What should you do if a client's eyes start to irritate while processing a perm wave?

If a client's eyes start to irritate while processing a perm wave, flushing with cold water is the most appropriate response. This action helps to quickly alleviate discomfort by rinsing away any chemicals or irritants that might have affected the eyes. Cold water can help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation, providing immediate relief.

In a salon environment, it is essential to act swiftly to ensure the client's comfort and safety, and rinsing the eyes helps to remove harmful substances effectively. Advising the client to keep their eyes closed does not address the underlying issue, as it does not remove the irritant. Using medicated eye drops may not be suitable or necessary in an immediate situation like this, where flushing with water is a more straightforward and safer course of action. A warm compress could potentially worsen irritation if there are chemical irritants involved, making it an inappropriate choice in this scenario.