What is the primary function of a comb in barbering?

The primary function of a comb in barbering is to detangle and style hair. Combs are essential tools used in various techniques, allowing barbers to manage hair texture, volume, and direction. By detangling, combs help to smooth out knots and snarls, making the hair easier to cut or style. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in defining styles, creating partings, and ensuring that hair is evenly distributed for a precise and clean finish when cutting or styling.

While the other choices mention functions that combs can assist with, they are not their primary purpose. For instance, cutting hair is typically done with scissors or clippers rather than a comb. Combs may be used in conjunction with product application, but they do not directly apply products themselves. When it comes to achieving even hair color, techniques such as dye application and blending are more relevant, though a comb can certainly aid in distributing color, it is not its main function. Thus, the comb's central role lies in detangling and styling hair.