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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Milady Chapter 16 hair cutting quiz

Quick, free haircutting practice test. Instant results and answer review.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kaylyn CabotUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Chapter 16 Haircutting Quiz on coral background testing Milady skills

This quiz helps you review Milady Chapter 16 haircutting concepts like beveling, elevation, guideline control, texturizing, tool use, and shear hardness. Keep your prep on track with a quick cosmetology practice test, revisit fundamentals in the chapter 15 quiz, and sharpen technique with a focused hairdresser practice test.

What is beveling in haircutting?
Texturizing hair with a razor
Cutting hair while it is dry to create a blunt line
A method of cutting close to the scalp to remove bulk
A technique that creates a soft edge by cutting hair with the shears slightly closed
Beveling uses the shears at a slight angle to the hair strand, creating a soft, tapered edge rather than a blunt line. This technique is commonly used to soften perimeter lines. It's different from slicing or point cutting, which remove weight internally. For more detail, see .
Which tool is specifically designed for texturizing hair?
Thinning shears
Clippers
Cut-throat razor
Round brush
Thinning shears have notched blades that remove weight and blend sections of hair without altering the length significantly. They are ideal for texturizing and thinning out bulky areas. Unlike razors or clippers, they preserve the outer shape. More information is available at .
What does shear hardness refer to in hair cutting shears?
The number of teeth on the shear blade
The resistance of the metal blade to denting and wear
The handle design of the shears
The length of the shear blade
Shear hardness measures how well the steel holds its edge and resists deformation. Hardness is commonly tested via the Rockwell scale for shears. Higher hardness often correlates with longer-lasting sharpness but can mean more brittle blades. Learn more at .
Which angle produces the sharpest cutting edge on scissors?
35 degrees
10 degrees
60 degrees
90 degrees
Professional hair shears are often ground at about a 35-degree angle for an optimal balance of sharpness and durability. A lower angle yields a sharper but less durable edge; a higher angle is more durable but less sharp. This angle ensures efficient cutting without excessive wear. Details at .
What is the primary purpose of texturizing?
To straighten curly hair temporarily
To color hair more evenly
To remove bulk and add movement
To create a straight, blunt line
Texturizing techniques like point cutting and thinning shears remove weight and add versatility and movement to the style. They help the hair lay better and reduce bulk in target areas. They are not used for blunt lines or chemical effects. See for more.
Which action best describes point cutting?
Cutting curved lines around the perimeter
Cutting into the ends of hair with the tips of the shears
Cutting the hair close to the scalp
Cutting hair perpendicular to its growth
Point cutting uses the tips of the shears to create texture by removing small amounts of hair at the ends. It softens the edge and adds movement. It differs from blunt cutting, which uses the full blade to create straight lines. Read more at .
Which part of the shear controls tension?
Blade tip
Finger rest
Tension screw
Pivot point
The tension screw adjusts how tightly the blades close together. Proper tension ensures clean cuts without hair slipping and prevents blade damage. Too loose or too tight tension can lead to uneven cuts or shear damage. For details, visit .
Which cutting technique uses the stationary blade against the moving blade of the shears?
Clipper graduation
Scissor over comb
Slide cutting
Razor cutting
Scissor over comb places the comb against the head, and the moving blade of the shear cuts hair against the stationary comb teeth. This method is ideal for blending and achieving tapered effects. It differs from slide cutting, which moves shears along the hair strand. More at .
What is the recommended way to hold shears for safety and control?
Both hands gripping shears at the tips
Holding shears by the blades
Thumb and pinky in the rings
Thumb in the smaller ring, index and middle finger in the larger ring
Proper shear grip involves the ring finger and pinky in the larger ring, thumb in the smaller ring, and index and middle finger supporting the handle. This stance offers accuracy and prevents strain. Holding blades or tips is unsafe and leads to damage. See for guidance.
Which technique thins out weight without altering the perimeter line?
Razor over comb
Using thinning shears inside the haircut
Point cutting the ends all around
Creating a blunt cut at the perimeter
Thinning shears remove bulk internally while leaving the outer shape intact. They are used near the scalp or mid-shaft to reduce density. This differs from perimeter texturizing which changes the outline. For more, visit .
What does the term 'tension' mean in haircutting?
The angle of the shears
Speed of the hair dryer
Tightness of the salon chair
The amount of pressure applied when stretching hair between fingers
Tension refers to how much force is used when holding and stretching hair sections before cutting. Proper tension yields accurate, even cuts and helps control the shape. Too much tension can cause hair to spring back incorrectly. More info at .
Which cutting line is used to create a stable foundation in haircutting?
Texturizing line
Interior guideline
Perimeter line
Graduation line
The perimeter line is the outer boundary of the haircut and provides the overall shape. It is the first cutting line established for consistency. Interior guidelines control length internally. This is discussed at .
What is the purpose of a stationary guideline?
To maintain a consistent length in all sections
To bevel the perimeter
To texturize the ends
To remove bulk at the crown
A stationary guideline remains in place while all other sections are cut to that fixed length. It provides consistency across the haircut. It is different from a traveling guideline, which moves. See .
Which tool would you use for precision detailing around the ears?
Small cutting shears
Large thinning shears
Round brush
Wide-tooth comb
Small cutting shears allow greater control in tight areas like around the ears for accurate edging. They provide precision without bulk removal. Larger shears are unwieldy in small sections. More at .
What does 'dry cutting' refer to?
Texturizing hair only at the perimeter
Using electric clippers
Beveling on wet hair
Cutting hair without water or wetting it first
Dry cutting is performed on hair in its natural state, without wetting. It reveals how hair will fall and behave when styled. It's often used for finishing and texturizing after a wet cut. For more, see .
Which distribution method is used to create uniform layers?
Perpendicular to the head
Natural fall without tension
Parallel distribution
Overdirection to a central point
Parallel distribution means sections are pulled in the same direction before cutting to ensure even layering. It helps maintain consistent lengths across the head. Others create varied lengths or graduation. See .
What effect does point cutting at a 45-degree angle into the hair ends produce?
Adds soft texture and movement
Removes too much length
Creates a blunt, heavy line
Straightens naturally curly hair
Point cutting at 45 degrees removes weight and blunts the ends for a soft, textured finish. The angle determines how much texture is added. A steeper angle yields more layering effect. Learn more at .
Which shear blade finish requires the least frequent sharpening?
Laser-cut edge
Beveled edge
Convex edge
Serrated edge
Convex blades are ground to a smooth, curved finish, providing a very sharp edge that glides through hair and stays sharp longer. Beveled edges are more durable but dull faster. Serrated edges grip hair. More information at .
How does texturizing near the scalp affect a haircut?
Prevents hair from growing out
Adds length at the roots
Removes weight for better layering and movement
Creates a blunt perimeter line
Texturizing at the root or near scalp reduces bulk and allows layers to fall more fluidly. It can also soften harsh graduation. It's commonly done with slicing or razor techniques. See .
Which part of the shear should be checked regularly for tension adjustment?
The blade bevel
The handle grip
The finger rest
The pivot point and tension screw assembly
The pivot assembly and tension screw regulate blade movement. Regular tuning keeps cuts precise. Neglect leads to blade misalignment and damage. For tuning tips, visit .
When slide cutting, how should the shears move relative to the hair strand?
Against the scalp
Perpendicular to the hair at all times
Fully closed to snip small pieces
Open slightly and slide along the hair
Slide cutting involves opening the shears slightly and gliding them down the hair shaft to remove weight and create subtle graduation. It differs from blunt cutting, which uses a fully closed blade. More on slide cutting at .
What does 'overdirection' achieve in layered haircuts?
A blunt cut base
Uniform length through the haircut
Tighter curls
Longer layers and increased weight at the perimeter
Overdirection pulls sections away from their natural fall before cutting, creating longer layers and more weight at the perimeter. It's used to comb out weight lines or add volume. See .
Which razor technique yields the most dramatic texturizing effect?
Sliding the razor along hair
Clipper razor combo
Beveling with a razor
Notching with a razor
Notching with a razor involves making small, random cuts into the hair ends to create dramatic texture and broken lines. It's more aggressive than sliding, which creates softer graduation. Learn at .
What is the purpose of the thumb tang on a shear?
To store tension oil
To sharpen the edge
To hang the shears on a hook
To provide additional leverage and control
The thumb tang extends from the thumb ring to rest part of the thumb, improving leverage and reducing fatigue. Proper use aids in control for precision cuts. Misuse can strain the thumb. More at .
Which texturizing shears configuration removes the most hair in one cut?
Crane shears
Clipper over comb
5-tooth shears
30-tooth shears
A higher tooth count, like 30 teeth, removes more hair when texturizing than a lower tooth count. Fewer teeth give more blending. Crane shears are for sculpting. For more, see .
What is the effect of a convex shear edge compared to a beveled edge?
Less sharp but more durable
Smoother cut with less drag
Rougher cut with more bite
No difference in cutting performance
Convex edges are finely ground and polished, providing a razor-like sharpness that glides through hair. They reduce drag and are favored for detailed cutting. Beveled edges are more durable but can drag. See .
Why is it important to check shear alignment regularly?
To keep the handle design intact
To ensure clean, consistent cuts and prevent blade damage
To change blade angle constantly
To increase the teeth count
Misaligned blades can tug hair, produce irregular cuts, and damage the shear. Regular checking and tuning maintain optimal cutting performance. Technicians use alignment tools or professional servicing. Read more at .
Which cutting method uses the hair's natural fall without altering its position?
Natural fall cutting
Traveling guideline cutting
Cutting on base
Overdirection cutting
Natural fall cutting allows hair to fall freely and cuts are made along its natural distribution. It results in a haircut that moves as the hair normally lies. It differs from cutting with tension or overdirection. More at .
How does reducing blade angle affect shear performance?
Produces a sharper but less durable edge
Increases blade durability but dullness
Has no impact on sharpness
Prevents any need for tension adjustment
Lower blade angles create a finer, sharper edge that cuts effortlessly but can dull or chip faster. Higher angles produce a sturdier edge but require more force. Stylists choose angle based on hair type and usage. See .
Which texturizing technique involves removing hair in a zigzag pattern with the shears slightly open?
Beveling
Notching
Slicing
Point cutting
Notching inserts the shear tips into the hair and opens and closes in a zigzag motion to remove hair in chunks, creating a broken, textured line. Slicing uses a gliding open blade motion. Notching is ideal for irregular texture. More at .
When performing a razor cut, what angle should the razor blade typically be held at to the hair?
90 degrees
10 degrees
180 degrees
45 degrees
Holding the razor at 45 degrees allows for efficient slicing of hair fibers and creates a soft edge. Too steep an angle cuts too aggressively; too flat an angle skips hair. This is standard for safe razor texturizing. See .
How does blade metallurgy affect shear performance?
Alters the shear's length
Changes handle ergonomics only
Only affects the screw tension
Determines hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention
Different steel alloys and heat-treating processes yield varying degrees of hardness, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion. These factors determine how long shears keep their edge and how they perform under stress. Quality metallurgy is key for professional tools. More at .
In graduated cutting, what effect does cutting below the fingers create?
Uniform length through all layers
Texturizing without length change
Stacked weight lines and a strong graduation
Blunt perimeter with no layers
Cutting below the fingers places the guideline lower than the previous perimeter, building weight and creating a pronounced graduation. This technique stacks hair for stronger graduation. It's used for classic bob shapes. Details at .
What does 'slice cutting' primarily achieve?
Adds blunt perimeter weight
Creates harsh, disconnected layers
Removes weight with a smooth graduation
Straightens curly hair
Slice cutting uses an open shear gliding motion to remove subtle weight and create a softer graduation or blending. It's gentler than blunt cutting and ideal for soft transitions. For more, see .
Which technique uses a guideline that moves with each section?
Perimeter guideline
Traveling guideline
Interior guideline
Stationary guideline
A traveling guideline is carried to each new section as you cut, ensuring length gradually changes, creating layers or graduation. Stationary guidelines remain fixed for uniform lengths. More at .
How does texturizing with a razor differ from texturizing with shears?
Razor creates wispy, feathered edges, shears yield more uniform removal
There is no difference in the effect
Shears always produce wispy edges
Razor can only remove bulk, not texture
Razors slice through hair fibers at varied angles, producing a fine, broken line and feathered ends. Shears remove weight more evenly. Choice depends on desired texture. For razor techniques, visit .
What is backhand cutting used for in haircutting?
Texturizing with razors
Cutting toward the stylist with reversed blade action for soft edges
Clipper over comb technique
Cutting away from the stylist for precision lines
Backhand cutting is performed with the blades reversed, pulling the hair into the shear against the natural motion. It creates softer graduation and is useful for interior texturizing. It differs from forehand cutting, which pushes hair. More at .
Which blade finish is characterized by a straight, angled edge that is ground at a specific bevel angle?
Serrated edge
Beveled edge
Convex edge
Non-beveled edge
Beveled edge shears have a distinct, angled grind that meets at a straight line, offering durability and ease of maintenance. They are common for basic cutting needs. Convex blades are rounded and sharper. More at .
Why might a stylist choose a higher-tooth-count thinning shear over a lower-tooth-count?
For more subtle blending and less weight removal per cut
Because they are cheaper
To bevel the perimeter
To remove large sections of hair quickly
Higher-tooth-count shears remove less hair per snip, providing finer blending and softer transitions, ideal for detail work. Lower-tooth-count shears remove more bulk. Stylists match tooth count to technique. See .
What is one disadvantage of very hard shear steel (Rockwell 63+)?
It can be more brittle and prone to chipping
It dulls too quickly
It has no advantage in cutting performance
It cannot be sharpened
While very hard steel retains edge longer, it can be brittle and chip if misused or dropped. A balanced hardness offers durability with some flexibility. Professionals choose based on needs. More at .
Which finger placement can reduce shear slippage during cutting?
Applying pressure with the palm
Holding the scissors by the blades
Gripping only with the thumb
Resting the ring finger and pinky on the shear's tang
Proper finger placement, including resting on the tang, provides stability and prevents slippage. It ensures controlled movements and reduces fatigue. Incorrect grip risks uneven cuts. For grip tips, visit .
What is the result of cutting hair at 0-degree elevation?
Generates maximum graduation
Removes bulk internally
Creates a blunt, heavy line with no graduation
Produces long layers
0-degree elevation means cutting hair straight down against its natural fall, resulting in a heavy, blunt edge. It's used for strong lines and weight. Higher elevations produce layers. See .
In shear blade manufacturing, what is the primary purpose of cryogenic treatment?
To transform retained austenite for increased hardness and wear resistance
To shape the blade geometry
To coat the blade with Teflon
To polish the blade edge
Cryogenic treatment cools steel to very low temperatures, converting retained austenite to martensite and improving hardness and wear resistance. It enhances edge retention without brittleness. Many premium shears undergo this process. Details at .
Which shearing technique is most effective for creating interior softness without changing the perimeter?
Channel cutting inside the section
Cutting 0-degree on perimeter
Beveling the perimeter
Razor over comb
Channel cutting uses open shear slides within the section to remove internal weight and add softness while preserving the outer shape. It's ideal for creating volume without altering silhouette. See .
How does the presence of vanadium in shear steel alloy benefit blade performance?
Refines grain structure for improved toughness and edge retention
Softens the blade under stress
Makes the steel magnetic
Causes rapid corrosion
Vanadium contributes to a finer grain size in steel, enhancing toughness and wear resistance. This results in better edge retention and less brittleness, crucial for high-end shears. More on metallurgy at .
When performing cross-checks on a layered haircut, what is the primary goal?
Remove all interior bulk
Ensure consistent length and weight distribution across all sections
Bevel the perimeter twice
Add maximum texture at the crown
Cross-checking involves verifying sections against each other to confirm uniform length and balanced weight distribution. It catches inconsistencies from the initial cut. It's a vital quality control step. For techniques, see .
What is the significance of a zero-bevel shear in professional cutting?
It is only used for thinning
It cannot cut thicker hair types
It has no flat surface and offers extremely fine, precise cutting
It dulls faster than other shears
Zero-bevel or magnum-edge shears have no flat ground surface, providing a curved cutting face that glides through hair with minimal resistance and maximum precision. They are preferred for detailed work and slide cutting. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Essential Haircutting Tools -

    Recognize the main tools covered in Milady Chapter 16, such as shears, razors, and texturizing implements, and their specific uses in professional haircutting.

  2. Explain Beveling Techniques -

    Describe the purpose and method of beveling hair sections to create curved shapes and soft edges, as outlined in the chapter 16 haircutting quiz.

  3. Apply Texturizing Methods -

    Demonstrate how to use texturizing techniques like point cutting, slicing, and notching to add movement and reduce weight, following guidelines from Milady ch 16.

  4. Recall the Ideal Rockwell Hardness of a Shear -

    State the recommended Rockwell hardness for professional haircutting shears and explain why this rating ensures durability and precision.

  5. Differentiate Shear Types by Hardness Ratings -

    Compare various shear compositions and hardness levels to determine the best choice for specific cutting techniques in the haircutting chapter 16 content.

  6. Evaluate Shear Maintenance Best Practices -

    Assess proper care and maintenance routines for shears to prolong lifespan and maintain optimal performance as taught in Milady Chapter 16.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Ideal Rockwell Hardness of Shears -

    According to Milady Standard Cosmetology, the ideal Rockwell hardness of a shear falls between 56 and 62 HRC to ensure sharpness and durability. A handy mnemonic is "Baking at 56 - 62°" like preheating an oven - easy to remember the hardness range. This hardness prevents blade deformation while cutting through various hair textures.

  2. Fundamentals of Beveling -

    Beveling in haircutting chapter 16 creates a soft, tapered edge by cutting with the shears at a closed angle, typically around 0 - 15 degrees from the hair section. Think of drawing a light shading pencil line for a smooth gradient; it removes weight and blends lines. Milady ch 16 emphasizes steady finger tension to maintain consistent bevel lines.

  3. Texturizing Techniques -

    Chapter 16 haircutting outlines three main texturizing methods: point cutting, slicing, and notching, each altering hair movement differently. A quick formula is "Point for peek-a-boo, slice for soft, notch for bold" to choose the right approach. Industry research (Journal of Hair Science) confirms varying texturizing percentages (10 - 30%) deliver predictable volume control.

  4. Sectioning and Cutting Angles -

    Haircutting chapter 16 teaches that horizontal sections at 0° produce one-length cuts, while vertical sections at 90° yield uniform layers. Remember "0 is one, 90 is high and fun" to nail those angles on the first try. Proper sectioning ensures balance and symmetry, a principle backed by Cosmetology Research Quarterly.

  5. Shear Maintenance and Edge Geometry -

    In milady chapter 16, daily shear maintenance includes cleaning, oiling, and tension checks to preserve edge geometry - hollow-ground edges offer the sharpest cuts. Use the "clean, oil, test, rest" routine before each service to extend blade life. The Professional Hair Council reports that well-maintained shears cut 50% more efficiently.

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