The TLC Ultimate Guide to Hair Shear Care: 
Clean, Oil, and Adjust Like a Pro

If your shears are sticking, snagging, or underperforming, it's often not the tool; it's the upkeep. 

 

Great shears can last years; but only if you treat them right. That means properly cleaning them, oiling them regularly, and adjusting tension to keep every cut sharp and stress-free.

 

Welcome to your no-fluff, no-filler TLC guide for shear care, straight from the Rock Paper Shears crew. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got a full book of clients, this is the real maintenance routine that keeps your shears and your cuts on point.

1. Cleaning & Sanitizing: The Non-Negotiable First Step
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Watch full tutorial here: How to Clean & Sanitize Your Shears
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If you're not cleaning your shears after every cut, you're not just risking dull blades; you're risking client trust. Bacteria, hair fragments, product residue, and moisture all build up fast

Step 1: Wipe Them Down

 

After every cut, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your blades; not just the edges, but the entire blade, screw area, and handle. This removes hair, oils, and product buildup that dull your blades over time.

Step 2: Disinfect

 

Use an EPA-registered shear-safe disinfectant. Apply with a cloth or spray directly and let sit as directed by the manufacturer. Avoid soaking shears for extended periods; especially near the pivot where moisture can seep in and damage internal components.

Step 3: Dry Immediately

 

Don’t leave your shears wet. That’s how rust starts. Pat dry with a clean towel; make sure no liquid is hiding near the screw.

Step 4: Store Smart

 

Store in a dry place; ideally in a case or sleeve. Tossing them in a drawer or station cup with other tools is a fast track to nicks and misalignment. 

Why it Matters

 

Clean blades don’t just cut better; they keep clients safe and your reputation intact. And remember; never oil a dirty shear. That just seals in the gunk.

2. Oiling: Because Dry Shears Are Dead Shears
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Watch full tutorial here: How to Oil Your Shears 
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Think of oiling your shears like brushing your teeth; skip it too many times, and you're dealing with way bigger problems. Oil keeps your pivot smooth, reduces blade friction, and stops micro-rust before it starts.

Step 1: Clean First

 

Always clean and dry your shears before applying oil; oiling over debris is like slapping lotion on dirty hands.

Step 2: Apply the Oil

 

Open your shears and place one or two drops of shear oil directly into the pivot point.  This is where friction happens, and where problems start if you’re not keeping things lubricated.

Step 3: Work It In

 

Open and close your shears five to 10 times to spread the oil evenly; you should feel the action get smoother.  If not, your tension might be off (see below).

Step 4: Wipe Off the Excess Oil

 

Use a cloth to wipe away any oil that’s seeped out.  Leaving extra oil attracts dust and hair.

Pro Schedule

 

Daily use? Oil every 1–2 days.

Light use? Oil 2–3 times a week.

If you're unsure; when in doubt, oil it.

Why it Matters

 

Dullness often starts at the pivot; oiling keeps things gliding smoothly and stops unnecessary wear on your blades and hands.

3. Adjusting Tension: 
The Hidden Secret to Long Shear Life
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Watch full tutorial here: How to Adjust SHear Tension
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If your shears feel off, like they’re not cutting all the way or making your hand work overtime, chances are your tension is either too loose or too tight.

Step 1: The Drop Test

 

Open your shears wide. Hold them vertically with the tips pointing up. Drop one blade and see where it lands.  It should close about two-thirds of the way down.

 

Snaps shut? Too loose.

 

Barely moves? Too tight.

Step 2: Adjust with Purpose

 

Use a tension adjuster key or a coin for slotted screws. Make small turns; clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen.  Re-test after each turn using the drop test method.

Step 3: Reassess Daily

 

Tension shifts over time from use and cleaning.  Make tension adjustment a daily habit, not just a "when things feel weird" fix.

Why it Matters

 

Tension that’s too tight will cause fatigue and excessive blade wear; too loose, and you’ll be folding hair instead of cutting it. You want just the right resistance; effortless cutting with zero drag to avoid bending and folding your client's hair.

Final Words: Your Shears Work Hard. Return the Favor.

You don’t need fancy equipment. You don’t need a tech. You just need five minutes and a little respect for your tools.

 

Clean them. Oil them. Adjust them. That’s the formula.

 

Follow this routine and your shears will stay sharper, cut cleaner, save you from hand pain, client complaints, and costly repairs.

 

Want to see all this in action? Check out the full Rock Paper Shears video playlist for tutorials that break it down without the fluff.

Share Your Shear TLC Routine!

We want to see how you care for your tools.

 Whether you’ve got a custom kit, a creative cleaning ritual, or just love keeping your setup tight—show us!

 

Tag us in your posts or stories on Instagram or Facebook with your shear care setup, routine, or even your favorite maintenance products.

 Use #ShearTLC and @rockpapershears for a chance to get featured on our page.

 

Your tools are part of your craft; let’s celebrate the pros who treat them that way.

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