New York State Barber Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "over-direction" in haircutting specifically refers to the technique of cutting hair at an angle that moves it away from its natural position. This technique is often employed to create volume, structure, and movement in a haircut. By over-directing sections of hair away from where they naturally fall, the stylist can achieve various shapes and styles, including longer layers on top of shorter layers or an overall graduated effect.

This method is particularly useful in creating shapes that require more volume or in establishing length variations. The controlled movement away from the natural fall gives the stylist a degree of freedom to manipulate the hair’s end result, allowing for creative and versatile haircuts.

The other options highlight different haircutting techniques but do not accurately describe over-direction. For example, cutting in uneven layers pertains to layering techniques, while cutting straight across and cutting towards the face describe other specific cutting actions that are unrelated to the concept of over-direction.