The tool sits on the lower portion of the base but not on or below the parting. Which tool position is described?

• A. On-Base
• B. Off-Base
• C. Overdirected
• D. Underdirected

Answer: (D)

Tool position relative to the base and parting controls how a curl sits and how much lift you get at the roots. When the tool sits on the lower portion of the base and is not on or below the parting line, the wrap is directed downward relative to the base. This is described as underdirected. In practice, underdirected wraps create a curl that sits lower on the scalp with less upward lift, giving a softer, closer-to-the-scalp result. By contrast, on-base puts the tool at the top of the base for more root lift, off-base moves the wrap away from the base for a looser curl, and overdirected directs the curl away from the base in the opposite direction, increasing lift more than desired.