Which skin condition should a barber watch for before shaving?

Before shaving, it is crucial for a barber to assess the client's skin for irritation or cuts. This is because shaving over irritated skin or open cuts can lead to further irritation, discomfort, and potentially infections. When the skin is already compromised, the razor can exacerbate the issue, leading to nicks and an increased risk of cuts that could result in bleeding or other skin-related complications.

While dry skin, sunburn, and rashes may also pose concerns, irritation or cuts represent immediate risks that directly affect the shaving process. Dry skin can lead to uncomfortable shaving experiences, and sunburn can be painful during shaving, but the presence of cuts or significant irritation presents a more acute concern that could result in immediate harm. Rashes might indicate underlying skin issues and could complicate the shaving process as well, but similarly to other options, they do not impact the immediate action of shaving as directly as cuts or irritation do. Thus, focusing on irritation or cuts supports both the safety and comfort of the client during the shaving procedure.