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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Hairdressing red tape ruined my weekend

54 replies

Sparklycurtainpole · 24/06/2017 14:31

But of background.
Three little ones aged 6 and under. Partner works away. No other weekend childcare and I currently work in the week.
Haven't had any time, nights out, exercise opportunities or even one single solitary minute without the children in 15 weeks since I last visited the hairdresser.
Booked an appointment a couple of months ago for today for full colour and a cut and was advised as it would be 15 weeks since I last went, I'd need to update my skin patch test. I've been going to this hairdresser for over 6 years so they know me well and I've never had a reaction to anything before.
Anyway, since booking the appointment, things have been mad. One of my daughters has had two surgical procedures; I've been in hospital myself; I've handed in my notice at work and got a new job; and my baby has been in a&e to name but a few things. this is all alongside my partner being away and having no other childcare.
Anyway, they phoned last night to say I couldn't have my colour today as I'd forgotten to come in for my patch test. I burst into tears as I've had the last few weeks from hell and was desperate to have a bit of time for me. I asked if I could find down and get one but they said they shut jn 5 mins and it wouldn't make any difference as it needed to be on for 48 hours.
I phoned oh who was traveling home and he picked me one up which I've had on since 6pm last night but they told him there is no way they'll do a colour anyway.
I've since had today, an email and a text reminder about my appointment for later today, both of which had a reminder about needing a patch test which seems stupid if you need 48 hours.
I know it's my fault for not remembering but I just don't get why when I've been there for years, they'll be doing the same colour I've always had and I'll have had the patch on for almost 24 hours why it's still just a flat no. I also don't get why thrt left it until I couldnt possily remedy the situation to call but then really rub it in by sending me more messages today!
I'm just totally fed up as I've been waiting for this for so long and it'll be months again before I can organise childcare again.
Aibu to be so disappointed and to be crying over my sodding badger stripy grey hair which I'll be stuck with for months now.

OP posts:
HildaOg · 24/06/2017 15:12

I'd find a different hairdresser. I've never had one make me do a patch test Confused

lieka · 24/06/2017 15:15

Which hairdressers wouldn't do a patch test FFS? That would be asking for trouble!

CremeFresh · 24/06/2017 15:16

Maybe hairdressers should go through their appts a few days before to check who's having a colour and who hasn't had a patch test. Then they could chase the client. It can't be good for business to expect to colour hair and then have to cancel.

80sMum · 24/06/2017 15:18

I have been having my hair tinted and/or highlighted at various hairdressers' over the past 30 years. The only salon that has ever required a patch test is Toni and Guy - and they never did any re-tests. My current hairdresser, where I have been going for 6 years, has never suggested or offered a patch test. So, ime most hairdressers don't bother with these tests.

TSSDNCOP · 24/06/2017 15:18

The 24 hour reminder is pretty silly and fairly easy to rectify I would think.

I too would be gutted, I spent last week looking like George Clooney when my salon booked my cut but forgot to book my colour.

That being said I can see why they wouldn't do it, my salon manager told me they get so many people regularly raising complaints to get treatments for free there's no way they can lay themselves open on patch testing.

My colourist won't even work on clients that aren't fully gowned even in the recent hot weather. Seriously, the things you wouldn't think of people do pull all the time.

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 24/06/2017 15:21

I'm don't know your hair colour but there are loads of root cover up products you could buy until you get your hair dyed. They're not dyes but you apply the colour to the roots like a sort of hair make up.

You could try Colour Wow Root cover Up, John Frieda Root Blur or Redken Root Fusion. Boots stock most of them in different shades.

I hope your day improves. How disappointing for you. x

StephanieAteMyLunch · 24/06/2017 15:21

Is there anyway in the future you could have a mobile hairdresser?

I started to do this after my children were born as I had no childcare options.

I have a root touch up done every 6 weeks whilst my children can play/have a snack etc and then whilst my colour is developing my children have their hair cut. I wash out the colour then have mine cut. It takes a while but the children have access to tv/computer etc.

Just a thought for future.

HamletsSister · 24/06/2017 15:26

Have been having highlights for 25 years - never had a patch test, ever.

Fluffypinkpyjamas · 24/06/2017 15:31

YABU. My sister recently had a bad test and had a nasty reaction. I can't imagine what she would have been like if she hadn't been tested.

UrsulaPandress · 24/06/2017 15:33

Me neither.

GlitterRoseGold · 24/06/2017 15:37

I live in Northern Ireland and I have never come across a hair dressers here that does patch tests for dyes. We just book and get it done or rock up on the day Then again I've not known anyone that's had a reaction to hair dye.

JaneEyre70 · 24/06/2017 15:42

I've had a massive reaction from colour, my whole neck felt like it was on fire and I'd been having it coloured for years in the same place. There's no way a hairdresser would put colour on your head without a patch test for very good reason. It's agony to have, I ended up in OOH being prescribed steroids, antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream on top of a course of antibiotics. It took around 2 weeks to go and I was unable to sleep or tolerate any clothing near it during that time. Thank god it's never happened since and I never went back to that hairdresser as a trainee had mixed the colour.

SheSaidHeSaid · 24/06/2017 15:43

YABU.

As a trained hairdresser who has seen what can happen when people have allergic reactions to dye, I'm actually really pleased to hear they're enforcing the correct guidelines.

ofudginghell · 24/06/2017 15:47

Hairdresser here.
General protocol is every six months for regular clients in our salon.
If someone can't get to us to have patch test done in salon we send them out to our clients to apply at home and then bring the form in with them.

You are not being unreasonable from that side however people can suddenly develop an allergy to colour at any time even when they've been colouring for years. In my experience them clients are more prone to react with hormone changes as the ppd builds up in your system.
Any stylist that colours without patch testing are lending themselves to the vulcher culture of no win no fee lawyers after people claim to have had a reaction.
I would certainly not ruin twenty years of a career by not covering my own butt.
They need to sort their computer system out

Craiconwithit · 24/06/2017 16:12

Any hairdressers that don't insist on patch testing are frankly, cowboys!
If you suffered a serious reaction and sued them, their insurer wouldn't cover them (not following manufacturers guidelines) and they'd go bankrupt paying out compensation.
Waivers/disclaimers have no legal standing in the .U.K. either, so anyone who tries to get you to sign something are also cowboy operators just after a fast buck!
OP, maybe treat yourself to a massage/pedicure instead?

MrsMozart · 24/06/2017 17:18

Having seen a friend go through the most awful time from a hair dye that wasn't properly tested, as in years now of sensitivities and face swelling, I'd say please don't ever not follow testing protocol.

janejennings · 25/03/2021 13:03

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Wingedharpy · 25/03/2021 13:08

It's almost 4 years since this was posted @janejennings.
I'm sure OP has sorted this by now.
You wouldn't be advertising by any chance, would you?

BarbaraofSeville · 25/03/2021 13:13

Now I thought this was going to be COVID related with the OP trying to get her appointment sorted weeks in advance for when they open up again.

As they will have been shut since before Christmas? I would have thought all hairdressers would be able to fill their appointment books three times over without spamming message boards to drum up business.

Number16 · 25/03/2021 13:16

My hairdresser has just sent a message out saying her professional association has issued new guidance requiring they do a new patch test on clients when they open. Must be new national guidelines, perhaps to protect them as many people won't have had their hair dyed for several months/year but may be now returning to the salon after their vaccine so I guess it makes sense. I know it's disappointing, but you can get another appointment soon so no point worrying too much.

Oooohbehave · 25/03/2021 13:38

Could you get the cut and do a semi permanent box dye at home?

nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut · 25/03/2021 13:58

Apparently covid can cause changed in skin sensitivity so everyone is being required to do a new patch test.

WhySoSensitive · 25/03/2021 14:31

Zombie thread people.
Pretty sure she’ll be sorted by now.

Belindabelle · 25/03/2021 15:04

YES THIS IS A ZOMBIE THREAD

HOWEVER,

New guidelines just out state that everyone has to have a patch test 48 hours before a colour treatment at the hairdressers.

If you have made your appointment you must get that patch test first or your hairdresser will be breaking industry COVID guidelines and won’t be insured.

StCharlotte · 25/03/2021 15:23

@peachgreen

I understand why you're disappointed but I'm afraid that YABU. The formulas in dyes change and people develop allergies over time. Just Google 'hair dye reaction' to see why it's so important to do a patch test!
Happened to me. Used the same dye for years then developed a reaction. Tried again a few weeks later, same thing. Haven't dare to colour it since (20 years ago!).

I appreciate you must be incredibly frustrated but it really is for your own good.