Why Do Scissors Get Rusty? The Science Behind Rust and Stainless Steel

by Jun Oh January 22, 2022 2 min read

Do you know why scissors get rusty? It's not because they're made of metal - it's because the metal is exposed to the elements.

Stainless steel is a type of metal that does not rust easily, but if it is not properly looked after, it can succumb to the effects of corrosion.

The most common causes for rust in hairdressing scissors are:

Water from cleaning
Moisture from cutting wet hair
Prolong exposure to moisture, humidity and salty air

In this article, we will explore the science behind rust and stainless steel, and we'll also take a look at some ways to prevent your scissors from rusting.

The most common cause of rust is water. When metal is exposed to water, the water molecules can attach themselves to the metal surface.

This creates an electrostatic attraction between the water and the metal, and it's this interaction that allows oxygen atoms to bind to the metal. The more oxygen atoms that bind to the metal, the faster it rusts.

How do scissors get wet in a salon or barbershop?

Wet hairdressing shears in a salon

It's not just from cutting hair - it's also from the water that's used to clean the blades. Salty air can also cause rust, as the salt in the air can attract moisture and create an environment where oxidation can occur.

The best way to prevent your scissors from rusting is to keep them dry. You can do this by wiping them down with a dry cloth after each use and storing them in a dry place. You can also coat the scissors with a light layer of oil to help protect them from the elements.

If your scissors start to rust, you can remove the rust by using a mild abrasive such as steel wool. Be sure to clean the scissors thoroughly after removing the rust, and then apply a coat of oil to protect them from future corrosion.

Rust is a common problem for scissors, but you can keep your scissors in good condition and prevent them from rusting with a little bit of care.

Jun Oh

Jun is a professional journalist for barbers and hairdressers. She is a huge fan for high-end hair scissors. His top brands to review include Kamisori, Jaguar Scissors and Joewell. She instructs and educates people about cutting hair, haircuts and barbering across America, Canada and the UK. USA, UK, Australia and Canada.