What is the guideline for clipping the tail on the underside?

• A. With the grain on underside
• B. Against the grain on underside
• C. Across the grain on underside
• D. Along the grain on underside

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is to follow the hair’s growth direction when clipping sensitive areas, like the underside of the tail. Clipping with the grain means moving the clipper in the same direction that the fur naturally grows. This lets the blade glide smoothly, minimizes pulling on the skin, and reduces the chance of nicks or irritation in a thin, sensitive area. It also helps the coat lie flat and look even, giving a neat, natural finish.

Clipping against the grain would tug on the hair and raise the risk of skin irritation or cuts, while crossing the grain isn’t the standard approach for this area. Using the grain on the underside thus provides the safest, most comfortable, and most consistent result.