultimate Guide to Hair Tool Maintenance
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Your tools are your investment — treat them right. Learn how to clean, oil, store, and sharpen your hair tools like a pro, so they stay sharp, safe, and salon-ready for years to come.
As a hairstylist or barber, your tools are an extension of your hands. Dull scissors, clogged clippers, or dirty combs don’t just affect your performance — they can also harm your clients’ hair and reduce the lifespan of your equipment.
With just a little care, you can make your tools last longer, perform better, and save money over time.
1. Clean Your Tools After Every Use
Hair tools collect product residue, oil, hair fragments, and bacteria. Cleaning them regularly helps keep them hygienic and in top condition.
✅ Scissors: Wipe them down with a soft cloth and disinfectant after every client.
✅ Clippers: Use a small brush to remove hair, and disinfect blades with clipper spray.
✅ Combs & Brushes: Wash with warm water and soap once a day or week, depending on use.
2. Oil and Lubricate
Metal tools like clippers and scissors need lubrication to move smoothly.
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Use clipper oil to lubricate the blades of your trimmers after cleaning.
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Apply scissor oil at the pivot point once a week to keep the tension smooth and prevent rust.
3. Store Your Tools Properly
Throwing your scissors into a drawer isn’t just messy — it damages the blades.
✔️ Use protective pouches, cases, or tool rolls to store tools
✔️ Avoid humid environments to prevent rust
✔️ Keep electrical tools in cool, dry areas and avoid wrapping cords too tightly
4. Sharpen Your Scissors Regularly
Even the best scissors will dull over time. If you notice tugging or uneven cuts, it’s time to sharpen.
📌 Tip: Use a professional sharpening service — DIY sharpening can ruin your blade alignment.
5. Replace Worn-Out Tools
Eventually, all tools reach the end of their life. Clippers may lose power, or scissors may become too worn to sharpen again.
Don’t hesitate to invest in new high-quality tools — your hands and clients will thank you.