Before serving a patron, what is essential for a barber to do regarding his/her hands?

Washing hands thoroughly with soap before serving a patron is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections in a barbering environment. This practice helps to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the skin, ensuring that the barber's hands are clean when coming into contact with clients. Clean hands also reduce the likelihood of transmitting illnesses between the barber and the patron.

While options like wearing gloves or using hand sanitizer may contribute to hand hygiene, they should not replace the foundational practice of washing hands with soap and water. Gloves can potentially give a false sense of security if the hands underneath are not clean, and hand sanitizers are effective but not as thorough as washing with soap, especially if hands are visibly soiled. Therefore, the correct approach is to first wash hands well to establish a clean baseline before any other methods are considered.