Contents
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Hair
Tests
Why Carry Out
These Tests :
Tests are carried out
to protect the Client. Skin testing reduces the risk of
the Client suffering an allergic reaction to substances
used in hair treatments. All other tests are performed to
reduce the risk of hair treatments damaging the quality
or structure of the hair itself. Allergy to hair
chemicals can arise at any time, brought on by hormonal
changes, changes in medication, or henna tattoos, to name
but a few so testing is essential at regular intervals.
The structure and quality of hair can be damaged by over-processing
using chemicals, so checking that the hair is capable of
safely accepting another hair treatment is essential.
What Tests Are Available :
There are a number of
tests available. Not all tests are carried out every time,
they are only used for specific hair treatments or hair
conditions. The most common tests are the Skin Test, the
Strand Test, Elasticity Test, Porosity Test, and
Incompatibility Test. They are described in more detail
below.
Skin Test - also called Patch Test :
A Skin Test, (also
called a Patch Test) is performed to test for allergic
reaction to substances used for hair colouring. A small
amount of colour, mixed with peroxide is applied to a
sensitive area of skin such as behind the ear. It must be
performed 48 hours before any colour treatments to allow
time for an allergic reaction to develop. If the Client
has an allergic reaction to the test they will experience
redness to the area tested and perhaps minor irritation.
This is better than having the colour treatment which
could result in severe irritation or even blistering.
Thoroughly wash the test area to prevent further allergic
reaction and advise your Stylist that you cannot go ahead
with the colour treatment.
Strand
Test :
If a Stylist needs to
determine how a colour, perming or other treatment will
turn out, they may perform a Strand Test. The Stylist
takes individual strands of hair from all over the area
to be treated to make a random sample. This is treated in
exactly the same way as the Clients hair would be treated
(by applying colour, bleach, perm lotion, etc.). If the
result is satisfactory then the full treatment can go
ahead, if the results are unsatisfactory or vary across
the sample then the Stylist will discuss what can be done
during their next consultation.
Elasticity Test :
This test is carried
out to see how the tensile strength of the hair shaft
will be affected by a hair treatment. A hair sample is
given the proposed hair treatment (colour, perm, etc.)
&, when fully processed, one end of the sample is
held between the fingers of each hand & stretched to
see if it stretches naturally or becomes damaged or even
snaps. Lack of elasticity is a sign of poor hair
condition caused by neglect or over-processing.
Porosity
Test :
This teatment is used
to determine whether the hair shafts are open or closed
to treatment. In order for a colour, perm or other
treatment to be effective and evenly applied across the
whole head of hair the hair shafts must be open to allow
the chemicals to penetrate and do their work.
Incompatibility Test :
This test is most
frequently used on hair which has previously been treated
with home colour kits, many of which contain metallic
salts which often react violently with substances used in
Salon treatments, generating heat & discomfort in the
process. A selection of hair strands from across the area
of the scalp to be treated are subjected to a Salon
treatment. If the result is intense reaction with the
hair then a Salon treatment cannot be carried out until
the hair has grown sufficiently for all the contaminated
hair to have been cut off during regular styling haircuts.
At MasterClass we carry out all of these tests, where
appropriate for our Client's safety
See our Stylists for
Full Details
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