Why is it important to establish guidelines in a haircut?

• It's not important, you can be creative with guidelines

• To ensure an accurate cut

• To determine desired length and shape

Answer explanation

It is important to establish guidelines to determine the desired length and shape for your client.

Following guidelines also ensures methodical progression throughout the hair cut and allows an accurate cut to be achieved.

What degree of graduation would we find in a Uniform Layer?

• 90'

• 45'

• 180'

Answer explanation

In a uniform layer cut the hair has a 90 degree graduation with even weight distribution and even balance throughout.

Name the cutting technique used to reduce length and retain bulk in the hair

• Texturising

• Scissor over Comb

• Freehand

• Club Cutting

Answer explanation

In club cutting, also known as blunt cutting, the hair is held between the fingers and cut straight across.

Freehand cutting is when you cut without holding the hair. This is used when tension isn't needed.

Texturising is when you use scissors to chip into the cut style to create movement.

Scissor over comb is when the hair is lifted and held by the comb - this helps to achieve graduation, blend lengths and achieve a shorter, closer look.

Which two ways below are good maintenance practices with tools?

• Discard scissors once blunt

• Only use for the intended purpose

• Oil once a month

• Clean and sterilise after use

Answer explanation

You should always ensure that tools are fit for purpose and carry out regular checks.

You should clean, sterilise and oil your tools to increase tool lifespan.

Why is it important to control tools and equipment when cutting hair?

• To avoid injury to the clients scalp

• To avoid cutting hair by accident

• To ensure that you look professional

• To follow the latest trends in holding scissors

Answer explanation

Maintaining control when cutting hair ensures a reduction of risk of injury to yourself and your client.

It will also help you to avoid damaging the hair with harsh or incorrect combing when detangling ready to cut.

Ideally, what state should the hair be prior to cutting?

• Dry and straightened

• Freshly washed

• Prepped with styling products

• Detangled from point to root

Answer explanation

It is important to prepare the hair before cutting as styling products may cause discomfort to the client when being combed and handled.

Clean and detangled hair will help to achieve an even and accurate result.

When cutting hair we should consider the following factors before and during a cutting service...

• Head and face shape, hair colour and client desires

• Density, lifestyle and client age

• Elasticity, hair growth patterns and hair classifications

Answer explanation

It is important to consider all of the following factors before a cutting service:

Head and Face shape

Hair growth patterns

Hair elasticity

Hair classification

Hair density

This will help to ensure that the haircut flatters the client and you can plan for any adaptations that you might need to make around growth patterns, elasticity and density.

Why should we protect our client from hair clippings?

• To avoid hair splinters and protect footwear

• To ensure client comfort and protect their clothing

• It's unavoidable, it's just part of a cutting service

How can hair density affect a cutting service?

• Sparse hair will likely need hair extensions to create bulk for most hair styles

• Hair density does not affect a cutting service

• Abundant hair can increase service time as it can take longer to wash, cut and dry

Answer explanation

Certain hair styles will work better with different levels of density in hair and often cuts will need to be adapted to accommodate very sparse or abundant heads of hair.

Abundant hair types will often mean an increase in service time as the hair takes longer to wash, rinse, cut and dry.

What is it called when we stretch the hair before we cut it?

Answer explanation

Creating tension is the act of gently stretching the hair ready to cut.

Applying the same tension throughout the hair cut ensures accuracy and balance.

We vary tension depending on hair type and elasticity.