Where should you test the water temperature before applying warm towels?

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

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to gauge warmth with a highly sensitive area so you can avoid burning the client. The inside of the wrist is best because the skin there is thin and very responsive to temperature, giving you a quick and accurate sense of whether the towels are warm but not hot. The back of the hand has thicker skin and can feel temperature less precisely, making it a poorer gauge. The inside of the elbow isn’t the standard spot for quick checks in this setting, and testing with cold water wouldn’t help you ensure warmth. If the towels feel comfortable on your wrist, they’ll be comfortable for the client.