New York State Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The technique used to create curls using heat is curling with a hot tool, such as a curling iron or curling wand. This method involves applying heat directly to the hair, allowing it to take on the shape of the heated tool, resulting in defined curls or waves. The temperature of the tool helps to reshape the hair's bonds temporarily, making it possible to set curls that last until the next wash.

Blow-drying is primarily a drying technique that can add volume or some movement to straight hair, but it does not specifically create curls unless used in conjunction with styling techniques like round brushing. Flat ironing straightens the hair by using heat to smooth out the strands and does not promote curling. Wrapping with perm rods involves a chemical process to permanently restructure the hair's shape, rather than using heat to create temporary curls. Therefore, using a hot tool is the clear choice for achieving heat-generated curls.