Why do dog groomers use curved scissors?

Answered by Frank Schwing

As a dog groomer with years of experience, I can confidently say that curved scissors are a staple tool in our profession. These scissors are specifically designed to trim the hair in those hard-to-reach places, giving the dog a neat and polished look. But why do we use curved scissors? Well, let me explain.

First and foremost, curved scissors are excellent for trimming the hair on a dog’s feet. Dogs often have long hair around their paw pads, which can easily get matted or tangled. With curved scissors, we can trim this hair close to the pad, ensuring that it doesn’t collect dirt or debris. The rounded shape of the scissors allows for precise cutting, reducing the risk of accidentally nicking the dog’s sensitive skin.

Another area where curved scissors shine is the back legs. Dogs have a natural curve in their thigh muscles that extends down to the hock. Regular straight scissors can sometimes struggle to follow this curve, resulting in an uneven cut. However, curved scissors effortlessly glide along the contour of the leg, creating a seamless and uniform trim.

One of my favorite uses for curved scissors is on the chest area that blends down into the front legs. This area often has dense hair that can become unruly if not trimmed properly. The curve of the scissors allows me to trim the hair in a rounded shape, giving the dog a clean and well-groomed appearance. It’s important to note that we never cut too close to the skin, as this can cause irritation or discomfort for the dog. Instead, we aim for a balanced and natural look.

Curved scissors also come in handy when working on the dog’s face. The eyebrows, in particular, can benefit from the precision offered by these scissors. By using curved scissors, we can trim the hair around the eyes without compromising the dog’s safety. Additionally, the rounded shape of the scissors helps us achieve a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing shape to the eyebrows.

In my years as a dog groomer, I have found curved scissors to be invaluable in many other areas as well. They are great for shaping the tail, creating a gradual taper from the base to the tip. They are also useful for blending hair on the body, especially in areas where different hair lengths meet, ensuring a seamless transition.

To sum it up, curved scissors are a dog groomer’s best friend when it comes to achieving a precise and polished look. Their unique shape allows us to navigate tricky areas with ease, ensuring a professional finish. So, the next time you see a dog with perfectly rounded feet or a well-defined chest, you can thank the magical tool that is the curved scissors.