3 Things You Need to Know About Summertime Shear Care

Many stylists are surprised to learn that their shears may need to be sharpened more often during the summer months. This fact can mostly be attributed to a single factor: the effects of chlorine on client hair. Apart from the negative impact that chlorine can have on hair appearance and health, it can also cause serious damage to the cutting edge of your shears. Listed below are three things you need to know about the damage that summer hair can do to your shears and what you can do to ensure that your favorite pair of shears is protected when you encounter clients with chlorine-damaged locks.

1. Pool water changes the chemical structure of hair cuticles

Chlorine provokes a chemical reaction in the hair cuticle that allows the copper in pool water to infuse itself into the hair follicles (the patina from copper is what gives the hair its greenish hue). The copper buildup and drying effects of the chlorine then harden the cuticle to an almost wire-like consistency. This hardened hair is almost impossible to cut, no matter how sharp your shears are. Instead, the hair simply “pushes” along the blade, quickly flattening out the edge and leading to a dull and damaged pair of shears.

2. The effects of chlorinated hair cause damage similar to that of over-processed hair

Over-processed hair due to excessive permanents or color treatments can also cause a hardening of the cuticle and affect your shear in the same way. Exposure to thioglycolic acid when getting a perm, or putting hair through the oxidation process necessary for coloring, creates a similar chemical change in hair proteins, which can also harden the cuticles.

3. Investing in a cheap pair of serrated, "summer shears" will save your favorite pair

Any time a client’s hair pushes against your blade or feels "mushy" when you begin a cut, consider using an inexpensive pair of "summer shears" with a serrated blade to finish the haircut.  A serrated edge will keep the hair from sliding along the length of the blade and allow you to maintain the cutting edge on your regular shears.