How to hold a dog grooming scissor properly.

Why is the correct thumb and finger position in a dog grooming scissor important to a dog groomer?

To ensure that all dog grooming scissors perform to their full potential, holding the scissor correctly, is vital for a dog groomer to do. Maintaining the correct finger positioning will result in the correct scissoring action of the scissor, resulting in keeping the dog grooming scissors in excellent condition, helping the groomer feel comfortable and confident with scissors, helping maintain the correct tension, and preventing premature blunting and any potential damage whilst assisting the dog groomer in creating those beautiful trims and finishes.

 

The Thumb Positioning.

It is important for a dog groomer not to place more than the tip of their thumb in the thumb hole. The reason for this is that the human hand is designed to 'grab' objects and hold them securely. Once the thumb is engaged with an item, it will naturally 'grab'. So with regards to dog grooming scissors, this 'grabbing' action  generate a large and unnecessary amount of pressure on the bottom blade, forcing it directly up against the top blade. This pressure will force the blades to grind against one another and will result in the blades catching or locking completely.  

As the cutting edges of the dog grooming scissors are extremely sharp, the small amount of pressure applied from the tip of the thumb is more than enough to enable the blades to glide smoothly across and efficiently cut the coat. 

 

 

This action will cause the teeth to lock or catch up against the top blade and as a result, this will create a dent or dents along the cutting edge of blade. These dents will prevent the blades from closing smoothly and effectively make the scissor unusable. If the dents occur and the blades will not close, it is advised that the dog groomer should contact a scissor sharpener and have the dents removed professionally.

It is important to note that whilst using any dog grooming scissor, only the thumb should be moving and operating the scissor. The fingers are there to help support and keep the scissor in the correct position.

 

 

Examples of Correct Thumb Positioning.

 

The Finger Positioning

The correct finger positioning is also an important role in the dog grooming scissor being used correctly and helps keep the thumb supported and in the correct place in the thumb hole.

 

Incorrect Finger Positioning            vs                     Correct Finger Positioning.

Below are two links from the Abbfabb Grooming Scissor Ltd website which provide a free visual demonstration on how to hold a dog grooming scissor and the correct thumb and fingers placements.

 

How can a dog groomer keep their thumb and fingers in the correct position?

As every dog groomer has different sized thumbs, fingers and knuckles, maintaining the correct thumb and finger position in the finger holes can be difficult. However, the art of the correct finger positions can be mastered with regular practice either in or out of the grooming salon.

It is advised that those who are about to start to or are on their dog grooming training course, practice regularly (ideally away from the salon or training school) keeping their thumb and fingers in the correct places. This practice will help build muscle development in the thumb, as this is the digit which operates the blades, and muscle memory for the fingers.

 

Dog Grooming Scissor Aides.

Some dog grooming scissors are designed with thumb and finger hole with wider circumferences. This can make it difficult for a dog groomer to keep their fingers in the correct place.

Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Ltd, offer a range useful grooming aides which are specifically designed to keep the thumb and fingers in the correct positions.

Ringthings.

The Ringthing is incredible and unique style of finger insert has been designed to thicker compared to the standard finger inserts, in order to offer the dog groomer complete control and comfort whilst using their dog grooming scissors. The Ringthing is a perfect grooming tool for reversible dog grooming scissors or flips.

The cushioned and rubberised texture of this Ringthing offers a dog groomer extreme comfort, help prevents painful friction between the fingers and the finger holes of the scissor, and helps maintain the correct thumb and finger position and grip whilst holding the scissor. To view all the Ringthings, click here.

 

 

Thumbthings.

The Thumbthing has been specifically designed to easily fit the thumb hole of the dog grooming scissor and helps to physically prevent the thumb sliding through the thumb hole. This incredible dog grooming tool fit securely in the thumb hole and offers a dog groomer the ultimate precision and control over their dog grooming scissors. To view the Thumbthing Collection, click here.

 

 

Rubber Finger Inserts

The rubber finger inserts are made from soft rubber and has been designed to be easily moulded into the thumb and finger holes of all dog grooming scissor, enabling the dog groomer's thumb and finger to fit securely and more comfortably into the scissor. To view the Finger Insert Collection, click here.

To view all Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Ltd grooming scissor aides, please click here.

A visual demonstration.

A visual demonstration of the correct thumb and finger positions whilst using a dog grooming scissor by Eve Somers of Abbfabb Academy of Dog Grooming Training.