When scissors fail are they following your lead?
Tom Columbia - Scissors Coach / Consultant / Hairstylist
I have listened for decades to haircutters rationalize their expectations and heard their concerns regarding how scissors function before they commit to purchasing new ones.
I compiled the similarities of stylists that continuously enhanced their scissors' ability to maintain sharpness and create perfect haircuts. I am sharing what I learned so you can join the multitude of stylists that have stated, "I never heard that before."
This article is adapted from my presentation for scissors salespersons and sharpeners at the IBSA, LasVegas, NV. Some of the attendees are haircutters, so there will be a multitude of viewpoints. They are common objections that arise while servicing and selling scissors.
It is a conversation about our customers – you. Similar to a meeting of stylists discussing their customers, comparing issues, and discovering solutions. I truly hope you will find this insiders discussion informative.
Thumb pressure is a silent negative force.
Of the countless things that come into play when discussing scissors, the dominating topic over all other concerns is the use of excessive thumb pressure. Yet this silent, almost inconspicuous negative force remains an untouchable issue, until now.
Always tell stylists the truth about their scissors, and they will listen.
Why? It can be a challenge to the exclusive beliefs that many stylists hold regarding how scissors should function. These insights can test their views, such as, questioning the validity of your sharpening service as a source of their scissors problem. Perhaps they believe the tension settings are simply a malleable theory, or their scissors brand is unique, and these disciplines are not applicable.
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Often there is a defense of having “creative license “to use scissors however they please. This is true, but for every action, there will be an opposing reaction.
With this response stylist can easily redirect the actual cause of a scissor's failure away from the fundamental answer that each scissor has one correct tension setting. Or that not sharpening the scissors regularly would have any adverse consequences.
The top photo shows excessive thumb pressure: it is quite common and can be routinely seen in every salon. These scissors will not keep an edge.
The bottom photo is an example of extreme and harmful thumb pressure. These scissors will be a servicing nightmare.
Addressing solutions
one-on-one.
The reality is that when the tension setting loosens, tightens, or when the edge becomes dull, the haircutter instinctively overcompensates by flexing the thumb which negatively torque the blades.
The scissor's ability to perform is diminished if the thumb continually penetrates or pushes on the thumb ring.
Because this issue is a habitual method of using scissors, it will eventually cause damage. When this routine is modified, then a sharpening or repair on the scissors will be satisfactory and have longevity.
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Nonetheless, this difficulty is caused by the individual using the scissors and it will eventually be their responsibility to resolve it.
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If one staff member, particularly an established stylist, is using thumb pressure, the other stylist may be attempting to replicate this practice.
Believing it to be the absolute truth does not make it true.
Nevertheless, this is an issue requiring a sensitive correction. Even if it is an unwitting or innocent use of an adverse cutting procedure, it must be taken seriously.
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Whether it is a one-on-one or an entire salon staff listening this is a great opportunity to engage. The results of this demonstration will be absolute and have the Law of Physics to support it.
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When the stylist follows along with their own scissors as you speak, it is equivalent to offering up evidence to a jury. Each stylist can be their own compelling witness.
It is remarkable how curious stylists are about this topic.
To assume this information is common knowledge is a miscalculation. It is expected that their scissors sales and service representatives would inform them of the specific details about their products.
It is remarkable how curious stylists are about this topic because it is the silent subject that is overlooked and underestimated by the majority.
There are three Basic Career Disciplines that pertain to the use of scissors and those are to have a proper edge, correct tension setting, and upper hand control.
These disciplines are intertwined, and they are not an option that the stylist can choose randomly, together they help the haircutter create the perfect haircut.
Finger ring inserts can assist in obtaining control of thumb pressure; however, they are not an alternative option. See, “Why so much fuss over finger ring inserts.”