Scissors are the most crucial tool for any hairstylist or barber, and maintaining them properly is key to ensuring precise, effortless cuts. One of the most overlooked aspects of scissor maintenance is tension adjustment—a factor that directly impacts cutting performance, comfort, and blade longevity. If the tension is too loose, hair folds rather than cuts. If it’s too tight, excessive strain is placed on the hands, wrists, and blades. Here’s how you can test and adjust the tension of your shears to keep them performing at their best.

Why Tension Adjustment Matters

Proper tension ensures:

• Effortless cutting – Reducing hand fatigue and increasing efficiency.

• Blade longevity – Preventing unnecessary wear and tear.

• Precision cutting – Avoiding hair bending or pushing.

• Injury prevention – Less strain on fingers, wrists, and hands.

How to Test Your Scissors' Tension

Follow these steps to check if your scissors have the correct tension:

1. Hold your shears vertically with the tips pointing up.

2. Open the blades to a 90-degree angle (forming an “L” shape).

3. Drop one blade and let it fall freely.

4. Observe the movement:

   • If the blade closes completely without resistance, the tension is too loose.

   • If the blade barely moves or remains open, the tension is too tight.

   • If the blade closes halfway (stopping at about 45 degrees), the tension is optimal.

How to Adjust the Tension on Your Shears

If the tension is off, follow these steps to adjust it:

Loosening or Tightening the Tension

• Locate the tension screw in the center of the shears.

• Use your fingers or a tension key (depending on the scissor model) to make adjustments.

• Make small, gradual turns to avoid over-tightening or over-loosening.

• Re-test the tension after each adjustment by repeating the drop test.

Fine-Tuning the Tension

• For looser tension, turn the screw counterclockwise in small increments.

• For tighter tension, turn the screw clockwise in small increments.

• Test after each adjustment to ensure you don’t overtighten or leave them too loose.

Common Signs of Incorrect Tension

• Too Loose: Hair folds or pushes instead of cutting cleanly.

• Too Tight: Increased hand fatigue, difficulty opening and closing, excessive blade wear.

• Just Right: Smooth cutting motion with minimal resistance.

Final Tips for Maintaining Your Shears

• Check tension regularly – Ideally, adjust the tension at least once a week.

• Clean and oil your shears before making tension adjustments.

• Store your shears properly in a protective case to avoid unnecessary tension changes.

• Never force adjustments – Over-tightening can damage the tension system and compromise blade performance.

By maintaining the correct tension, your shears will deliver consistent, effortless cuts while ensuring a longer lifespan. Need help finding the perfect pair of shears or learning more about shear maintenance? Check out our collection at Shear Fanatic™️ Scissor Company for high-quality tools designed for professionals!