If a client has a mild cut, what should the cosmetologist do first?

When a client has a mild cut, the first step a cosmetologist should take is to apply pressure with a clean cloth. This action is crucial as it helps to stop any bleeding by promoting clotting at the site of the injury. Applying pressure effectively manages the situation and ensures that further complications do not arise from excessive bleeding.

The other steps, while important in the overall management of a cut, should come after applying pressure. Cleaning the wound with alcohol can cause irritation and pain, and it's more appropriate after bleeding has been controlled. Immediate application of a bandage could interfere with proper clot formation, as a bandage should be applied after ensuring the bleeding has been managed. Inspecting for deeper injuries is also essential, but stopping the bleeding should always take precedence to ensure the safety of the client. Therefore, starting with the application of pressure is the best and most effective initial response in this scenario.