Hair Cutting and Basic Hair Styling
What this domain covers
This domain tests sectioning, elevation, tension and the finishing skills needed for a basic cut and blow-dry.
Cutting fundamentals
- Sectioning: divide into four sections along centre and crown partings, then sub-section to match the cut.
- Elevation: 0 degrees gives a solid blunt line, 45 degrees builds graduation, 90 degrees and above creates layers.
- Tension and distribution: keep even tension, cut the hair in the position it will fall, and cross-check balance at the end.
- Dry versus wet: wet cutting is standard for precision, but curly hair shrinks, so cut it dry or leave extra length.
Basic shapes
One-length blunt cut, bob and a-line bob, graduated bob, long layers, fringe.
Styling
Rough-dry to about 80% before sectioning, direct the nozzle down the hair shaft for shine, keep tension with a round brush, and finish with a cool shot to set the shape. Tong or straightener temperatures are roughly 160C for fine or coloured hair and up to 200C for coarse hair, always with heat protection.
Worked example
A client with fine straight hair wants volume at the crown. Correct plan: a slightly shorter blunt perimeter with short crown layers cut with over-direction, then a round-brush blow-dry lifting the root. Reasoning: blunt lines create weight and a fuller outline, while short crown layers give the lift that fine hair lacks.
Traps
- Cutting past your knuckles instead of using them as a guide.
- Over-thinning fine hair until it looks stringy.
- Cutting curly hair wet and finding it two inches shorter when dry.