Alaska Hairdresser and Barber Certification Practice Exam

What type of styling does a curling iron typically perform?

1. Straightening

2. Curling

3. Waving

4. Texturizing

The correct answer is: Curling

Curling irons are specifically designed to create curls in the hair by using heat to shape and mold strands into a curled or waved form. When the hair is wrapped around the heated barrel of the curling iron, it is transformed from its natural straight or wavy texture into defined curls. This process relies on the heat enabling the hair to retain its new shape once it cools down, which is a fundamental characteristic of curling. The other options involve different techniques and tools: straightening uses flat irons to achieve a sleek, smooth finish; waving refers to creating loose waves, often done with curling wands or specific techniques rather than curling irons; and texturizing typically involves cutting techniques or specific products to enhance the hair's natural body and movement. Each of these alternatives serves different styling purposes, but curling irons are most directly associated with curling the hair.