Hair Cutting Techniques & Barbering Services Flashcards

What does 'elevation' refer to in the context of hair cutting?

Answer: The angle at which hair is held away from the head before cutting

Elevation is the angle at which hair is lifted from the scalp (0° to 180°) before cutting, which determines where weight falls and how layers are created.

Which hair cutting technique removes interior bulk without shortening the overall perimeter length?

Answer: Thinning or slithering

Thinning (or slithering) removes interior bulk by sliding the scissors along the hair shaft without cutting the perimeter length.

What is a 'guide' or 'guideline' used for when cutting hair?

Answer: Establishing a reference length that subsequent sections are matched to

A guide (or guideline) establishes a reference length that all other sections are cut to match, ensuring consistency and uniformity throughout the haircut.

When performing a blunt cut, the hair is held at what degree of elevation?

Answer: 0 degrees

A blunt cut is performed with 0 degrees of elevation—hair combed flat against the head—creating a solid, one-length perimeter line.

The 'scissor over comb' technique is most commonly used to:

Answer: Taper and blend short hair at the nape, ears, and sideburns

Scissor over comb uses a comb to lift hair while scissors cut it, allowing precise tapering and blending in shorter areas such as the nape and around the ears.

Which clipper guard number leaves approximately 1/2 inch of hair length?

Answer: Guard #4

Guard #4 leaves approximately 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of hair, with each successive guard number adding approximately 1/8 inch in length.

What is the primary purpose of a horseshoe parting in a clipper haircut?

Answer: To divide the top section from the sides and back for systematic cutting

A horseshoe parting creates a curved section that separates the top/crown area from the sides and back, allowing the barber to work each section systematically.