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 getting more wear than someone doing occasional trims.

2. Hair Types and Cutting Techniques
Dry cutting, thick or coarse hair, and texturizing techniques can all wear down edges faster than traditional wet cutting on fine hair.

3. Shear Quality
Higher-end shears made from premium steel—like the Washi brand shears we sell—tend to hold an edge longer than lower-grade steel, meaning fewer trips to the sharpener.

4. Maintenance Habits
Do you clean and oil your shears daily? Store them safely when not in use? Check tension regularly? Good habits can prolong the life of your edge between sharpenings.

Signs It’s Time for a Sharpening

• You feel dragging or pushing when cutting

• Hair is bending instead of being cleanly cut

• You notice increased hand or wrist fatigue

• The shears feel different—just not as smooth or responsive

• You're adjusting your technique to compensate

Don’t wait until your shears are blunt—cutting with dull tools can damage hair and lead to stylist strain or injury.

Local Sharpening with a Personal Touch

If you’re in the Fox Valley, Green Bay, or surrounding areas, Thad from Don't Run With Scissors offers professional shear sharpening with next-day return. He visits local salons on a regular route to collect shears, sharpens them at his workshop, and brings them back the following day—fully tuned, cleaned, and tested.

🗓️ Need a Reminder?

If it’s been a while since your last sharpening, this is your sign to schedule a tune-up. Don’t guess—let your tools work with you, not against you.

You can also sign up for route reminders and sharpening alerts by following DRWS on social media or contacting Thad directly.

Your shears take care of your clients—let’s make sure they’re taken care of, too.
Questions about sharpening or ready to try a new pair of Washi shears? We’re here to help.

Thad's Don't Run With Scissors | Greenville, WI
(920) 284-6395