Which technique is used to blend curl patterns to achieve a smooth comb out?

• A. Ruffing
• B. Backcombing
• C. Teasing
• D. Shingling

Answer: (A)

Ruffing blends curl patterns by gently loosening the curl to reduce sharp transitions between tight and loose areas, creating a softer, more uniform texture that can be combed out smoothly. This technique intentionally friction- and texture-based, so the hair sits evenly as you run a comb through it, avoiding chunky or obvious differences in curl size.

Backcombing and teasing, by contrast, are about building lift and volume, which tends to emphasize texture rather than smooth it. Shingling aims to lay hair flat section by section for a uniform surface, which can also smooth texture but in a different, more controlled way than the loosening effect of ruffing. Ruffing specifically targets blending the pattern itself to achieve a seamless finish during the comb-out.