Colorado Barbering and Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barbering and Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is a fade haircut. A fade haircut is characterized by a gradual transition from shorter hair on the sides to longer hair on the top. The sides are tapered in a manner that blends smoothly into the longer hair above, creating a clean and polished look. This technique is widely used in barbering and is popular for its stylish appearance, allowing for various styling options on top while maintaining a tidy and structured look on the sides.

In the context of other shapes: a layered haircut involves various lengths of hair, typically all around the head, giving volume and dimension rather than the distinct longer-on-top, shorter-on-sides contrast. A buzz cut is characterized by very short hair all over, not featuring longer hair on top. An undercut features very short or shaved hair on the sides while leaving the top much longer, similar to a fade but without the gradual transition—this can often lead to a more dramatic separation between the top and sides. The fade stands out distinctly due to its gradual length change.