What should a barber do if a client has a head lice infestation?

If a client has a head lice infestation, the appropriate action for a barber is to refuse service and recommend treatment. Head lice are contagious and can easily spread in a salon environment, not only to other clients but also to the barber themselves. Ignoring the situation and proceeding with the service poses health risks and is unprofessional.

Recommending treatment ensures that the client addresses the infestation appropriately, safeguarding both their health and the health of future clients. This response emphasizes the importance of hygiene and the barber’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment. By refusing to provide service, the barber upholds professional standards and protects the community from further spread of lice.

Other options, such as offering a discount or using special tools, do not adequately address the health concerns involved with lice and could compromise both service quality and public health.