Help! I Dropped My Scissors – Now What?

If you’re a professional hairdresser or barber, you know how essential your hairdressing scissors are to your craft. But accidents happen—even the most careful stylists occasionally drop their tools. If you’ve dropped your hair-cutting scissors, don’t panic. Here’s exactly what you need to do next to protect your investment and maintain the quality of your cuts.

Step 1: Stop Using Them Immediately

Even if your scissors look fine after a fall, there could be hidden damage. Hair-cutting scissors are precision tools, and a small bend or nick in the blades can throw off the balance, causing split ends, hair snagging, or hand fatigue. Continuing to use them may make things worse.

Key Tip: Put the scissors aside until they’ve been professionally inspected or serviced.

Step 2: Visually Inspect for Damage

Check for these common signs of damage:

• Blade nicks or chips

• Bent tips

• Misaligned blades

• Loose or stiff tension screw

• Uneven blade closure

If any of these issues are visible, your scissors will likely need sharpening or realignment.

Step 3: Don’t Try to Fix Them Yourself

It can be tempting to “fix” the issue on your own by adjusting the tension or using a cheap sharpening tool. Don’t. Hairdressing scissors are made to tight tolerances and need professional care. DIY fixes can lead to permanent damage.

Step 4: Contact a Professional Scissor Sharpener

Reach out to a professional who specializes in sharpening hair scissors. Not all sharpeners are the same—look for someone who understands salon shears and uses sharpening techniques appropriate for Japanese or convex-edge blades.

Google keywords to include:

• Hairdresser scissor sharpening near me

• Professional scissor sharpening service

• Barber shear repair

• Drop damage hairdressing scissors

• Fix hair cutting scissors

Step 5: Check Your Warranty or Repair Options

Some high-end scissor brands offer warranties or sharpening services. If your scissors are from a reputable brand, check your paperwork or contact the manufacturer for service options. Be honest about the drop—it matters for assessment.

Step 6: Learn From the Drop

Accidents are part of life, but a few habits can reduce your risk next time:

• Always place scissors in a closed holster or scissor case when not in use.

• Never balance them on the edge of a station or countertop.

• Invest in a rubber mat or anti-slip tray for your workstation.

If you're purchasing new shears, consider adding a leather scissor case for added protection (some brands offer one free with premium models!).

Final Thoughts: Act Fast to Save Your Tools

Dropped scissors don’t automatically mean the end of the road—but timing matters. By following these steps, you’ll avoid further damage and get back to cutting confidently. Whether it’s a minor tune-up or a full re-edge, proper care keeps your tools sharp, your hands happy, and your clients looking their best.

Need Help with Dropped Scissors?

We specialize in professional scissor sharpening and repair for stylists and barbers. If you’ve dropped your scissors, we’ll evaluate them and restore their edge to like-new condition.