What should a cosmetologist do if a client requests a service that is outside their license?

When a client requests a service that is outside a cosmetologist's license, the appropriate action is to inform the client that it cannot be performed legally. This response upholds the integrity and compliance of the cosmetology profession, as practicing beyond one's licensed capabilities can lead to legal consequences for the cosmetologist and potential harm to the client.

By communicating the legal restrictions clearly, the cosmetologist reinforces the importance of adhering to established state regulations designed to protect both clients and practitioners. This approach also promotes professional responsibility and maintains the trust that clients place in their service providers. It ensures that clients receive only safe and approved services that are within the cosmetologist's expertise, supporting industry standards and public safety.

While referring the client to another salon or suggesting an alternative service may also be appropriate in certain situations, the priority in this scenario is to directly address the legal limitations of the service being requested. Thus, properly informing the client about what can and cannot be legally performed is the best practice.