New Mexico Cosmetology Practice Exam

Which tool is primarily used for the precise cutting of hair?

1. Thinning shears

2. Razors

3. Hair clippers

4. Scissors

The correct answer is: Scissors

The tool primarily used for the precise cutting of hair is scissors. Scissors are designed specifically for cutting hair with precision and control, allowing the stylist to create clean lines and detailed shapes in the hair. Their sharp, straight blades enable cutting techniques that require accuracy, such as blunt cuts or layering, making them an essential tool in a cosmetologist's kit. Thinning shears, while useful for blending and reducing bulk, do not cut hair in a straight line, which is necessary for achieving defined styles. Razors are primarily used for texturizing and creating softer, more feathered edges, but they do not provide the same level of precision as scissors for straight cuts. Hair clippers are designed for cutting hair to a uniform length rather than for detailed styling, making them less suitable for precise cutting tasks. Therefore, scissors are the tool that best fits the need for precision in hair cutting.