Mississippi Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

Which type of curl is achieved using a large curling iron?

1. Tight ringlets

2. Loose waves

3. Bouncy curls

4. Corkscrew curls

The correct answer is: Loose waves

When using a large curling iron, the type of curl that is typically achieved is loose waves. This is due to the size of the barrel on a large curling iron, which creates softer, more relaxed curls rather than tight, defined curls. Loose waves are characterized by their natural, effortless appearance, and they tend to fall in a way that suggests movement without being overly structured. The larger barrel allows for more hair to be wrapped around it at once, resulting in a wave pattern that is broader and less defined than what you would get with a smaller barrel, which is better suited for creating tighter ringlets or bouncy curls. Other curl types, such as tight ringlets or corkscrew curls, require a smaller curling iron to provide the necessary tension and definition in the hair. Bouncy curls could be created with larger tools, but they typically have more volume and bounce than the loose waves achieved with a large curling iron. Therefore, the context in which the tool is used plays a critical role in the resultant hairstyle.