West Virginia Barber Practice Exam

How do you perform a basic scissor over comb technique?

1. Hold the comb horizontally and cut vertically

2. Hold the comb to lift hair and cut with shears along the comb

3. Cut straight across with the shears without using a comb

4. Clamp the hair with the comb and clip just below

The correct answer is: Hold the comb to lift hair and cut with shears along the comb

The technique known as scissor over comb is a fundamental cutting method used in barbering to achieve a blended and textured look. Holding the comb to lift sections of hair allows the barber to control the length of the hair being cut. As the hair is held in place by the comb, cutting with shears along the comb provides precision and accuracy, allowing for a smooth graduation of length. This method is especially effective because the comb acts as a guide, enabling the barber to cut hair evenly and maintain the desired shape. Furthermore, it allows for versatility in styling, accommodating various hair types and lengths. By using the comb to elevate the hair, the barber can easily see how much hair is being cut and make adjustments as needed, which is crucial for finishing techniques or creating texture. The other choices describe techniques that do not accurately reflect the fundamentals of the scissor over comb method, focusing instead on approaches that lack the control and precision offered by the correct method.