Ace the 2026 Tennessee Barber Exam – Snip, Style, and Succeed!

Fading hairstyles are primarily achieved through the clipper over comb technique. This method allows the barber to blend various lengths of hair seamlessly, creating a smooth transition from shorter to longer hair. By using clippers in conjunction with a comb, a barber can control the length of the hair being cut at any given time, which is essential for achieving the gradient effect characteristic of fades. The clipper can cut the hair close to the scalp while the comb lifts the hair to a longer length, allowing for precision and a clean finish. This technique is particularly effective for generating clean, even fades as it offers greater control compared to other methods.

Other techniques, such as cutting with scissors or layering, may also contribute to styling but do not provide the same level of blending and fading effect as clipper over comb does. Razor cutting, on the other hand, is primarily used for texturizing and creating soft edges rather than achieving a fade. Thus, the effectiveness and precision of clipper over comb make it the preferred choice for fading hairstyles.