Editorial & Session Shears
Select and maintain shears for editorial styling, backstage, and session work.
Editorial shear stack
| Tool | Specs | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5” precision convex | Narrow blades, offset handle | Clean perimeter edits, fringe refinement |
| 6.0” slide-friendly convex | Soft ride line, polished edge | Carving movement, sculpting shape during camera checks |
| 14-tooth blender | Deep channels | Remove weight invisibly without visible lines |
| Single-edge texturizer | 10–12 teeth | Micro shattering for high-res camera work |
| Folding razor | Guarded, fresh blades | Quick neckline + flyaway detail |
Carry double sets to avoid cross-contamination between wet prep and on-set adjustments.
Prep workflow (24 hours before call time)
- Storyboard alignment: Review mood boards, lighting diagrams, and wardrobe to match texture direction.
- Toolkit sterilization: Sanitize shears, razors, brushes. Label cases per model.
- Product map: Pack products in order of use—foundation creams, powders, finishing sprays, shine drops.
- Model notes: Confirm hair history, allergy flags, and backup looks. Capture everything in your call sheet or planning doc.
- Logistics: Check travel time, parking/load-in instructions, and power access.
On-set rhythm
- Blocking: Set up a mobile station with magnetic mats, towel-down surfaces, and battery lighting.
- Communication: Attend lighting test to anticipate how sheen or movement will read on camera.
- First pass: Build structure during base makeup. Keep sections clipped with soft, no-crease clips.
- Camera check: After first shots, request monitor review. Note flyaways and balance adjustments.
- Continuity: Photograph every adjustment, log product doses, and save for reshoots or multi-day campaigns.
Emergency fixes
| Issue | Quick solve |
|---|---|
| Frizz under harsh lights | Mist distilled water + satin spray, reseal with cool iron pass |
| Over-cut weight | Clip-in filler wefts, re-establish silhouette with micro slicing |
| Sheen too high | Powder puff + blotting papers on mids/ends |
| Drooping fringe | Re-wet, blow with small round brush, lock with wax pencil |
Maintenance for travel-heavy kits
- Wipe shears with alcohol between models; oil pivots nightly when on tour.
- Store tools in hard cases with silica packs to combat humidity.
- Schedule sharpening every 4–6 weeks during editorial season—record dates in your maintenance log.
Career leverage
- Capture behind-the-scenes content (with permission) to update your Learning Hub portfolio.
- Translate looks into salon services or workshops—log ROI in your existing dashboard.
- Debrief with creative directors post-shoot to secure future bookings and brand partnerships.
Editorial sessions move fast. Keep the kit modular, document every adjustment, and maintain pristine edges so each micro tweak reads perfectly under 4K lenses.