Shaving and Facial Hair Design Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 13 of the barbering curriculum, covering shaving terminology, razor positions, and service procedures.

backhand (BAK-HAND)

Razor position and stroke used in 4 of the 14 basic shaving areas: nos. 2, 6, 7, and 9; optional position for area 12.

close shaving (KLOHS SHAYV-ing)

The procedure of shaving facial hair against the grain during the second-time-over shave.

cutting stroke (KUT-ing STROHK)

The correct angle of cutting the beard with a straight razor.

first-time-over shave (FIRST-TYM-OH-ver SHAYV)

First part of the standard shave consisting of shaving the 14 areas of the face; followed by the second-time-over shave to remove residual missed or rough spots.

freehand (FREE-HAND)

Razor position and stroke used in 6 of the 14 shaving areas: nos. 1, 3, 4, 8, 11, and 12.

neck shave (NEK SHAYV)

Shaving the areas behind the ears down the sides of the neck, and at the back neckline.

once-over shave (WONCE-OH-ver SHAYV)

Single-lather shave in which the shaving strokes are made across the grain of the hair.

reverse backhand (ree-VURS BAK-HAND)

Razor position and stroke used by right-handed barbers for shaving the left side of the neck behind the ear and used by left-handed barbers behind the right ear.

reverse freehand (ree-VURS FREE-HAND)

Razor position and stroke used in 4 of the 14 basic shaving areas: nos. 5, 10, 13, and 14.

second-time-over shave (SEK-und-TYM-OH-ver SHAYV)

Follows a regular shave to remove any rough or uneven spots using water instead of lather; may be considered a form of close shaving.

styptic powder (STIP-tik POW-dur)

Alum powder or liquid used to stop bleeding of nicks and cuts.

Hot towels effect

Softens facial hair and relaxes the skin during the shave service preparation.

Shaving areas of the face

There are 14 identified shaving areas of the face.

Shaving cream effect

Softens the facial hair for a smoother shave.