At Kartee Salon, your health and safety are our top priority. This is why we ask you to complete a patch test before using any of our technical services.
But what is patch testing and why is it important? In this blog we explain more about the process, including what it involves and how it can help to protect your hair and skin.
What is hair product patch testing?
Hair product patch testing involves using a small amount of hair colour or toner on your skin to ensure it is safe to use for treatment. This is because some people have more sensitive skin than others and may not be compatible with certain products.
Completing a patch test on a small area of skin before proceeding to the treatment ensures that if there are any kind of allergic reactions – such as redness, inflammation or itchiness – it can be contained and controlled far more easily.
Do all hair products require a patch test?
Some hair product manufacturers advise that you complete a patch test before using it on larger areas of your body.
However, if you have a product that does not state this, but are unsure about its suitability for your skin, it’s a good idea to carry one out anyway.
At Kartee Salon, we ask that all clients undergo a patch test under our supervision before receiving our technical services for the first time.
This is for your health and safety and to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction. It also allows us to offer alternative solutions if a particular product is not suitable for your skin type.
What can happen if you do not complete a patch test?
While patch testing can be seen as an inconvenience, it is a critical part of the hair colouring process that should never be ignored.
In most instances, an allergic reaction will result in some form of skin irritation, inflammation, redness or itchiness.
However, in worst case scenarios, an allergic reaction can produce a more extreme reaction. This is because some skin types are more sensitive to certain types of chemicals that are used in hair products.
Carrying out a patch test ensures that if an allergic reaction does occur, it is restricted to a much smaller part of skin, reducing the risk of it causing a more serious health issue.
When it comes to having your hair professionally dyed, it is important that the patch test is managed by the salon you are using, as they will have the experience to identify any potential areas of concern to safeguard your health.
How do you carry out a patch test?
Carrying out a patch test is simple and straightforward. If you are concerned about experiencing an allergic reaction to hair product, follow the steps below:
1. Wash the skin on the inside of your elbow to prepare it for the test.
2. Take a small amount of the product and apply to the same area.
3. Cover with a plaster for 24 hours.
4. If you experience any redness, irritation, inflammation or itchiness, wash the product off immediately using warm water and do not continue to use it.
Get in touch
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
If you would like to talk with us about patch testing, whether it’s for our salon services or for hair products you use at home, we’re here to help and answer any questions you have.
And keep an eye out for regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation.
