Scissors for grooming dogs: varieties, requirements and tips for choosing
For some breeds of dogs, especially decorative ones, such a moment as a timely haircut is very important. There are subtleties here, for example, human scissors for the procedure will not work, since they have sharp tips that an active pet can get hurt on. Therefore, it is recommended to use professional tools with a special design. We will talk about their types and features of choice in our article.
Design features
In the process of cutting, it is important not only to shorten the coat on the dog's body. The hair also grows on the ears, legs and in the tail area. Some breeds need to clean their heads. Removing excess hair is a procedure that has its own nuances. For its implementation, there are special tools and even whole sets.
Among the types of scissors can be distinguished straight, curved, thinning and with an adjusting screw. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
With adjusting screw
Such a tool is considered one of the most convenient, it is used by professional groomers. Such scissors are very comfortable to use, and also allow you to adjust their properties. They can handle different types of wool.
The use of scissors has its own nuances. The screw must not be over-tightened, otherwise it threatens to bite the hair and significantly increase the load on the fingers. They can be from 4.5 to 8.5 inches in length. Craftsmen use shorter scissors when the volume of work is not too large.
Direct
The length of such scissors can also be different and is chosen depending on the size of the pet and the type of work.For example, a tool with rounded ends is used when it is necessary to tidy up the hair in the ears or on the face. Long is more convenient to use when a long procedure is ahead.
The scissor rings can be located at the same level or at different levels. The second option is preferable as it reduces the stress on the fingers.
There is a very fine notch on the blades, which makes it easier to work, since the wool can no longer slide over the surface.
Curved
In general, curved scissors are similar to straight scissors, with the difference that they have a slight bend towards the end. Such a tool is used when working with the muzzle and tail of animals, as well as when you need to shape the ears.
Thinning
Groomers love this tool and use it very often in their work. There are a lot of types of thinning scissors. The difference between them is in the number and location of the teeth, which are responsible for cutting the hairline.
With the help of such scissors, you can make a smoother transition, thin out the animal's coat, and give it volume. They are also used to cut soft steps. The length of the tool is about 15 cm. For a thick coat, sparser teeth are required than for a fine and soft coat.
All depending on the type, professional grooming scissors are made of durable high-carbon steel. Eminent craftsmen can use more expensive tools that are made from titanium.
Types of grooming tools
If complex care is required for the coat, professional tools are indispensable. Only with their help you can cut your pet with high quality, regardless of the length and type of coat. Grooming scissors are divided depending on the purpose. They may be thinning or with a sliding cut.
The first type is a scissors with fine teeth, with the help of which the hairs are captured. The cut is smoother. Such a tool is used both for adding volume to the coat and for thinning it, as well as for creating original haircuts.
The design of the thinning scissors can be one-sided and two-sided. In the first case, the teeth are located only on one blade, in the second - on both. Working with one-sided is easier and saves the wizard's time.
The groomer decides which tool to use.
If the coat is thick, the teeth should be sparser. Soft, however, requires more accurate and painstaking work.
If we talk about sliding shears, they differ in the special structure of the cutting part. One of the blades of such a tool has very small stripes that cannot even be seen with the naked eye. Due to the structure, the cut is perfect, and the work is silent and very accurate.
Criterias of choice
What tool to choose for work, the master decides for himself. All models have their own technical characteristics, sometimes significantly different from each other. However, there are criteria that must be considered when choosing.
First of all, the clipping tool should be comfortable to use. The scissors should fit correctly in the hand, and the tension on the fingers should not be very strong. Therefore, before buying, you should try them on the move. The blades should move smoothly without much effort. It is worth paying attention to the diameter of the rings.
And also an important factor is strength. The cheaper the model, the less solid steel was used in its production.... Good quality scissors are often titanium coated to protect them from corrosion and therefore extend their service life.
In addition, you need to decide what length of scissors will be required for the job. It all depends on what kind of haircut technique will be used. Shorter ones are convenient for short-term work, they make it more accurate. Long ones are more convenient to cut for a longer time.
Experts recommend that you definitely test your favorite model, and preferably several at once. In this way, you can understand the advantages and disadvantages of each, and then make the right choice.
Operation and maintenance rules
Good quality specialized dog grooming tools are quite expensive. Therefore, it is very important to take proper care of them so that they last as long as possible. After each procedure, scissors needs to be thoroughly cleaned using a dry cloth. Do not leave the tool wet and with open blades.
It is also recommended to wipe the surface of the blades with a special oil. Scissors should not be used when working with hard objects. They are washed under warm water using liquid soap, but the screw part should not be wetted. After washing, it is also necessary to wipe them dry and treat with oil.
As for sharpening, it should be carried out as needed. It is impossible to delay the procedure, as otherwise the quality of the haircut will suffer, because the wool will not be cut off, but will break off. It is best to give the sharpening tool into the hands of specialists, and not do it yourself.
When working with thinning scissors, remember that they must not be overloaded for the first 1.5 weeks after purchase or sharpening. The blades must first be worn in, otherwise the service life will be significantly reduced.
The main thing is to correctly approach the choice of a tool that is so necessary when caring for a pet's coat.... High-quality models will not create problems in the process of work and will serve for many years.
For more information on how to choose dog shears, see the next video.