How to Hold Dog Grooming Scissors Correctly to Prevent Hand and Wrist Injuries
How to Hold Dog Grooming Scissors Correctly to Prevent Hand and Wrist Injuries
Grooming may look effortless in the hands of a professional, but every groomer knows that technique and comfort are key. How you hold your scissors affects not only the quality of your work but also your long-term hand health. Using the wrong grip or scissor size can cause strain, fatigue and even lasting injury. Here’s how to make sure your scissor hold and fit are correct for safe, comfortable grooming.
Correct scissor grip: The traditional grooming grip is often called the “relaxed grip.” Your thumb goes into the lower ring, while your ring finger rests lightly in the top ring. Your index and middle fingers sit along the shank to steady the blade, and your little finger rests on the tang (the small hook or finger rest). The thumb should move freely to open and close the blades, while the rest of the hand stays relaxed. Avoid pushing your thumb too far into the ring — only the tip should be inside. This allows more control and prevents stiffness.
Relaxation is essential: A tense grip causes unnecessary strain on the wrist and fingers. Keeping your hand relaxed and your elbow slightly lifted helps maintain natural movement and control. It also reduces pressure on the tendons, lowering the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI), carpal tunnel syndrome and muscle fatigue.
Choosing the right scissor size: The size of your scissor should suit both your hand and your grooming style. Smaller hands often feel more comfortable with shorter scissors, usually around 6 to 7 inches, which are lighter and easier to control for detail work around the face, paws and tail. Medium to larger hands may prefer longer scissors, such as 7.5 to 8.5 inches, providing a greater cutting area and efficiency for shaping or body work. Holding a scissor that’s too large can make the hand overreach, leading to tension and poor precision.
Matching scissor type to hand fit: Ergonomic and offset handle designs are created to keep the wrist and hand in a more natural position. If you groom full-time, these designs can significantly reduce fatigue. Curved scissors and chunkers often have a slightly different balance, so make sure they feel comfortable before extended use. Always ensure the finger holes fit well — too tight causes friction, while too loose reduces control. Soft rubber finger inserts can help achieve a snug, comfortable fit.
Hand care during grooming: Regular stretching and breaks are vital. Open and close your hands gently between grooms, roll your wrists and stretch your fingers to improve circulation. Using well-balanced, lightweight scissors reduces the load on your joints and helps prevent pain from developing over time.
Invest in the right tools: Every groomer’s hand is different, which is why a range of scissor sizes and handle styles is important. At Dog Grooming Scissors, we stock a wide variety of professional tools from 6" finishing shears to 8.5" curved chunkers, with ergonomic and offset handles designed for comfort, control and durability. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned stylist, choosing scissors that fit your hand properly is one of the best ways to protect your health and improve your results.
Visit our scissor rang www.wowgrooming.co.uk for a full range of quality scissors designed for all hand sizes and grooming techniques. Your comfort, precision and safety matter every day you groom.
How to Hold Dog Grooming Scissors Correctly to Prevent Hand and Wrist Injuries
Grooming may look effortless in the hands of a professional, but every groomer knows that comfort, control and correct technique make all the difference. The way you hold your scissors affects not only your cutting precision but also your long-term hand and wrist health. Using the wrong grip or scissor size can lead to tension, fatigue and even repetitive strain injuries.
Correct scissor grip:
The most common and effective way to hold dog grooming scissors is known as the relaxed grip. Your thumb should rest lightly in the lower ring, and your ring finger sits in the top ring. Your index and middle fingers are placed along the shank to stabilise the blades, while your little finger rests on the tang (the small hook or finger rest). Only the tip of your thumb should go inside the ring to allow free, fluid movement. This gives more control and prevents stiffness in the wrist.
Stay relaxed:
Tension is one of the biggest causes of discomfort when grooming. Keeping your wrist straight and your hand relaxed helps maintain smooth, natural movement. Avoid gripping too tightly or locking your elbow — let the scissors glide. A relaxed posture prevents stress on tendons and muscles and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or carpal tunnel syndrome, which are common in professional groomers.
Choosing the right scissor size:
Scissors come in various lengths, and finding the right size for your hand is essential. Groomers with smaller hands often find shorter scissors — around 6 to 7 inches — more comfortable for detailed work such as around the face, feet and tail. Those with larger hands may prefer 7.5 to 8.5-inch scissors for shaping and body work, offering more reach and efficiency. Using scissors that are too large can make your hand overextend, causing strain and loss of precision.
Scissor design and hand comfort:
Ergonomic and offset-handled scissors are designed to reduce stress on the hand and wrist. These designs keep the fingers in a more natural position, helping prevent fatigue during long grooming sessions. It’s also worth checking the size of the finger holes — too tight can cause friction, and too loose can reduce control. Soft rubber inserts can help create a better fit and make scissors feel more secure in your hand.
In summary:
Holding your scissors correctly and using the right size for your hand can make a world of difference to your comfort, performance and long-term health. Good technique, posture and well-balanced tools help you groom efficiently while protecting your hands from unnecessary strain.
