Haircutting, Hairstyling, and Chemical Services
Domain 2: Haircutting, Hairstyling, and Chemical Services
This domain tests the technical decisions behind shaping hair, setting/style formation, and safe chemical change. Questions target sectioning, elevation, distribution, tension, tool use, wet/thermal styling, relaxers, and color.
Haircutting controls
- Sectioning divides hair for control; distribution is the direction hair is combed relative to its section; elevation is the angle at which hair is held from the head.
- A blunt cut uses 0-degree elevation; graduated cuts build weight with 45-degree elevation; uniform layers use 90 degrees; long layers keep length while adding movement.
- Tension should be consistent but not damaging. Overdirection moves hair beyond its natural fall and can distort guide lines.
- Guide lines may be stationary (fixed) or traveling (moving). Establish one clean guide before cutting.
Styling and chemical rules
Wet sets use molding (finger waves, pin curls) and rollers; base, stem, and curl determine volume and direction. Thermal tools require clean, dry hair and heat protection; never use metal tools on chemically treated hair without checking compatibility. Chemical services require consultation, patch test when the product label requires it, strand test, and adherence to manufacturer time. Relaxers raise pH and break disulfide bonds; neutralization lowers pH, reforms bonds, and removes residue. Color relies on the law of color: primary colors mix to secondary; complementary colors neutralize unwanted tone. Developer strength and timing affect lift and deposit.
Worked example
A client wants volume at the crown but no shortening at the perimeter. Reasoning: uniform layers at 90 degrees would create volume but may shorten the perimeter if applied throughout. A long-layered cut uses consistent elevation with a stationary perimeter guide, adding crown volume while preserving length. The stylist sections cleanly, establishes the perimeter guide, then works interior sections to the same guide.
Traps
Do not confuse elevation with distribution. Do not skip a strand test after a previous chemical service. Incomplete neutralization leaves residual alkalinity and can cause breakage. Do not use a higher-volume developer to compensate for poor timing.