Which of the following is included in client care prior to service?

• A. Checking the scalp for diseases or disorders
• B. Perform a test curl to see how hair reacts to perm
• C. Protecting clients skin and clothing by draping with a towel and cape
• D. Disposing of opened or unused perm solution

Answer: (A)

Assessing the scalp for diseases or disorders before a chemical service is a safety and suitability check that guides whether it’s appropriate to proceed. By examining the scalp, you can identify conditions like dermatitis, fungal infections, open sores, or significant irritation that could be aggravated by perm chemicals or lead to uneven results. This step helps you decide if the service should go ahead, be adjusted, or be postponed to protect the client and ensure a safe, successful outcome.

While protecting the client is important—such as draping to shield skin and clothing and proper sanitation during the service—those steps occur as part of preparation and execution. A pre-service test curl is used to gauge how the hair behaves with the chemical and to plan processing time, and disposing of perm solution is a cleanup/safety step during or after the service.