New Hampshire Barber Practice Exam

What distinguishes a comb-over from a pompadour haircut?

1. A comb-over has no volume

2. A pompadour is shorter than a comb-over

3. A comb-over has hair swept to one side

4. A pompadour requires no styling products

The correct answer is: A comb-over has hair swept to one side

A comb-over is characterized by the hair being styled to one side, often to cover thinning areas or bald spots. This technique involves taking longer hair from one section and laying it over shorter hair on the other side, which gives a clean appearance with a side-swept effect. The goal is typically to create an illusion of fullness or to mask areas of thinner hair. In contrast, a pompadour involves more volume and height, where the hair is swept upward and back, often incorporating styling products to maintain the shape and structure. The pompadour can be achieved with a variety of lengths and often requires more styling effort than a comb-over. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the different attributes and styling techniques associated with each haircut.