What must a nail technician do before beginning a new client's service?

Before beginning a new client's service, it is essential for a nail technician to check for any allergies or skin conditions. This practice is critical to ensure the safety and health of the client during the nail treatment process. Many products used in nail services, such as polishes, acrylics, and gels, may contain ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate existing skin conditions. By inquiring about allergies or skin issues, the technician can take necessary precautions, select appropriate products, and avoid causing harm to the client, thus upholding professional standards and liability.

The other options, while they may seem relevant in a client-service scenario, do not prioritize client health and safety. Discussing payment methods can be addressed after confirming the client's suitability for the service; discussing hairstyle is unrelated to nail care; and offering discounts is a marketing strategy that does not pertain to the initial health assessment needed before a service. Hence, the correct focus is on identifying any allergies or skin conditions before proceeding with any nail service.