How Often Should You Sharpen Your Shears?

Whether you're a seasoned stylist or a fresh-on-the-floor barber, your shears are one of the most important tools in your hands. But even the best shears won’t perform their best if they aren’t regularly maintained. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How often should I get my shears sharpened?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but there are some general guidelines to keep your blades in peak condition and protect your investment. The Short Answer: Every 3 to 6 Months Most professionals find that sharpening their shears every 500–700 haircuts , or about 2–4 times a year , is a good baseline. If you’re a high-volume stylist working full-time, you’ll likely fall closer to the 3-month mark. If you’re part-time or in a specialty role (like dry cutting or barbering), you might stretch to 6 months. Factors That Affect How Often You Need Sharpening 1. Frequency of Use Daily use naturally dulls blades faster. If you're cutting all day, every day, your shears are get...