A proper grip can reduce fatigue, improve control, and prevent long-term injuries, yet, many groomers unknowingly develop bad habits that limit their performance or cause discomfort over time.
If your hands hurt at the end of the day—or your cuts don’t land where you want—it might be time to adjust your technique.
The Correct Shear Grip: The Thumb-Pinky Principle
The most recommended grip is called the "relaxed open-hand grip" or "professional grip", and it looks like this:
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Thumb goes in the thumb ring—but only the tip of your thumb, not the whole pad.
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Ring finger goes in the finger ring.
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Pinky rests on the tang (the little hook at the end of the shear).
-
Middle and index fingers rest lightly along the handle for balance and guidance.
This grip allows your thumb to move independently without shifting the rest of your hand, giving you cleaner, more controlled cuts.
Common Grip Mistakes That Cause Problems
1. Shoving Your Thumb Too Far In
This restricts movement and creates tension, making it harder to open and close the shears quickly.
2. Using Your Middle Finger in the Finger Hole
Some groomers switch to the middle finger for more "power," but this reduces fine motor control and throws off the balance of the shears.
3. Letting Go of the Tang
The tang is there for a reason—it stabilizes your grip and supports your pinky, reducing strain during long grooming sessions.
4. Gripping Too Tight
White knuckle tension leads to hand cramps. Shears should feel like an extension of your hand, not a vice grip.
Why the Proper Grip Matters for Groomers
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Reduces fatigue during high-volume grooming days
-
Improves precision for detailed work (like paw pads and faces)
-
Extends the life of your shears by reducing unnecessary force
-
Prevents injury, especially repetitive stress issues like carpal tunnel or tendonitis
If you’ve been experiencing wrist or thumb pain, it's worth re-evaluating how you’re holding your tools. Many professionals don’t realize the damage until it’s already affecting their career.
How to Train Your Hand to Hold Shears Properly
Breaking bad habits takes conscious effort. Try this:
-
Practice opening and closing the shears using only your thumb. The rest of your hand should stay still.
-
Use a mirror or record yourself to check for creeping grip errors.
-
Start slow—when you’re trimming sensitive areas, use your corrected grip and focus on control, not speed.
-
Consider using ergonomic shears with offset handles to help guide your hand into a more natural position.
How to Hold Shears Correctly (And Why So Many Groomers Do It Wrong)
A proper grip can reduce fatigue, improve control, and prevent long-term injuries, yet, many groomers unknowingly develop bad habits that limit their performance or cause discomfort over time.
If your hands hurt at the end of the day—or your cuts don’t land where you want—it might be time to adjust your technique.
The Correct Shear Grip: The Thumb-Pinky Principle
The most recommended grip is called the "relaxed open-hand grip" or "professional grip", and it looks like this:
Thumb goes in the thumb ring—but only the tip of your thumb, not the whole pad.
Ring finger goes in the finger ring.
Pinky rests on the tang (the little hook at the end of the shear).
Middle and index fingers rest lightly along the handle for balance and guidance.
This grip allows your thumb to move independently without shifting the rest of your hand, giving you cleaner, more controlled cuts.
Common Grip Mistakes That Cause Problems
1. Shoving Your Thumb Too Far In
This restricts movement and creates tension, making it harder to open and close the shears quickly.
2. Using Your Middle Finger in the Finger Hole
Some groomers switch to the middle finger for more "power," but this reduces fine motor control and throws off the balance of the shears.
3. Letting Go of the Tang
The tang is there for a reason—it stabilizes your grip and supports your pinky, reducing strain during long grooming sessions.
4. Gripping Too Tight
White knuckle tension leads to hand cramps. Shears should feel like an extension of your hand, not a vice grip.
Why the Proper Grip Matters for Groomers
Reduces fatigue during high-volume grooming days
Improves precision for detailed work (like paw pads and faces)
Extends the life of your shears by reducing unnecessary force
Prevents injury, especially repetitive stress issues like carpal tunnel or tendonitis
If you’ve been experiencing wrist or thumb pain, it's worth re-evaluating how you’re holding your tools. Many professionals don’t realize the damage until it’s already affecting their career.
How to Train Your Hand to Hold Shears Properly
Breaking bad habits takes conscious effort. Try this:
Practice opening and closing the shears using only your thumb. The rest of your hand should stay still.
Use a mirror or record yourself to check for creeping grip errors.
Start slow—when you’re trimming sensitive areas, use your corrected grip and focus on control, not speed.
Consider using ergonomic shears with offset handles to help guide your hand into a more natural position.