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HIKARI CARE AND MAINTENANCE
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Congratulations on purchasing the finest haircutting scissor in the World!
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Due to their unique blade design, Hikari
scissors must be maintained as outlined in the Hikari scissor owner's
manual. Care and maintenance is the key element in achieving maximum
performance from your Hikari scissor. Failure to perform proper care
and maintenance on a daily basis will most likely result in a damaged
scissor and unsatisfactory performance.
Please take the time to carefully read the following information and if
you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-445-2747. Maintained
properly, Hikari scissors will perform better than any scissor in the
industry. This information is the result of many years of research and
testing. The methods and techniques are proven, and ensure your
scissors will perform "like new" for as long as possible. |
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I. Correct Tension and Adjustment
Testing for correct tension should be performed daily, especially in the first two months
of use. During this time, the washer in the pivot area will be settling and, as it does, the tension
on your scissor will loosen and need to be adjusted.
Do not use scissors if tension is incorrect. As the tension loosens on a scissor, the
screw loosens and the blades begin to come apart. If you try to cut with scissors, under
these conditions, they will bend or fold the hair. The only way scissors with loose tension
can cut is if the blades are pushed together by using horizontal thumb pressure. In doing
this, you will dull and nick your blades quickly. For these reasons, it is extremely important
that you check the tension daily and adjust it when necessary. |
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Testing for correct tension:
• Hold scissor as if to execute scissor over
comb technique.
(No. 1)
• Turn hand over with thumb parallel to
ceiling (your palm facing up).
(No. 2)
• Open blades completely, by moving
thumb (up) only. (No. 3)
• Remove thumb and allow weight of handles
to close blades. (No. 4)
• Looking at the length of the blades, if the
blades remain completely open, tension
is correct. (No. 4)
• If the blades close half way, or completely,
the tension is too loose and tension
adjustment procedure must be performed. (No. 5)
When correct tension is achieved, finish by performing cleaning and oiling section before using
scissor.
Adjusting Tension
- Holding scissor securely in a closed position, place against edge of table (use towel to protect table surface)
- Insert screw driver (or coin)
- Exerting firm downward pressure, turn screw counter-clock-wise, (to the left) 1/8 turn to loosen.
- Then, turn screw clockwise, (to the right) ¼ turn to tighten.
- Test for correct tension.
NOTE 1: If scissor is still too loose, repeat 4 and 5. If scissor is too tight, repeat 3 and 5 only.
NOTE 2: All of the Hikari scissors feature a screw design easily adjusted with a quarter or dime.
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II. Oiling and Cleaning
"Oiling and Cleaning" is an important practice that insures your scissors perform consistently
and remain accurate (sharp) throughout its cutting life.
A two-phase process, it involves cleaning and then lubrication of a scissor's major contact
points, minimizing unnecessary wear and damage.
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Why Oil and Clean Daily?
Daily oiling and cleaning will enhance the performance
and extend the cutting life of your scissor. Regular cleaning
and lubrication protects against rust and deterioration
from chemical/moisture contact in the salon environment,
build-up of bacteria attracting debris in the interior pivot
and blade area, reduces friction from blade movement,
and prolongs sharpness.
Between Clients
Using a soft cloth towel, thoroughly wipe scissor and
blades after every haircut. This will reduce build-up of
chemicals and debris, which may adversely affect the
performance of your scissor throughout your workday.
Daily
(at the end of each workday, before leaving the salon)
With scissor in closed position, add one drop of oil to the
side of the screw. This will lubricate the screw and pivot
preventing unnecessary wear in this area. (No. 6)
Opening the scissor blades, add a line of oil to both inner
surfaces of the blades. Carefully wipe excess from pivot
to point. This lubricates all major contact points of the
blades, prevents wear, and prolongs sharpness. (No. 7)
Add two or three drops of oil to the pivot area, opening
and closing the blades three to five times. This allows the
oil to draw out any debris trapped in the pivot. (No. 8)
Then carefully wipe blade, pivot, and screw area of all
excess oil. Oil will dry protecting all major contact points
before the following workday.
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III. Thumb Pressure and Technique:
Don't Defeat The Design:
Pushing, pulling, exerting any force or horizontal pressure
to cut only defeats the design of the scissor. Because
Hikari's edge is on the inside of the blade, these
techniques will result in premature wear of the blades,
pivot area and in severe cases nicking and structural
damage. (Nos. 9, 10 & 11)
Finger Rings
Many stylists have developed the habit of applying
horizontal thumb pressure (pushing) to the handles of
their dull scissors in order to "force" the scissor to cut
properly. In fact, most scissors require a certain
amount of horizontal thumb pressure in order to cut.
Hikari scissors are designed to cut with no horizontal
thumb pressure. Hikari recommends using a finger
ring in the thumb opening (not the finger ring hole).
This helps the user break the habit of applying horizontal
thumb pressure, which is often unknowingly applied.
If you notice your scissors dulling very quickly, you
may be pushing with your thumb without realizing it.
Check your technique and use a finger ring in the
thumb opening to help remind yourself not to apply
any horizontal pressure to the handles. In addition,
make sure the tension is adjusted properly. This will
not only help prevent premature wear of the blades,
but it will also help to prevent stress from developing in
your hand and wrist! |
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What is basic technique?
"Basic Technique" refers to what is generally
accepted as correct practical application
of scissors for cutting hair.
Why Practice Basic Technique?
"Basic Technique" will give you a point of
reference from which to consistently execute
hair design concepts. It allows maximum
utilization of a scissors design features
and cutting ability, as intended by the
particular manufacturer. It allows you to
confidently explore the utility of design features
to their maximum potential.
How Is Basic Technique Effective?
The best way to use your scissor is quite
simple. With the thumb controlling the
moving blade, use vertical movement to
effect the cut. (Nos. 12, 13, &14) This
technique allows the pressure generated
from the pivot design and the sharpness of
the blades to do all of the work. It also
keeps the hands and finger relaxed and in
control, giving you more agility and radial
freedom to move throughout the haircut.
Irreparable Damage
Never never never cut any material other
than hair with your scissor. This may result
in irreparable damage. For an informative article on Thumb Pressure and how it causes premature dulling of scissors, please click here.
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Try to keep your thumb very relaxed
with a slight bend at the knuckle.
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IV. Dos and Don'ts |
A Check List of Helpful Reminders
Daily
Practice, and then implement the following areas into your workday, to
get maximum utilization of your scissor.
Tension and Adjustment
Correct Basic Cutting Technique without Thumb Pressure
Oiling and Cleaning
Whether wet or dry, cut only clean human hair. Hair that is coated with
fixatives (hair spray, mousse, etc.) or chemicals (perm solution,
relaxer) may cause the blades to nick or, in the case of chemicals,
deteriorate and rust the blades rendering them irreparable.
Only cut human hair. Never wigs, nylon, paper, plastic or other
materials. Even mannequin hair, labeled as 100% Human, oftentimes is
treated with a coating that can damage the blades.
Keep your scissors away from clips, brushes, combs, and other
implements, which can cause accidental damage to the blades.
Storing Your Scissors
When scissors are not being used, (between clients and in storage) keep
blades in a closed position. This will reduce the chance of nicking and
accidental damage to the blades.
Never use magnets to hold scissors in storage. This can magnetize the
blades attracting undesirable dust and other particles.
How you store your scissor is very important. For adequate protection
and ease of travel, your investment in a scissor case is a wise
decision. The most important factor is that the scissor case keeps the
tips of your scissor in a closed position. Only insert one scissor per slot and try not to overlap scissors.
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V. Possible Solutions to Common Problems
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Pushing/bending/folding/chasing the hair:
This is most often caused by one of two things:
- Tension is too loose. If, when you check the
tension, the scissor is closing halfway or more, the tension is too
loose. This means that the screw in the pivot area is loosening and the
blades will start to come apart. When this happens, because the blades
are coming apart, the scissor will "bend" the hair rather than cut it.
Most people who do not check tension or check it incorrectly will start
using their thumb to PUSH the blades together to get them cutting
again. When they do this, they are "grinding" the blades together and
will dull them very quickly.
- The scissors are dull. They could
have been dulled by cutting with the tension too loose (as described
above), by applying too much thumb pressure (Pushing), or if they're
cutting hair with product in it or dry hair (this will actually cause a
lot of small nicks that "dull" the blade and cause "bending" and
occasionally "pinching".)
Pinching/pulling the hair
This is caused by a nick on the blade. There are several ways that a
nick can occur. The following are helpful tips.
- Be careful you don't hit your scissor on a comb or clip
- When you set your scissors down, your scissors should be completely closed.
- Cutting anything besides human
hair (even wigs labeled as being made of human hair are often treated
with chemicals - so we don't recommend using your scissors on this
either) will cause damage to your blade.
- Dropping your scissor
- Lots of small nicks can build up
if you are cutting lots of hair that has product in it or if you are
cutting dry hair. These small nicks don't usually cause pinching as
much as they cause "crunchiness" and "bending".
It feels "crunchy" not smooth
I can hear the scissor - This is usually because the blades have a lot
of nicks on them (see above) and/or the scissors have become dull.
These are all just possibilities - each scissor is different and the
way you use your scissor and take care of it will greatly affect the
performance of your scissor. We have found that when scissors do not
cut properly, 99% of the time it is due to improper care and
maintenance. Incorrect tension, excessive thumb pressure and nicks due
to hitting the blade against combs and clips are areas that even long
time Hikari users fail to perform properly. If you are experiencing
problems with your scissor, the best thing to do is to send it to us to
be checked and serviced. (Click here for instructions on how to send your scissor in)
You are always welcome to call our service toll free number to speak
with a knowledgeable staff member about your problem. 1-800-255-2705. |
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