Haircutting, Tapering, and Styling
Lines, elevation, distribution
Almost every haircut question can be answered by naming three decisions: the section line (square, round, or diagonal), the elevation the hair is held at, and the distribution (natural fall or shifted). A stationary guide does not move and builds a solid shape; a mobile guide travels with the previous subsection and is used to follow a line. Subsectioning too wide is the classic error - wide sections distort elevation and leave visible lines.
Elevation cheat sheet
0° gives a blunt, solid form with no layering. 45° gives graduation, with weight building at the perimeter. 90° gives uniform layers. 180° gives long layers with all hair projected up. Trap: candidates read "90 degrees" and answer "graduated." Graduation is 45°.
Tapering
A taper is a gradual shortening toward the nape and around the ears, not a separate haircut. Blend with clipper-over-comb, holding the comb flat against the head and cutting only what stands through the teeth, working from long to short. Cross-check in the direction opposite the cut, and remember hair lies differently wet than dry. Necklines are squared, round, or tapered, and the neckline must balance the sideburn length.
Styling
Thermal and blow-dry work follows the natural growth pattern for control, and goes against it only to build volume. Keep shears sharp and clippers oiled and disinfected; a dull blade pulls and burns.
Rule of thumb: choose elevation first, then guide type - the cut almost designs itself.