Before starting a manicure, how can a nail tech assess the health of the client?

Assessing a client's health before performing a manicure is crucial for ensuring their well-being and providing appropriate care. Inquiring if a client has diabetes is particularly relevant because diabetes can significantly affect the health of the nails and skin. Clients with diabetes may experience decreased circulation, neuropathy, and are at higher risk for infections and slow wound healing. These conditions will inform the nail technician on how to approach the manicure, including any special considerations or precautions needed during the service.

The other options, while they may be relevant in different contexts, are not as directly tied to the immediate assessment of nail and skin health before a manicure. Checking a client's pulse provides general information about their cardiovascular health but does not specifically indicate the condition of the nails or skin. Asking about skin allergies is important for avoiding reactions to products but does not give a comprehensive view of the nails or possible systemic issues. Simply looking at the nails can help identify existing conditions, but it doesn’t assess the client's overall health profile as effectively as understanding whether they have diabetes.