Before performing a preliminary test curl, what should be done to the hair?

• A. Hair should be shampooed and towel dried
• B. Hair should be conditioned deeply
• C. Hair should be air-dried completely
• D. Hair should be blow-dried

Answer: (A)

Before performing a preliminary test curl, you want the hair to have a clean slate so the test reflects how the hair will actually react to chemical processing. Shampooing removes oils, silicones, and product buildup that can coat the hair and block chemical penetration, giving a false sense of porosity or curl behavior. Towel drying leaves the hair damp and pliable, which is the ideal state for forming the test curl and judging how the curl will hold under processing. Conditioning, fully air-drying, or blow-drying would add moisture, create a surface film, or introduce heat, all of which can alter elasticity and curl formation and lead to misleading results.