An experienced stylist sees a new shampoo person about to use a certain conditioner on a customer. The stylist knows the customer is allergic to that conditioner. Which of the following should the stylist do?

An experienced stylist sees a new shampoo person about to use a certain conditioner on a customer. The stylist knows the customer is allergic to that conditioner. Which of the following should the stylist do?

• A. Tell the shampoo person not to use the conditioner on the customer's hair again.
• B. Speak to the shampoo person before he uses the conditioner on the customer.
• C. Ask the customer if the shampoo person was told about the allergy.
• D. Move quickly to the shampoo area and offer to finish with the customer

Answer: (B)

When a client has an allergy, the primary goal is to prevent exposure before it happens. The best move is to speak with the shampoo person before they apply the conditioner, so you can stop them from using a product the client could react to or switch to a safe alternative. This proactive check protects the client and shows professional teamwork and care. Why this works better than the other options: addressing it after the conditioner is already about to be used risks an exposure, which is not acceptable; relying on the client to mention whether the staff was told places the burden on the client and can fail if they’re unsure or hesitant; rushing to the shampoo area to “finish” with the client abandons the current service and could create an unsafe or unprofessional impression.

When a client has an allergy, the primary goal is to prevent exposure before it happens. The best move is to speak with the shampoo person before they apply the conditioner, so you can stop them from using a product the client could react to or switch to a safe alternative. This proactive check protects the client and shows professional teamwork and care.

Why this works better than the other options: addressing it after the conditioner is already about to be used risks an exposure, which is not acceptable; relying on the client to mention whether the staff was told places the burden on the client and can fail if they’re unsure or hesitant; rushing to the shampoo area to “finish” with the client abandons the current service and could create an unsafe or unprofessional impression.