Before cutting, which two steps are essential?

• A. Color matching and product selection
• B. Shampooing and conditioning
• C. Starting length and baseline
• D. Consultation and scalp analysis

Answer: (D)

Before cutting, the most important steps are the consultation with the client and a scalp analysis. The consultation gathers what the client wants, their lifestyle, hair history, and any limits, ensuring the cut will fit their goals and hair type. The scalp analysis checks the health of the scalp, texture, growth patterns, and any conditions that could affect technique or tool choice. Together, these steps guide how you plan the cut—where to lift or release tension, how to shape the silhouette, and what precautions to take—so the result is safe, feasible, and aligned with the client’s expectations. While shampooing and conditioning, or color planning, can be part of the service, they aren’t essential prerequisites for every cut, and starting length or baseline measurements are secondary to understanding the desired outcome and scalp condition.