Barber Practice State Board Practice Exam

What happens during overdirection in hair styling?

1. The hair is cut too short

2. The hair is combed away from its natural fall position

3. The hair loses its natural shine

4. The hair is styled too tight

The correct answer is: The hair is combed away from its natural fall position

Overdirection in hair styling refers to the technique where hair is combed or styled away from its natural fall position or the way it naturally lies on the head. This method is often used to create volume or to achieve a particular shape in haircutting. By directing hair away from its natural parting, a stylist can create lift and movement, allowing for a more dynamic hairstyle. In practice, overdirection can have several effects. It can enhance layers and shapes by shifting the position where the hair is cut, resulting in a more pronounced length difference between sections. This technique is particularly useful when aiming for a graduated look or when a stylist wants to create the illusion of additional fullness. The other options do not accurately describe what occurs during overdirection. Cutting hair too short is a result of a miscalculation rather than a technique employed for styling. Similarly, hair losing its natural shine pertains more to treatment and health rather than the styling method itself, and styling hair too tight generally refers to the tension applied during updos or braiding, which is also separate from overdirection.