“Hair colouring is one of the most popular services in salons and with the array of exciting options on offer it’s not hard to see why. From covering greys to experimenting with bright colours, colouring has become a huge part of trips to the salon, but it’s so important that it’s carried out safely which is why skin testing is essential,” says Director, Karine Jackson
I’m a huge supporter of safer colouring, one of the many reasons I switched to using organic colour in my salon. A lot of us think that just popping on a colour is completely harmless, but we mustn’t forget we’re dealing with chemicals that, used incorrectly, can be really dangerous. (Incredibly in the UK there’s no law that says hairdressers have to be registered, meaning someone with no qualifications or experience can set up a salon and use chemicals on you! Check that your salon is a State Registered Hairdresser to be on the safe side…)
More and more people are finding out they’re allergic to certain ingredients, which is why it’s imperative (even with organic colour) to have a skin test prior to colour. Skin testing needs to be done for every new colour client without exception. Most salons appreciate it’s difficult for clients to get in 48 hours before an appointment (especially in London!) so at our salon we offer the choice of coming in, or we post out a Colour Start kit to do at home.
The test colour should be applied on the skin and left for 48 hours – if there’s any reaction such as redness, soreness or irritation, it should be washed off and you shouldn’t colour your hair.
It’s especially important to repeat a skin test if you’re pregnant, have had a henna tattoo or are allergic to anything else. You can become allergic to a colour that has been fine before, which is why it’s so important to skin test every time.
Although allergic reactions to hair colourants can occur – in the same way that some people react to a variety of food and natural substances – they are rare. Most hairdressers have never seen a severe allergic reaction but irritation such as itching or a tight scalp are more common.
The only instance in which skin testing doesn’t need to be carried out is for highlights, or colour services where colour won’t touch the scalp such as dip dye or ombre.
You also need to be extra vigilant when colouring hair at home. I find that many people tend to ignore the skin test advice on packs, preferring the spontaneity and instant gratification of dying their hair immediately rather than waiting 48 hours.
PPD (Paraphenylenediamine) is the chemical substance that makes a permanent hair dye permanent, so an essential ingredient in the colour. Unfortunately, it’s also the ingredient that most people have allergy issues with, and even if you’ve been having your hair coloured for years, it’s possible to become allergic to these over time regardless of whether you’ve had a reaction before. Everytime you change colour brands you should also be skin tested – don’t assume because you’re not allergic to one brand you won’t be allergic to another one, some brands may contain a nut oil or greater level of chemical that you may not have been aware of.
By regularly skin testing and keeping a record for you, your hairdresser can take the guesswork and hassle out of colouring. So, next time you book a colour at the salon, think of the skin testing side of things as an essential process to keep you safe rather than an inconvenience, and plan it into your diary along with the colour appointment. www.KarineJackson.co.uk
