Scissor Safety: Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Clients

Hair Cutting Scissors are essential tools in many professions, from hairdressing and tailoring to crafting and office work. While they are incredibly useful, they also pose potential risks if not handled properly. Scissor-related injuries, though often minor, can lead to cuts, bruises, and in severe cases, more serious accidents. Whether you’re working in a salon, a craft studio, or at home, understanding scissor safety is crucial to protect yourself and those around you.

In this article, we’ll cover essential tips for safe scissor use and how to ensure both your personal safety and that of your clients or colleagues.

1. Choose the Right Scissors for the Job

The first step in scissor safety is selecting the appropriate scissors for the task. Different types of scissors are designed for specific purposes, and using the wrong type can increase the likelihood of injury. For example:

• Hair scissors are sharp and designed for precise cutting. They should never be used for anything other than hair to avoid accidents or dulling the blades.
• Fabric scissors should be used for cutting fabric only. Using them for paper or other materials can cause them to lose their sharpness and lead to poor cutting performance.
• Craft scissors with pointed tips are useful for intricate cutting, but their sharp ends make them more dangerous if mishandled.

Always make sure the scissors you use are suited to the material and task at hand.

2. Inspect Scissors Before Use

Before using your scissors, take a moment to inspect them for any visible damage, such as cracks in the handle, rust, or dull blades. Scissors with damaged blades or handles are more likely to cause accidents, as they may require more force to cut through materials, leading to slips. If your scissors feel loose or wobbly, they may need tightening or repair.

A quick check before use ensures the tool is in safe, working condition.

3. Always Cut Away from Your Body and Hands

When cutting, always position the scissors so that the blades are moving away from your body and hands. This reduces the risk of accidental injury if your hand slips or the material moves unexpectedly. In hairdressing, for example, always position the scissors with the blades facing away from the client’s skin to avoid nicks or cuts.

Similarly, when cutting materials such as paper or fabric, keep your hands away from the cutting area, and ensure that you have a stable grip on both the scissors and the material.

4. Hold Scissors Properly

Proper scissor grip is essential for safety. Always hold scissors by the handles, with your thumb in the smaller hole and your fingers in the larger hole. This grip provides control and minimizes the risk of the scissors slipping from your hand. If you’re using scissors with a finger rest, make sure your fingers are in the right position to maximize control.

Additionally, always ensure your hands are dry when handling scissors, as wet or slippery hands can cause an unintentional loss of grip.

5. Store Scissors Safely

When not in use, always store scissors in a safe place to prevent accidental cuts. Never leave scissors lying around in open areas where people may accidentally reach for them. Consider using protective covers for the blades, especially in environments like salons or schools, to reduce the risk of accidental injury.

At home, keep scissors in a drawer or a designated scissor holder, and avoid leaving them in places where children or pets can access them.

6. Use Scissors with Non-Slip Handles

One of the key features to look for when purchasing scissors is a non-slip handle. Non-slip grips allow for better control, especially when your hands are sweaty or wet. Many professional-grade scissors now come with rubberized or textured handles designed to prevent slipping. This added security is vital for reducing accidental injuries, particularly in fast-paced environments like salons, kitchens, or workshops.

7. Work in a Safe Environment

A well-organized, clutter-free workspace can help prevent accidents. Ensure that your work area is clean and free from distractions. If you’re working in a salon, for example, keep scissors on a stable surface or in a secure holder rather than in an open tray or drawer where they could easily be knocked over.

Lighting is also important. Work in well-lit spaces so that you can see clearly what you’re cutting, and so you can spot any hazards or irregularities in the material you’re working with. Poor visibility can increase the chances of making a mistake and injuring yourself or others.

8. Be Mindful of Clients or Others Around You

If you’re using scissors around clients or colleagues, always be mindful of their positioning and the surroundings. In a hair salon, for example, avoid making sudden or jerky movements when cutting around a client’s face or neck. Always keep the scissors pointed away from their skin, and avoid cutting near their eyes or ears unless you are sure of the cut’s direction.

Similarly, when cutting in a shared space, make sure that no one is too close to your cutting area, as they could inadvertently bump into you or your scissors, leading to accidents.

9. Educate Others About Scissor Safety

If you work with or supervise others, particularly children, make sure they understand the importance of scissor safety. Explain how to hold scissors properly, how to cut safely, and why it’s important to never run with scissors or leave them lying around. Teaching others to respect scissors as sharp, dangerous tools will help foster a culture of safety in your workplace or home.

For children, always supervise their use of scissors, and ensure that they use age-appropriate scissors with rounded tips for safety.

10. Keep Scissors Clean and Well-Maintained

Scissors that are dirty or clogged with debris can be more dangerous to use, as they may slip or cause uneven cuts. After each use, clean your scissors with a cloth to remove dirt, hair, or other materials that may have accumulated on the blades. Additionally, consider lubricating the pivot point regularly to ensure smooth operation and to prevent rust or wear.

11. Train for Emergency Response

Accidents can still happen, even with the best precautions in place. In environments like salons, schools, or workshops, ensure that everyone is trained to handle minor scissor-related injuries, such as cuts. Knowing how to respond to a cut—whether it’s applying pressure to stop bleeding or seeking medical attention—can make a big difference in preventing further injury.

Conclusion

Scissor safety is a critical consideration in any environment where these tools are in use. By choosing the right scissors, handling them with care, and creating a safe work environment, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others. Regularly inspect your scissors, maintain a clean workspace, and always be mindful of those around you. With these precautions, you’ll be able to use scissors with confidence, knowing that you’re doing your part to protect yourself, your clients, and your colleagues.