Illinois Barber Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Curly hair requires specific attention when cutting due to its unique texture and characteristics. The curls can behave differently compared to straight or thin hair, making it essential for barbers to understand how to approach it.

When cutting curly hair, it is important to account for the shrinkage that occurs when the curls dry, as they can appear shorter than when they are wet. Additionally, curly hair tends to have varied curl patterns and density throughout the head, requiring a tailored approach to achieve an even and balanced look. Techniques such as cutting "curl by curl" or using specific methods to layer curls help ensure that the final cut enhances the natural curl pattern rather than disrupting it.

In contrast, straight hair can be more straightforward to cut, with less variation in how it sits when dry versus wet. Thin hair has its challenges, often requiring a different cutting technique to create volume, but it does not have the same complexity as curls. Color-treated hair needs careful handling to preserve color and health, but the fundamental cutting techniques are similar to those used for non-treated hair. Thus, the unique nature of curly hair makes it the type that demands extra attention during cutting.