Brush On the Edge: Why and How to Oil Your Hair Shears with a Professional Oil Brush
Your hair shears are more than tools—they’re an extension of your hands. And keeping them in peak condition starts with a simple but essential habit: oiling.
Using a professional shear oil brush makes the process faster, cleaner, and more effective. Whether you're a seasoned barber or stylist, regular oiling prevents rust, protects the pivot, and helps maintain that buttery-smooth cutting action.
In this guide, we’ll explain why oiling matters and how to use an oil brush to keep your shears in excellent condition.
Why You Should Oil Your Shears
✅ Prevent Rust & Corrosion
Moisture from hair and disinfectants can lead to rust in the pivot. Oiling seals and protects your blades.
✅ Reduce Friction
Oiling minimizes metal-on-metal friction inside the pivot area, making your shears move more smoothly.
✅ Prolong Sharpness
Less friction = less wear on the edge. Proper lubrication helps extend the lifespan of each sharpening.
✅ Improve Cutting Performance
Oiled shears glide effortlessly, reduce strain on your hand, and cut with greater control and consistency.
Why Use an Oil Brush?
An oil brush offers key advantages over traditional dropper bottles:
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Precision: Directs oil exactly where it’s needed—no dripping or over-application
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Clean Application: Keeps your shears and hands free from excess oil
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Convenience: Easy to store and use regularly in your daily routine
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Professional Appearance: Keeps your station tidy while reinforcing professional maintenance habits
How to Oil Your Shears with an Oil Brush (Step-by-Step)
🧼 Step 1: Clean Your Shears
Before oiling, wipe down the blades and pivot area using a soft cloth and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure no hair, residue, or moisture remains.
💧 Step 2: Apply Oil with the Brush
Using the oil brush, apply a small amount of shear oil directly to the pivot area and lightly along the inner cutting edge of both blades (marked in red). One or two strokes are enough.
✂️ Step 3: Open and Close the Shears
Slowly open and close the shears 5–10 times to distribute the oil evenly through the pivot mechanism.
🧽 Step 4: Wipe Away Excess
Use a clean tissue or cloth to blot any oil that surfaces along the blades. Your shears should feel smooth—not oily or slippery.
How Often Should You Oil?
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Daily for heavy-use stylists/barbers
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2–3 times per week for moderate use
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Always after cleaning, disinfecting, or sharpening
Final Thoughts
Regular oiling with a professional oil brush is a small habit that makes a big difference. It helps your shears stay sharper longer, improves cutting performance, and prevents unnecessary wear and tear. Investing just 30 seconds a day into oiling can add years to the life of your favorite tools.
