The day you received your tools for your
student kit, you may recall getting two
pairs of shears: one for your mannequin,
and one for your clients. Why is it important
to use mannequin shears on mannequins
and human shears on humans? We ask
Randy Ferman, CEO and Founder of Shark
Fin Shears-what gives?
Mannequin shears are typically of a
lower quality than âfloor' shears. "Most
mannequin heads have synthetic hair that
will dull out the blades quicker, or the hair
is mainly human "processed" hair and
is much courser than unprocessed hair,"
Ferman says. "Mannequin shears will normally
have a beveled or semi-convex edge,
where as the floor shears have a full convex
(sharper) edge for smoother cuts."
These mannequin shears, or "starter shears,"
are great for newbies becoming acquainted
with shears-or learning to palm their
shears. Mannequin shears are typically
less expensive than human shears. If they
are dropped and cannot be repaired, the
replacement cost is very low, unlike professional
shears.
Photo: Shark Fin Shears
Also, the blades aren't as sharp. "Mannequin
shears are perfect for learning because students
will be less likely to cut themselves. When
learning how to use a thinning shear, their mannequin
shear will get them started on the right
track, without damaging a client's hair."
Ferman adds, the edge work on a mannequin
shear will be of lesser quality.
"The beveled edge on a
starter shear is less
sharp and may
damage and pull
the client's hair," he
says.
Avoid using your professional
shears on mannequin hair.
After some time, the blades will
be significantly duller and they will not
perform up to expectations.
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