What does the term “tension” refer to in hairstyling?

In hairstyling, the term “tension” refers specifically to the amount of pressure applied when combing or manipulating the hair. Proper tension is crucial for achieving desired styles, as it affects the control a stylist has over the hair, influencing the final look and texture of the haircut or style.

When there's too little tension, the hair may not lay correctly, resulting in unevenness and a lack of definition in the cut. Conversely, excessive tension can lead to damage, breakage, or an uncomfortable experience for the client. Understanding how to balance tension in hairstyling practices is essential for effective hair cutting, styling, and even coloring techniques, ensuring that the stylist achieves the best results while maintaining hair integrity.

The other options pertain to different aspects of hair and cutting techniques but do not specifically relate to the concept of tension in hairstyling. For instance, the weight of the hair pertains to its density and thickness, the speed of the cut refers to the tempo at which the stylist works, and the angle of the cut relates to the direction and shape of the haircut. While these factors are important in hairstyling, they do not define the tension involved in manipulating hair.