California Cosmetology Written ExamHaircuttingHard
A stylist is using a razor to cut a client's hair and wants to avoid removing too much bulk or creating an overly thin, feathered result. Which factor has the greatest effect on how much hair is removed during razor cutting?
- AThe angle of the razor blade against the hair strand
- BThe number of teeth on the comb used
- CThe color of the hair being cut
- DThe room temperature during the service
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The angle of the razor blade against the hair strand
In razor cutting, the angle at which the blade meets the hair strand directly controls how much cuticle and bulk is removed; a flatter angle removes less hair while a steeper angle removes more, allowing the stylist to control the amount of taper and thinning. Hair color, comb tooth count, and room temperature have no meaningful effect on the amount of hair removed by a razor.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Comb tooth count affects sectioning/distribution, not the razor's cutting angle.
- C. Hair color has no bearing on how much hair is physically removed by a razor.
- D. Room temperature has no effect on the amount of hair removed with a razor.
Razor Cutting Angle
The angle at which a razor blade is held against a hair strand directly controls how much hair is removed; flatter angles remove less, steeper angles remove more.
- Blade angle controls degree of taper/thinning
- Steeper angle removes more bulk
- Improper angle can over-thin or damage hair ends
Memory trick: Steeper angle, sharper bite — more hair leaves the strand.