Which technique is used just before lifting hands away from a client's face?

• A. Masking
• B. Feathering
• C. Dilating
• D. Tapping

Answer: (B)

Feathering is a light, feathery stroke with the fingertips that you use to ease your hands away from the client’s face. It keeps a barely-there contact as you transition, which helps distribute any remaining product, blend previous work, and avoid a abrupt or jarring lift. This smooth, gentle motion signals the end of that touch and helps the client stay relaxed as you move on to the next step. Masking is an application step that occurs earlier, dilating isn’t a technique used for this transition, and tapping is a different, more percussive touch—not the gentle finish described here.