Haircutting
What this domain tests
Haircutting questions focus on sectioning, elevation, distribution, guides, and how each choice changes the silhouette. You must also know tool safety and texturizing methods.
Core concepts
- Sectioning: divide hair into controllable panels. A center part, horizontal sections, and consistent subsection size keep tension even.
- Elevation (projection): the angle at which hair is held away from the head. 0° gives a blunt or solid line; 45° gives graduation; 90° gives uniform layers; 180° gives long layers.
- Distribution: the direction hair is combed relative to its section. Perpendicular distribution builds weight; shifted distribution creates movement.
- Guides: a stationary guide keeps all later sections at the first length; a moving guide follows each cut section.
- Shapes: blunt cuts have a solid perimeter; graduation stacks weight; layering removes weight and adds movement; texturizing removes bulk without shortening the perimeter.
Worked example
A client wants volume at the crown but a strong perimeter. Use a blunt perimeter at 0° elevation, then elevate crown sections to 90° with a stationary guide to build layers. Cross-check by taking horizontal slices; if the perimeter is uneven, reestablish the guide before continuing.
Traps that cost marks
Elevation and distribution are not the same. A 45° cut is graduated, not layered. Overdirection can shift weight and is easy to overdo. Tension matters most on curly or wet hair; uneven tension produces an uneven line. Texturizing shears remove bulk quickly, so cut conservatively.