tapered cut and fade theory
tools and essentials
skills
texturizing techniques
miscellaneous
100

Hard line usually created using shears or trimmers that follows the natural hairline

What is a blunt outline?

100

Also known as thinning or texturizing shears

What are taper shears?

100

An overcomb technique in which the comb holds the hair while the lengths extending beyond the comb are removed with clippers

What is clipper-over-comb?

100

Technique used to cut shorter lengths within the form or along the perimeter without shortening the overall appearance of length

What is texturizing?

100

Include connect, consult, create, and complete 

What are service essentials?

200

Nape and sides are cut “bald” with trimmers, usually followed by an electric shaver or a triple zero detachable blade

What is a bald fade haircut?

200

Tool used to taper and refine the entire hairline, including sideburn areas and beard, as well as creating more detailed personalized effects 

What are trimmers/outliners?

200

Freehand stroke for blending; performed by arching the clippers away from the head in a curved movement 

What is the C-stroke?

200

Expansion tapering technique performed by gliding the open shears along the surface of the hair to achieve mobility and expansion 

What is slicing?

200

Areas that define a progression of lengths and the amount of transparency achieved in a fade haircut or faded area of a haircut 

What are zones?

300

Creates an arc or curved fade line from the temple area through to the nape; transparency occurs wider on the sides and drops lower toward the back 

What is a drop fade haircut?

300

Cutting tool used to provide a clean, blunt edge or line

What are shears?

300

Technique in which the eye and the cutting hand are the only means of control

What is freehand cutting?

300

Slightly closed shears slide down the strand to produce a rapid length increase

What is slide cutting?

300

Two-dimensional representation of form; silhouette or outer boundary 

What is shape?

400

Ultra-short version of graduation with high transparency and scalp or skin exposure all around the hairline 

What is a fade haircut?

400

Cutting tool used to create clean, precise lines or a soft, broom-like effect; various attachments allow hair to be cut at various distances from scalp

What are clippers?

400

Performed using straight razor to produce smooth skin in stark contrast to highly defined hairline outline

What is an outline shave?

400

Tips of shears are opened and closed rhythmically while sliding blades upward from the ends

What is slithering?

400

Creative lines and shapes etched or cut into the hair, usually exposing the scalp

What are hair graphics (hair tattoos)

500

Very short lengths of hair stand out from the head and allow the scalp to become more visible; creates the illusion of lighter hair color

What is transparency?

500

Tool used to remove cut hair; helps to accurately assess imperfections in the area being cut

What is a fade brush?

500

Area that connects and blends the faded lengths (shade) with the longer interior lengths (form)

What is transition?

500

Tips of straight shears are inserted into the strands; movement is from finger position toward ends; creates irregular progression of lengths

What is point cutting?

500

Blade designed to be removed quickly without using tools and replaced with another blade

What are detachable blade clippers?