Virginia Barber Practice Exam

How does a barber perform a "clipper over comb" technique?

1. By holding the comb in one hand while running the clippers over it

2. By using the clippers directly on the scalp

3. By trimming hair with scissors and comb only

4. By using the comb to pull hair away from the scalp

The correct answer is: By holding the comb in one hand while running the clippers over it

The "clipper over comb" technique involves holding the comb in one hand and running the clippers over the top of the comb with the other hand. This method allows the barber to control the length of the hair being cut, as the comb acts as a guide. By raising the comb and positioning it at an angle, the barber can create a seamless blend and achieve various lengths while maintaining precision. This technique is especially useful for tapering haircuts or creating fade styles, as it allows for smooth transitions between different hair lengths. Other methods, such as using clippers directly on the scalp or relying solely on scissors, do not utilize the comb to control length, and thus, do not represent the clipper over comb technique accurately.