California State Board Barber Practice Exam

Clippers are primarily used for creating tapered cuts due to their design and functionality. They are equipped with adjustable blades and guards that allow for varying lengths, making it easy to blend hair from shorter to longer lengths. This gradual transition is essential for achieving a tapered look, where the hair is shorter at the nape and gradually increases in length as it moves up the head.

While scissors can be used to create some tapering effects, they are more suited for layered cutting rather than the precise and even blends that clippers offer. Razors can create softer edges and texture but are not typically used for tapering in the same way clippers are. A comb serves as a guiding tool for cutting but does not function to cut hair by itself. Therefore, clippers stand as the most effective and preferred tool for achieving tapered cuts, making them the correct choice.