“Some believe it takes 66 days to make or break a habit," says Milwaukee-based cutting educator Adrian Sandoval, a Sam Villa ArTeam member. "Let’s focus on ergonomics for the next 66 days behind the chair so we can feel our best in 2025."
With repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome a common injury in the beauty community, the Sam Villa team is devoting 2025 to emphasizing how to correct the bad habits that contribute to chronic pain among hairstylists.
Even with ergonomically correct hair cutting tools, it's important to know the whys behind these tools and how to use them properly.
Below, Sandoval demonstrates the correct ways to use two recommended tools for pain-free hair cutting: ergonomically designed shears and cutting stools.
Why Ergonomic Shears
The thumb should stay aligned with the pointer finger while cutting.
- Incorrect: Using classic haircutting shears, the thumb is forced to travel across the palm to the ring finger, an unnatural position that causes tension on the thumb.
- Correct: Ergonomically correct shears (like these from Sam Villa) bring the thumb grip forward to allow the hand to move in a natural position with the thumb under the pointer finger, eliminating the tension of moving the thumb over. A swivel ring allows the elbow to be more relaxed, especially if cutting horizontally (length or layers).
Finger Position
When fingers sit too far into the rings, it forces the entire hand to move to get the scissor in motion. This adds unnecessary stress to the hand.
- Incorrect: Inserting fingers too far forward in finger/ thumb rings bends the wrist up, creating restriction in movement and more tension at the wrist.
- Correct: Insert fingers just to the first knuckle, and the thumb just to the tip. It keeps the wrist level when cutting a horizontal line.
Why a Cutting Stool
It's easy to develop a multitude of bad habits when standing upright while cutting.
- Incorrect: Cutting while standing often requires leaning down to see the cutting line. Bent knees and a curved back creates pressure on the lower back, shoulders, and neck.
- Correct: Sitting in a cutting stool allows the back to remain in a naturally straight position. The neck does not need to bend to see the cutting line at eye level.
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