Hairstyling and Thermal Styling
Hairstyling and Thermal Styling
This domain tests blow-drying, thermal iron work, hot rollers, and heat safety. The exam asks you to match tool, temperature, section size, and base to the desired movement.
Core rules
- Blow-dry to about 80-90% dryness before thermal ironing; flat irons require dry hair. Apply a heat protectant before direct heat.
- Base indicates where the curl sits: on-base adds volume, half-base is balanced, off-base is low volume.
- Barrel size and section size control curl diameter: smaller barrel or section gives a tighter curl; larger gives a looser wave.
- Flat iron bevels the ends; do not clamp and drag wet hair. Keep the tool moving and test temperature before applying it near the scalp.
- Thermal tools must be cleaned and inspected; cords kept away from water and traffic.
Worked example
A client wants root lift at the front but smooth ends. Place a medium iron at the base with the section overdirected 90 degrees at the front hairline, hold briefly, then release and roll the section back. Reason: on-base placement lifts the root, while overdirecting at the hairline prevents a flat spot. Finish the ends with a lower-temperature flat iron and a bevel, not a clamp, so the ends stay smooth without a crimp.
Traps
- Flat-ironing damp hair, which boils water and damages the cuticle.
- Using maximum heat on fine or lightened hair.
- Holding the iron on one spot.
- Ignoring the base when the client asked for volume.