Hair Colour
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17.02.2026
How to Perform an Allergy Alert Test
Although the risk of developing a new allergy is reduced, the danger of an allergic reaction – even a severe one – still exists. That’s why you should always perform an allergy alert test 48 hours before any colour service.
Follow this step-by-step guide to perform the test on your clients:
Step 1: Mix 5g of the colour you decided on during consultation with 5g developer.
Step 2: Apply the colour on to 1cm2 directly below the crook of the elbow.
Step 3: Leave the colour uncovered for 45 minutes. Then rinse the area with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 4: Ask the client to either come back to the salon after 48h or call you to inform you of the result.
Ask your client to leave the test area undisturbed for 48 hours. If there are any signs of redness, burning or itching the colour product must not be applied. The client must seek medical advice before colouring her hair again. If your client has ever experienced an allergic reaction to hair colourants you should not colour.
To ensure your clients safety and comfort, we have created a short questionnaire to help you determine whether an Allergy Alert Test is required before doing the colour service.
QUESTIONAIRE
If the client answers ‘NO’ to all the questions, you can proceed with the colour service on this occasion without doing an Allergy Alert Test. Complete the client record card confirming all the colour service details.
- Has your client ever had an allergic reaction to any hair colorant product?
- Has your client ever had an allergic reaction to any type of skin tattoo, including henna or to permanent make-up?
- Does your client have a sensitive, itchy or damaged scalp (e.g. suffer from eczema or psoriasis of the scalp)
- Is your client currently taking any medication to treat allergies?
- Is this a new colour client for your salon or are you using a different brand/shade than normal?
- Has it been more than 6 months since your client last had a colour in your salon?
- Is it more than 12 months since your client’s last allergy alert test?
- Has your client had any type of skin tattoo, including henna or permanent make-up, since their last colour service?
- Has your client had an allergic reaction to any products since their last colour service?
