Which item would typically require sterilization due to risk of penetrating skin?

• A. Client chair
• B. Towels
• C. Sterile needle
• D. Hair brush

Answer: (C)

Sterilization is required for implements that penetrate the skin or enter sterile body spaces. A sterile needle is designed to pierce the skin, so it must be completely sterile to prevent introducing any pathogens.

Towels, hair brushes, and a client chair are non-penetrating items; they contact skin or surfaces but do not break the skin barrier. These are typically cleaned and disinfected between clients, not sterilized, in standard salon practices. Therefore, the item that would typically require sterilization due to the risk of penetrating skin is the needle.