What physical characteristic should a barber assess to determine hair health?

Assessing shine and texture is crucial for determining hair health because these characteristics provide direct insight into the hair’s condition and vitality. Healthy hair typically exhibits a natural shine, which indicates that the cuticles are smooth and well-aligned, allowing light to reflect off its surface effectively. A good texture also signifies that the hair is well-moisturized and possesses adequate elasticity, which helps prevent breakage and damage.

In contrast, the other characteristics such as weight, length, or color can be influenced by a variety of external factors or personal grooming choices and do not necessarily provide an accurate assessment of the hair’s overall health. For instance, hair can be long or have a certain color yet still be damaged or unhealthy. Therefore, focusing on shine and texture allows a barber to make a more informed judgment about the hair's health and the appropriate care or treatment needed.