Washington Barber License Practice Exam

What should barbers do to protect their skin while performing chemical services?

1. Use oils to moisturize before application

2. Apply the product with bare hands

3. Wear gloves while applying products

4. Rinse hands frequently to reduce exposure

The correct answer is: Wear gloves while applying products

Wearing gloves while applying products is essential for protecting the skin during chemical services. Barbers frequently work with strong chemical formulations in hair dyes, relaxers, perms, and other treatments that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Gloves serve as a barrier, minimizing direct contact with these potentially harmful substances, thereby reducing the risk of chemical burns or skin sensitivity. Choosing to use gloves ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, and it promotes hygienic practices in the barbershop environment. It is important to use gloves specifically designed for chemical work to provide the best protection against skin absorbance of harmful ingredients found in hair products. In contrast, the use of oils or frequently rinsing hands, while they may offer some level of protection, do not effectively eliminate the risk of exposure to harsh chemicals like gloves do. Applying products with bare hands poses a direct risk to the skin, as the chemicals can penetrate and cause damage. Hence, wearing gloves is the most effective and recommended approach for ensuring skin safety during chemical services.