What is the technique called where hair is forced between the thumb and the back of the comb to create tension?

The technique where hair is forced between the thumb and the back of the comb to create tension is known as ribboning. This method is particularly effective for managing and controlling the hair during the cutting process, allowing the hairstylist to achieve a more precise and defined look. By creating tension in the hair, ribboning helps to ensure that the cut is even and allows for better visibility of the hair strands, which can be crucial for detailing and layering.

In contrast, sectioning involves dividing the hair into manageable parts to facilitate cutting or styling, sculpting generally refers to the overall shaping of the hair rather than a specific technique of tensioning, and bricklayering is a method of cutting that creates a textured effect by utilizing a staggered layering approach rather than focusing on tension. Each of these has a distinct purpose in hairstyling, but ribboning specifically relates to the aspect of applying tension during the cutting process.