Haircutting and Styling
What the exam tests
This domain tests sectioning, guide selection, elevation, tension, clipper and shear work, blending, cross-checking, and finishing.
Core rules
- Section hair cleanly and establish a guide before cutting. Keep tension consistent; wet and dry tension can differ.
- Elevation controls shape: blunt cutting is generally 0 degrees, graduated cutting about 45 degrees, and layered cutting 90 degrees or more.
- Clipper-over-comb follows the head shape and keeps the blade parallel to the comb. Tapers and fades blend short to long without ledges.
- Cross-check by cutting from the opposite direction and comparing both sides. Check the neckline and outline after styling.
- Styling depends on direction, heat control, and product amount. Use thermal protection with hot tools and do not overapply product.
Worked example
A client wants a low fade. Set a guideline at the nape, work upward in small sections, and keep the blade parallel to the comb. Blend the transition with clipper-over-comb and shear-over-comb, then cross-check both sides and the crown. If one side shows a line, re-blend rather than cutting the guideline lower.
Traps that cost marks
Cutting past the guide; changing tension between sections; failing to cross-check; overtexturizing fine hair; and pushing a neckline too high or too square.
Key points
- Guide, elevation, and tension determine the shape.
- Blunt, graduated, and layered cuts use different elevation.
- Clipper-over-comb follows the head shape.
- Cross-check both sides and the crown.
- Finish with controlled heat and product.