Where is a hard-rubber or nonflammable comb positioned when curling the hair for a thermal design?

• A. On top of the curling iron
• B. Between the curling iron and the scalp
• C. On the scalp
• D. Under the hair

Answer: (B)

Protecting the scalp from heat is the key idea. In thermal curling, the hard-rubber comb sits between the curling iron and the scalp, creating a barrier that prevents direct heat contact with the skin. This reduces the risk of burns or scorching and helps keep the hair away from the skin so the curl can form smoothly and evenly around the barrel. The comb also helps guide the hair and distribute heat more evenly along the strand. Placing the comb on top of the iron would defeat the protective barrier and risk direct contact with the scalp; placing it on the scalp or under the hair would fail to provide protection and could lead to burns or an uneven result.