What is considered a crucial step in client preparation concerning hygiene?

Cleaning one's own hands before providing services is a fundamental aspect of hygiene in any beauty-related service, including eyelash extensions. This step not only protects the client by minimizing the risk of transferring bacteria and other pathogens from the technician’s hands to the client but also ensures that the technician is practicing good personal hygiene. Proper handwashing techniques, which include using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, are essential to maintaining a clean environment and ensuring safety during the application process.

While the other options play a role in hygiene, they are more focused on either the client's readiness or additional precautions during the service. For example, removing makeup can help the technician work more effectively but does not address the hygiene of the technician. Using gloves can protect both the technician and client but is an additional step that follows proper hand hygiene. Wearing a mask is important for respiratory safety but also is an added layer rather than the fundamental step of ensuring clean hands before starting the procedure. Therefore, handwashing is the critical first step in establishing a hygienic environment for eyelash extension application.