You cannot take the base of the head off the column. You can only take off the base board, and remove the color head from the base. Be aware of the strength of the spring on the back of the column!!! It is quite powerful and the locking mechanism will not hold the base of the head in place, once you take weight off or tilt the column sideways!!! It will move to the top of the column.
Make sure the head and baseboard are in good alignment, if you use the baseboard. I have not found a way to adjust alignment other than 'left to right', but not 'front to back'. I guess no problem, if you mount to the wall.
Stefan