Idaho Barber Licensure Practice Exam

What type of clipper blade is used for close cuts?

1. A #1 blade

2. A #000 or #00 blade

3. A #2 blade

4. A #3 blade

The correct answer is: A #000 or #00 blade

The #000 or #00 clipper blade is designed specifically for achieving very close cuts, making it ideal for styles that require precision and a fine finish. These blades are often used for fading, outlining, and for certain textures where minimal hair length is desired. The specific design of these blades allows them to cut hair extremely close to the scalp, which is particularly important in barbering when creating sharp lines or detailed designs. In contrast, the #1 blade, while also providing a close cut, leaves slightly more length on the hair compared to the #000 or #00 blades. Similarly, the #2 and #3 blades allow even more hair to be left after cutting, making them less suitable for achieving the ultra-close cuts that a #000 or #00 blade can provide. Understanding the gradation of blade sizes is crucial for barbers to select the appropriate tool for the desired length and style.