What is a common symptom that may indicate a skin infection in a client?

The presence of redness and swelling on the scalp is a common symptom that may indicate a skin infection in a client. This is often a sign of inflammation, which can occur as the body's immune response to an infection, whether it's bacterial, fungal, or viral. When the skin becomes infected, it typically exhibits visible symptoms like redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes pain or tenderness in the affected area.

Other symptoms, such as soft and shiny hair, heavy hair loss, or excessive dandruff, do not specifically indicate an infection. Soft and shiny hair can simply be a result of good hair care practices or healthy hair, while heavy hair loss may indicate other conditions like alopecia or hormonal changes, and excessive dandruff is usually associated with dry scalp or seborrheic dermatitis rather than an active infection. Recognizing the hallmark signs of infection, like redness and swelling, is crucial for barbers to ensure they provide safe services and refer clients for appropriate medical treatment if necessary.