Before applying warm towels to a client's face, where should you first test the water temperature?

• A. On the inside of your wrist
• B. On the inside of your elbow
• C. On the back of your hand
• D. In the sink

Answer: (A)

Testing the towels’ warmth on the inside of your wrist gives the most accurate, quick sense of how they’ll feel on the client’s skin. The skin there is thin and very sensitive, so you’ll notice if the towels are comfortably warm rather than hot. Other spots aren’t as reliable for a quick read: the inside of the elbow isn’t as practical to check, the back of the hand is less sensitive for this purpose, and testing in the sink won’t reflect the towel’s surface temperature once it’s on the face. Always aim for a comfortable, warm (not hot) feel before applying.