Which base position is NOT one of the four basic tool positions?

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

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how a styling tool is positioned in relation to the base of the hair to control curl direction and hold. In the four basic tool positions, each term describes where the tool sits relative to the base to achieve a specific effect.

Among the options, the position described as not part of the standard four is the one that is not treated as its own category. While the other terms denote established base orientations that influence curl and control—base, off-base, and underdirected—on-base is not counted as a separate base position in this framework. It’s considered a way of thinking about being aligned with the base, not a distinct category on its own.

So, base and off-base describe concrete placements with different curl results, and underdirected covers directing the tool downward to alter the curl direction. The term that isn’t one of the four distinct base positions is on-base.