Haircutting Basics
What is the term for removing length from the hair?
Haircutting
What tool is commonly used to cut hair?
Haircutting shears.
What does 0° elevation mean?
The hair is held at its natural fall with no elevation
What technique creates a blunt, solid line?
One-length or blunt cutting
What should you do before using haircutting tools on a client?
Make sure the tools are properly cleaned, disinfected, and in good working condition.
What is the guideline that determines the length of the haircut called?
A cutting guideline.
What type of scissors are designed specifically for cutting hair?
Professional haircutting shears.
What elevation creates more layers?
Higher elevation generally creates more layering.
What technique removes bulk without significantly changing length?
Texturizing.
What should be done with hair clippings after a haircut?
Hair clippings should be removed from the work area and disposed of properly.
guideline that does not move and is used as a reference for determining the length of the haircut.
stationary guideline
What is the purpose of a razor in haircutting?
A razor can remove length and create softer, textured, feathered, or graduated effects.
What happens to the hair when it is elevated to 90°?
The hair is lifted straight out from the head, creating a layered effect.
What is point cutting used to create?
Point cutting creates a softer, less blunt edge and can add texture and movement.
Why should tools be cleaned before they are disinfected?
Cleaning removes visible hair, dirt, oils, and product residue so the disinfectant can work effectively.
What is overdirection used for in haircutting?
Overdirection is used to create length or weight in specific areas by directing the hair away from its natural fall.
What is the purpose of texturizing shears?
To remove some bulk and add texture without removing as much overall length as regular shears.
How does increasing elevation affect the amount of layering?
Generally, increasing elevation creates more layering and removes more weight from the haircut.
What is slide cutting?
Slide cutting is a technique in which the shears slide along the hair rather than cutting straight across, creating softness and removing bulk.
What type of disinfectant should be used on reusable nonporous implements?
An EPA-registered disinfectant appropriate for use on salon implements and used according to the manufacturer's directions.
How does the shape of the head influence the final haircut?
The shape of the head affects how the hair falls and how the haircut's lines, layers, weight, and overall shape appear.
What is the difference between a cutting shear and a texturizing shear?
Cutting shears have solid cutting blades designed to remove a defined amount of hair, while texturizing shears have teeth that remove selected amounts of hair and create texture or reduce bulk.
Explain the difference between elevation, overdirection, and projection.
Elevation is the degree the hair is lifted away from the head. Overdirection is directing the hair away from its natural fall to create length or weight in a specific area. Projection refers to the direction in which the hair is positioned in relation to the head while cutting.
Explain how point cutting, notching, and slicing can change the texture and movement of a haircut.
These techniques remove selected amounts of hair from the ends or interior. They can soften blunt lines, remove bulk, create texture, and increase movement while maintaining the overall shape of the haircut.
Explain the proper steps for cleaning and disinfecting haircutting implements.
Remove hair and debris, clean the implement with soap/detergent and water, rinse and dry as appropriate, completely immerse the implement in the appropriate EPA-registered disinfectant for the required contact time, then remove and store it according to manufacturer and state-board requirements.