Which service commonly requires sterilization procedures due to invasion of skin?

• A. Perming
• B. Sculpting
• C. Electrolysis
• D. Shampooing

Answer: (C)

When a service breaches the skin, sterilization is essential to prevent infection. Electrolysis involves inserting a fine probe into the hair follicle, which actually penetrates the skin and creates a direct path for microbes. Because of this invasion, sterile, single-use needles and properly sterilized equipment are standard to protect the client.

Perming stays on the surface of the hair and scalp, not penetrating the skin, so sterilization of instruments isn’t driven by skin invasion in the same way. Sculpting (nail work) or shampooing similarly interact with the surface rather than breaking the skin barrier, so they don’t require the same skin-penetration sterilization precautions.