When should a licensee refrain from performing a service on a client?

A licensee should refrain from performing a service on a client if they suspect the client has a contagious condition. This is crucial for maintaining health and safety standards within the salon environment. Performing services on individuals with contagious conditions can lead to the spread of infections or illnesses to other clients and staff members, which not only jeopardizes public health but also exposes the licensee to legal and professional liability.

In the practice of esthetics, ensuring that clients are healthy enough to receive treatments is part of maintaining professional ethics and safeguarding the well-being of everyone in the salon. It reflects a commitment to professional responsibility and a standard of care that is expected within the industry.

While factors such as a client being late or the salon being overcrowded can create logistical challenges, they do not directly pose a risk to health and safety like a contagious condition would. Similarly, a client's request for a specific service should be evaluated based on the treatment’s appropriateness, but it is not a circumstance that directly necessitates refraining from service.