As groomers, we handle more than just haircuts — we handle trust. Each dog that walks into your salon depends on you not only to make them look great but to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy. And if you’ve been in the grooming world long enough, you know that great grooming doesn’t just come from skill — it comes from discipline in hygiene and safety.
At Sharperedges UK, we’ve worked with hundreds of professional groomers across the country, and one thing’s clear: the best salons don’t just have the sharpest scissors, but they also have the cleanest systems.
Hygiene: The Foundation of Every Professional Salon
A tidy salon isn’t just about looking good on Instagram. It’s about preventing infections, parasites, and skin irritations — things that can spread quickly if hygiene slips.
Here’s what experienced groomers know:
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Disinfect everything that touches a dog — tables, clippers, blades, brushes, combs, and especially your scissors.
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Use veterinary-grade disinfectants that kill bacteria and fungi without corroding metal. Some household sprays can dull your blades faster than a bad sharpening job.
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Dry tools properly after cleaning — moisture is the enemy of steel. We recommend wiping scissors with a clean towel, applying a small drop of oil to the pivot, and storing them in a case.
Pro tip: Keep two sets of scissors or blades for busy days. It helps you sanitize one set while using the other. No downtime, no shortcuts.
Tool Care & Sanitization (Without Damaging Your Investment)
Your tools are your hands’ best friends, so treat them that way.
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Always wipe down scissors between dogs, especially around the pivot area where fur and oils build up.
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For clippers, remove the blade and soak it in disinfectant for a few minutes, then dry and re-oil.
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Never soak scissors. Instead, spray them with disinfectant, wipe, and oil the joint.
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Store in a clean, dry case or magnetic holder, not on damp towels or countertops.
At Sharperedges, we see a lot of scissors that rust or stiffen not from use, but from improper cleaning. A quick 10-second wipe and oil after every dog can extend your scissor life by years.
Handling Grooming Waste the Smart Way
Hair, nails, and debris might seem harmless until they start clogging drains or triggering allergies.
Use lined bins with lids, and empty them daily. Many groomers now use mini vacuum systems near tables to catch loose hair before it floats everywhere (and yes, into your tea).
If you’re mobile grooming, always disinfect the van floor and table between clients — it’s easy to overlook, but it’s where bacteria love to hang out.
Safety with Reactive or Nervous Dogs
Even the calmest groomer can get caught off guard by a nervous or reactive dog. Over the years, I’ve learned to:
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Read the body language before starting. A tight mouth, pinned ears, or trembling can tell you a lot.
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Use muzzles and restraints responsibly, never as punishment but as safety measures.
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Keep grooming sessions short for anxious dogs, and use quiet scissors or low-vibration clippers to reduce stress.
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Some groomers wear arm sleeves or safety gloves when handling certain breeds or rescue dogs. Not a bad idea if you work with unpredictable clients.
Remember: calm groomers create calm dogs. Your tone and energy matter as much as your technique.
Pre-Grooming Health Checks
Before you even switch on your clipper, take a minute to inspect the dog.
Look for:
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Hot spots or open wounds
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Fleas, ticks, or flaky skin
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Redness, swelling, or signs of infection
If something looks off, pause and communicate with the owner. It’s better to postpone a groom than worsen a condition and clients respect your honesty and professionalism for it.
Compliance & Continuous Training
In the UK, grooming salons are expected to maintain high standards of health, safety, and waste management. But beyond regulations, training your team (and yourself) regularly keeps everyone safe.
Keep a safety log. Note down cleaning schedules, disinfectant brands, and staff training sessions. Not only does this keep you organized, it also shows clients you take your work seriously.
At the end of the day, grooming is an art — but it’s also a science of hygiene, safety, and trust. Every clean scissor, sanitized table, and calm dog contributes to your reputation.
At Sharperedges, we don’t just sharpen and sell dog grooming scissors tools — we support groomers in raising industry standards. Because when your tools are clean, sharp, and safe, you work better, faster, and with more confidence.
Stay sharp. Stay safe. And keep grooming with pride.