The Incredible Value Provided by Ergonomic Hair Shears
/As any longtime stylist or hairdresser can tell you, one of the chief goals of those in this profession is avoiding various overuse or similar injuries. Whether to the hand, elbow, neck or even back/shoulder areas, many who cut hair on a regular basis may deal with pain or other chronic issues; luckily, there are several ways of dealing with this, and the use of ergonomic hair shears is at or near the top of any such list.
At Scissor Mall, we're proud to offer a huge selection of ergonomic hair shears, such as the Dynasty Deco-S and many more. Our ergonomic shears come in a variety of swivel-thumb, double-swivel and other specialty handle types that help prevent or relieve pain among stylists who deal with it. What are some of the top areas of value provided by ergonomic hair shears, and what should you be thinking about as you purchase them? Here are some basics.
Risks of Injury or Pain to Stylists
Before we even get into ergonomic shears, it's important to understand some of the risks that they help deal with. Longtime hair stylists may deal with a variety of potential pain issues, including the following:
Hand or wrist concerns: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis and other such issues in the hands or wrists may come about from overuse; ergonomic shears can help by taking some of the pressure off these areas.
Elbow pain: This is also commonly caused by overuse, but can also come from incorrect posture while cutting hair. Many ergonomic shears help alleviate this by providing a more comfortable grip.
Shoulder pain: Those who work with their arms above their head for extended periods may deal with various issues in the shoulders, including rotator cuff problems and bursitis.
Neck pain: Poor posture while cutting hair is often to blame for neck pain, which can lead to tension headaches and other issues.
Back pain: Some stylists even deal with chronic back pain, which can be caused by any number of issues including muscle strain, poor posture and more.
What Are Ergonomic Shears?
For those new to this realm, ergonomic shears may look pretty similar to most other types on the market. However, they're specifically designed to provide a more comfortable grip and overall feel while cutting hair, helping to prevent various injuries that may come about from overuse.
There are several different types of ergonomic shears available today, including:
Swivel thumb shears: These shears have a 360-degree rotating thumb handle that helps reduce stress on the wrist, thumb and fingers. They're ideal for those who deal with any type of pain or numbness in these areas.
Double-swivel shears: These also have a 360-degree rotating thumb handle, but with the added benefit of a second swivel point near the ring finger. This can help further distribute weight and reduce strain on key areas.
Bent thumb shears: As the name implies, these shears have a thumb handle that's bent at a 15-degree angle or something similar, which may provide greater comfort for those with pain or other issues in this area.
Offset handle shears: With an offset grip that's positioned higher than normal, these shears help take some of the strain off the wrist and fingers while cutting.
Wider-spaced handles: Another great option for those with hand pain, these shears have a wider space between the handles, which may provide more comfort during use.
Benefits of Ergonomic Shears for Stylists
There are several ways these shears help out stylists and hairdressers:
Relieving pain: First and foremost, ergonomic shears can help those who deal with various types of pain while cutting hair. By providing a more comfortable grip and feel, they help take some of the pressure off key areas that may be prone to overuse injuries.
Improving posture: Many ergonomic shears also help improve posture while cutting hair, which can further alleviate pain in the neck, shoulders and back.
Reducing fatigue: Those who use ergonomic shears may also find that they experience less fatigue while cutting, as these shears help distribute weight more evenly throughout the hand and fingers.
Increasing productivity: In addition to being more comfortable, those who use ergonomic shears may also find that they're able to work for longer periods without taking breaks. This can lead to increased productivity and, as a result, more money in the bank at the end of the day.
Tips for Purchasing Ideal Ergonomic Hair Shears
If you're convinced of the value of ergonomic hair shears and are looking to purchase some for your needs, here are a few recommendations we can make:
Consider the feel in your hands: One of the most important factors to consider is how these shears feel in your hands; after all, if they're not comfortable, you won't want to use them. Be sure to try out several different pairs before making a final decision.
Think about the handle: As we've discussed, there are several different types of ergonomic handles available, so be sure to choose the one that's right for you. If you have pain in your thumb, for example, swivel thumb shears may be the way to go.
Look at the blades: Not all ergonomic shears are created equal in terms of blade quality, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. You'll want a pair that's made of high-quality materials and can withstand regular use.
Choose a reputable brand: There are countless brands selling ergonomic shears these days, so it's important to choose one that's known for quality products. Be sure to read reviews from other stylists and hairdressers before making your final decision.
For more on the value that ergonomic hair shears provide, or to learn about any of our hair shear options, speak to the team at Scissor Mall today.