What is the purpose of a towel or neck strip between the drape and the client's skin?

The primary purpose of placing a towel or neck strip between the drape and the client's skin is to maintain sanitation standards. This barrier serves to protect the client's skin from any products or hair clippings that may come into contact with it during a barbering service. It also helps in avoiding cross-contamination, which is crucial for the health and hygiene of both the client and the professional providing the service. The towel or neck strip acts as a layer of protection that can easily be changed and disposed of or laundered, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for each client.

While other factors like warmth, comfort, and prevention of direct contact with the skin are relevant, they are secondary to the essential requirement of maintaining a sanitary working environment.