Why is it important to sanitize hands before nail services?

Sanitizing hands before nail services is crucial primarily to prevent the transmission of infections. This practice helps eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that may be present on the skin, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination between clients and nail technicians.

In a nail salon environment, where tools and surfaces can harbor pathogens, regular hand sanitation protects both the technician and the client from potential infections that could arise from even minor cuts or abrasions. Maintaining hygiene through hand sanitization is an essential component of infection control practices in the beauty industry, contributing significantly to the overall health and safety of the services provided.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of hand sanitization. Avoiding nail polish stains, enhancing the strength of nails, and accelerating drying times do not directly contribute to infection prevention, which is the critical focus in maintaining a safe and clean salon environment.