Services

Skin testing

The importance of skin testing prior to hair colouring

A skin sensitivity test is required no less than 48 hours before your appointment if you:
• are a new guest
• want to change your Aveda colour formula at your next appointment
• have used a box colour
• have had a tattoo or permenant makeup
• developed new allergies or sensitivities
• haven’t had our new skin test formula at your last appointment or within the last three months

Skin testing is here to protect you. Just pop into the salon and ask for a skin test. Our receptionist will perform it for you and it only takes a few minutes. Read on to find out why this is an essential part of our hair colouring process.

COVID 19 and skin testing

There have been numerous cases where people have developed sudden skin recactions to colours they have previously had no issue with. Sudden hypersensitivity is a factor with Covid 19. In-line with Aveda we now must take skin tests no more than 3 months apart so if your colour was applied more than 3 months ago, you will still need a new skin test. If you have had Covid and you would like to double check your skin, we ar emore than happy to do this at any time. Just call reception and book in.

Why is it so important, I’ve been colouring for years?

Even if you have been colouring your hair for years and have never had a reaction before, we cannot do a colour service without a skin test. Some people suffer reactions all of a sudden. You can develop a sensitivity at any time in your life.

What does it mean to be hypersensitive?

Hypersensitivity can be quite common. It is an over-reaction of the immune system to what is known as an ‘invading’ hapten, such as PPD. Haptens have the ability to provoke an immune response that brings about such dramatic changes in the body’s tissues (known as an allergic reaction or allergy).In extremely severe cases, reactions can be life-threatening and these allergic reactions can develop at any time.

Why do we recommend skin testing?

At Artizan we we have a DUTY OF CARE to make sure that you are protected in these circumstances. The best way of ensuring that you are allergy free when it comes to hair colouring is to come into our salon 48 hours before the application of hair dye. Here you can have a specific skin test done with the Aveda colour range we use in the salon. This is without a doubt the safest and most efficient way of detecting any allergies that may cause damage to your skin.

If you are taking medication this may vary your reaction to hair dye. Some medication can suppress your sensitivity, while others may make you hypersensitive.

Why does the skin test have to be 48 hours before hair dye application?

In some cases, the most severe version of hypersensitivity is a cell mediated reaction which can take 48 hours to occur.

Skin testing for the application of bleach

We will still perform a skin test for bleach as you may need a toner during your service and a skin test is required for this.

There is no skin test we can perform for the bleach itself and each individual has a different sensitivity or tolerance to bleaching. Different factors such as skin type (dry, oily etc), room temperature and temperature of the person’s scalp all play a part in how bleach works. It is completely normal to feel an itching or tingling sensation, even a little heat when the bleach is applied to your hair and scalp, so do not be alarmed. If you feel any MAJOR discomfort during the bleaching process, please inform your stylist immediately.