A hairdresser’s guide to using a jeweller’s loupe for scissor care
- Dominic McDonagh
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
See what your scissors are really telling you: Why every stylist needs a loupe
Ever wondered what sharpeners are looking at so closely when they inspect your shears? Chances are, they’re using a jeweller’s loupe — a small but powerful magnifier that reveals the tiniest nicks, chips, and wear patterns on your blades. And it’s not just for us sharpeners anymore. If you’re a hairdresser or barber who wants to take better care of your tools, a loupe is one of the smartest little investments you can make.
A jeweller’s loupe is a compact magnifying lens — mine offers 10x magnification, which is ideal for scissor inspection. It’s strong enough to show you exactly what’s happening along your cutting edge, without distortion. That means you can see:
✅ Tiny chips or dings that could tug on hair
✅ Whether your oil is actually reaching the pivot
✅ The condition of your screw and ride area
✅ How your thinning scissors’ teeth are holding up
These are the same things I look for before and after sharpening. Having your own loupe lets you catch issues early, before they affect your cutting or lead to damage.
How to use it
Using a loupe is easy once you get the hang of it:
Hold your scissors under a light — Natural daylight or a strong lamp works best.
Bring the loupe close to your eye — Not the object.
Move the scissors toward the loupe until the blade edge comes into sharp focus.
Tilt and rotate slowly to catch reflections from the edge — this helps reveal chips and dull spots.
It’s especially handy for checking your scissors after cleaning or before a big haircut. You’ll spot buildup or damage you’d never see with the naked eye — and you’ll know exactly when to call in your sharpener.
A smart habit, not just a gadget
Many pros only notice a problem once they feel it — tugging, folding, or pushing hair. But by then, the edge may already be damaged. With a loupe, you can stay one step ahead. It helps you fine-tune your daily scissor care routine and know when it's time for a service or deep clean.
If you’ve picked up my Scissor Care Kit, the loupe fits right in as a bonus tool for serious scissor love. And if you’re using premium shears — like the ones I stock from Bladez and Kata — it’s a great way to protect your investment between sharpens.
Want one?
The loupe is available directly from me (just like the care kits and scissors). I can show you how to use it properly when we meet — no guesswork. Call or WhatsApp me at 07341 628018 to arrange a visit.
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