Hairstyling Apprenticeship Practice Test 2026 – Your All-in-One Resource to Master Your Apprenticeship!

In thermal curling, off-base curls are created by holding the hair at a specific angle away from the scalp, which allows for more volume and movement in the style. When the hair is held at a 70-degree angle, it is positioned just off the scalp, creating a lift while ensuring the curl is not too tight or too loose.

This technique is effective because holding the hair lower than 90 degrees allows the curl to fall more naturally, giving it a softer, more flowing appearance. Additionally, the angle of 70 degrees helps to manage the heat distribution from the curling iron, ensuring that the curl forms effectively without risking damage to the hair follicles at the base.

The other angles, such as 45 degrees, would create a tighter curl, while 90 degrees typically results in curls being set directly at the scalp, and 180 degrees would mean the hair is wrapped completely over the rod, often leading to a different type of curl that doesn’t fall under the category of off-base curls.