Patch Tests in Abingdon
When booking a hair colour appointment at a new salon, you will be expected to visit your new salon for a patch test, also known as a skin test before your appointment. While this additional visit may seem unnecessary or at times frustrating, patch tests form a vital and critically and non-negotiable part of ensuring your safety, preventing a possible allergic reactions whilst protecting your chosen salon from any issues in the unlikely event that you may react. In our daily blog we explore what patch tests are, why you need one, whether you can sign a waiver to avoid one and the value in tying one into a first-time consultation.
If you are considering something different, visit our balayage service page or our highlights service page. Finally, if you’re new to the salon and not sure how to get the most value from your next appointment, need a consultation or would value a conversation before booking, call or send a WhatsApp message on 01235 534705.
Patch Test FAQ’s
What is a patch test?
A patch test is not hairdressing specific and is a test to determine suitability to certain services. In the confines of a hair salon a patch test is used to determine whether you are allergic to hair colour and this is best practice when identifying prior to any provisional service.
In the case of most salons this is usually a small amount of colour behind an ear or on your arm and allowing it to sit for a period of 48 hours. Assuming (and in most cases there isn’t) a reaction in the form of redness, itching, swelling, or irritation isn’t present, it is safe to proceed with the colour service. In the event of a an allergic reaction, whilst this won’t be pleasant and can be disappointing, it’s better to establish this prior to any patch test reaction.
If you are new to the world of hair colour, read this blog.
Are patch tests and skin tests the same thing?
The terms for patch tests, skin tests and allergy tests are often used interchangeably, but they refer to the same process. A salon may call it a skin test when testing for allergic reactions to colourants, but the principle remains the same. The goal is to identify any sensitivity before applying the full product to the hair and scalp.
Why do I need a patch test?
There are a number of reasons for a patch test. Firstly patch tests are essential for your safety, secondly they protect the salon against any reaction and any issues this may cause and thirdly it’s an opportunity for your salon to meet you and to discuss your needs in advance of an appointment by way of a consultation.
Allergic reactions to hair dye can range from mild irritation to severe swelling and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Irrespective whether you have used hair colour for years without an issue or if this is your first time, sensitivities can develop suddenly and can even be brought about by hormonal changes, new medication or just as time passes and so do our bodies. The patch test provides peace of mind for both you and your salon.
In practice this means that any new salon that you visit will necessitate the commitment from you to visit for the benefit of a patch test irrespective as to whether your last colour was most recent or not. Salons won’t be to establish if the patch test was delivered correctly, if it was delivered at all, when it was delivered and which products were used.
Insurance and product suppliers will insist on a salon undertaking patch tests to ensure best practice and compliance. This removes any liability in the unexpected event of a reaction and most salons will offer a strict policy to ensure that this translates to clients to avoid invalidating their own insurance. In the simplest form, salons would assume full responsibility in the event that you were to react to hair colour on their premises.
Do I need a patch test if moving to a new salon?
Yes, if you are visiting a new salon for a colour service, you will need a patch test. Even if you have had the same colour applied elsewhere, your salon will need to authenticate the correct application, the accurate formula, the result of the patch test, the date and its validity. For this reason undertaking it for themselves alleviates any concerns.
Can I sign a waiver to avoid a patch test?
Waivers aren’t permitted by salons and hold no legal value. For this reason if you are considering a waiver or are offered a waiver, they are sadly invalid nor acceptable consent for skipping a patch test. Waivers do not eliminate the possibility of a reaction occurring and any cause for concern still remains. In the event that a salon were to proceed with a colour application without conducting a patch test and a severe reaction occurred, it could have legal consequences, even with a signed waiver. Most professional salons prioritise client safety over convenience, which is why patch tests are considered a non-negotiable step.
If you are desperate for a colour appointment, have been let down or require a colour service with a degree of urgency, it is best to reschedule rather than risk a reaction. Sadly professional salons wouldn’t accept your booking even in the event of last-minute availability.
Conclusion
Patch tests may feel like an extra step, but they are an essential part of ensuring your safety when colouring your hair as much as they are about tying your patch test in alongside a consultation to discuss your needs. Hair colour appointments booked online or via telephone often require tweaking in-terms of the time needed or the appointment type itself. Whilst a patch test is vital to ensure that there are no adverse reactions, the value of a consultation to avoid the scenario playing out where aa salon would be unable to make those necessary last minute adaptations to your service.
If you are feeling lost in what could work best for you, leave it to us. Our consultations work through any question you might have, logistics and we too make recommendations based upon your lifestyle and hair type.
