Scissor Care
Why scissors may bend or fold hair instead of cutting
When scissors bend or fold hair during a cut, it is often assumed that the blades are dull. While dullness can cause poor cutting performance, this issue is very common even with brand-new or freshly sharpened scissors. In most cases, the cause is not blade sharpness, but incorrect tension adjustment.
Sharp scissors still need correct tension
Professional scissors are engineered so that both blades remain in controlled contact throughout the cutting motion. This contact is essential: if the blades separate even slightly while closing, hair can be pushed forward or bent instead of being cleanly cut.
Each pair of scissors is manufactured with a subtle, intentional curve in the blades. When the pivot screw is correctly adjusted, this curvature creates gentle pressure that keeps the cutting edges working together. If the tension is set too loose, that pressure is lost — and cutting performance immediately suffers.
What happens when tension is too loose
When scissors are under-tensioned:
- The blades spread apart during the cut
- Hair slips between the cutting edges
- The scissor may feel “sharp” to the touch but perform poorly on hair
- The cutting action feels soft or unstable
This is why even high-end professional scissors can appear to “not cut” when, in reality, they are simply not set up correctly.
How to check your scissor tension
A simple test can help identify whether tension is the issue:
- Hold the scissors upright and open them fully
- Release one handle and allow the scissors to close naturally
- If the scissors snap fully closed, the tension is too loose
- Correct tension is achieved when the blades stop just before fully closing
This setting allows optimal control, precision, and cutting consistency.
As scissors gradually lose sharpness through regular use, a very small increase in tension can sometimes help maintain performance until professional servicing is required.
A common sign of incorrect adjustment
If you tighten the pivot screw slightly and feel no noticeable increase in resistance, the scissors were almost certainly too loose to begin with. Properly adjusted scissors should respond immediately to even small changes in tension.
The importance of regular scissor care
Scissors are precision tools. Without routine attention — especially to tension — cutting quality will decline regardless of blade quality or brand. If your scissors are bending or folding hair, tension adjustment should always be the first step before assuming blade damage or dullness.
Warranty and refunds
Scissors that fold or bend hair due to incorrect tension adjustment are not considered defective. This is a setup and maintenance matter, not a manufacturing fault. For this reason, performance issues caused by improper tension are not covered under warranty or refund eligibility.
For full details, please refer to the Fuji Scissors Refund Policy:
https://fujiscissorseurope.com/policies/refund-policy
In summary
Clean, precise cutting depends on more than sharp blades alone. Correct tension adjustment is essential for proper performance, control, and longevity. With regular care and correct setup, professional scissors will deliver consistent results and prevent unnecessary performance concerns.