Hair Care and Haircutting
The Hair Care and Haircutting domain tests whether you can analyze a client's hair, choose products that match that analysis, and execute a cut whose line, elevation, and distribution you can explain and defend.
Hair analysis drives every decision
Four properties matter: texture (strand diameter), density (strands per square inch), porosity (how readily the cuticle absorbs and releases moisture) and elasticity (stretch-and-return). Elasticity is the safety test: mist a strand and stretch gently. If it does not spring back, the hair is over-processed and should not receive another chemical service.
Cutting mechanics
- Guideline: the first cut; it sets the length the rest of the section follows.
- Elevation: the angle hair is held away from the head. 0 degrees produces a blunt, one-length line; 45 degrees a graduated build-up; 90 degrees uniform layers; 180 degrees long, disconnected layers.
- Distribution: the direction hair is combed relative to the parting before cutting.
- Tension: firm and repeatable. Stretching wet hair cuts it shorter than intended.
- Cross-check: comb the section 90 degrees from the cut surface to confirm even length.
Worked example
A client with fine, low-density hair asks for a chin-length one-length bob with more volume. Reasoning: a solid 0-degree line stacks weight at the perimeter, and on fine hair that weight collapses the shape. A slight 45-degree graduation through the interior, with the perimeter still blunt and cross-checked, creates the appearance of density while keeping the requested line.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing texture with density; changing tension mid-section so the two sides differ; skipping the cross-check; razor-cutting hair that is already fragile; and expecting product to rescue a cut that was elevated inconsistently.