New Mexico Cosmetology Practice Exam

What technique is used to create volume at the roots of hair?

1. Flat ironing

2. Blow drying

3. Backcombing or teasing

4. Sectioning

The correct answer is: Backcombing or teasing

Creating volume at the roots of hair can be effectively achieved through backcombing or teasing. This technique involves using a fine-toothed comb to comb sections of hair toward the scalp, which results in a knotted base that provides lift and body. When the hair is smoothed over the surface after backcombing, it creates the illusion of fuller hair with significant volume at the roots. In contrast, flat ironing is primarily used to straighten hair and does not contribute to volume; instead, it often compresses hair strands, reducing their natural volume. Blow drying, while it can add some volume depending on the technique used, is less effective than backcombing when specifically targeting volume at the roots since it generally distributes the hair evenly without the same level of lift. Finally, sectioning is a technique that involves dividing the hair into manageable parts for styling but does not directly create volume by itself. Each of these techniques serves a different purpose in hairstyling, highlighting the unique effectiveness of backcombing for achieving root volume.