to not do a patch test before dying my hair?

[pisspants]

just that. Have bought a different brand to my usual. Have never bothered before. Its saying to do it then check in 48 hours but I want to do it today as not got a lot going on. How risky is it to not do the test? Do most people honestly do it or are the manufacturers just covering their areas? would love to know, will leave mn to.decide for me....

I've never patch tested anything in my life but I've also never reacted to anything. If I had sensitive skin or a history of reactions I'd patch test.

Most hairdye allergies are to PPD and you are more likely to react if you have had a black henna tattoo. I've never patch tested for hair dye before and been OK but bear in mind you can develop an allergy at any time.

I've used all manner of dyes, never done a patch test, never had an issue.
It's a cover ass thing from the companies to me

I've never done it either and I've used all sorts of hair dyes.

They put it on the packet to cover themselves - that way if you do have a reaction they'll tell you you failed to follow the instructions!

I've never patch tested anything, I imagine it's a warning they are obliged to put on the box but as everyone is different you can't assume your reaction or lack of it will be the same as everyone elses

This maybe a daft question but how do you do a patch test?
Do you mix a little of the dye up and then apply or mix the lot and leave the rest in the bottle until after the test?

I haven't ever done a patch test, and luckily it's been fine, but I do know someone whose eyes have swollen quite a bit from hair dye. It's your risk to take. I'm just lazy!

Ktjerl, you're supposed to mix a little of the dye.

My hairdresser (a woman who’s used multiple products without any adverse events) dyed her hair with a new brand and ended up being blue lighted to hospital.

The problem with hair dye is that your scalp is (obviously) very close to you throat mouth and nose and so if you start swelling you can develop breathing difficulties very quickly.

IIRC if you're going to have an allergic reaction to the dye it would happen in the first half an hour of the patch test being applied.
I could be totally wrong here.

Surprised so many don’t. I didn’t and ended up in hospital. I was told of for not doing a patch test and thought most people did

Never doe one for a home kit

Done one I mean but prob ahould

It’s up to you really. If you’re happy with the risk vs benefit then carry on without but I don’t think you can put that decision on other people tbh. You know your skin/sensitivities in general, no one else has that information.

Personally I would patch test. I used to slap any old dye on my hair in my younger days but I’ve definitely developed some intolerances to some cosmetics I used to be fine with over the years. I’m too scared all my hair will drop out!

And yes, allergies can develop seemingly out of the blue. I’m sure it’s recommended to patch test every time, even if it’s a brand you use regularly.

Hairdressers don't do a patch test in advance before they dye your hair.

My friend's mum was a hairdresser and she asked her about it once. The mum said that they just hope for the best!

I don't do patch tests, but then I've never had a reaction.

You’re a wally if you don’t do the patch test.

I never used to but since turning 40 a few years ago my skin is a lot more sensitive so I do the patch test.
I used the L'Oréal root cover spray last year and I started wheezing so always best to be careful.

To the poster who said hairdressers don't patch test...

I've never been able to have my hair dyed at a hairdresser without a patch test. I've been at the same salon for years now, but when they changed suppliers a year or so ago they notified all their clients they needed a new patch test before their next colour.

I'd be dubious about a salon that didn't do patch tests.

Whether I'd do one myself with a home kit is another matter. I think I'd go for a halfway option, and test but just leave it for a few hours.

Do the bloody patch test. Everyone on here saying "I've never done it and I'm fine," you've obviously been lucky. You only have to be unlucky once and then it might be game over. Anaphylactic shock is not just a wheezy cough. Do the patch test. You're not invincible.

I always do a patch test and have done for a few years since learning about the allergy.

It is a rare allergy but, if you are allergic, the reaction is likely to be very severe, life threatening and life altering even if you survive. Are you feeling lucky?

As I react to brown hair dye I wouldn’t dream of not patch testing any of the darker colours.

If it was a blonde hue I’d probably risk it.

Now that the advice to do a patch test is part of the manufacturer's recommendations, I think hairdressers would be liable if a client suffered an allergic reaction and they had not done the test.

Patch testing is advised because of the risk of allergic reactions, best practice dictates a patch test before every application. The more your exposed to dyes, even fake tans, the higher your risk of reacting.

I only have cuts at my hairdressers but the confirmation text message always says you can’t have any colours without a patch test before every application.

Those women who end up doing daily mail sad faces in grey jogging bottoms & a baggy t shirt looking like hamsters didn’t patch test.

I regularly colour my hair and always always do the patch test first .The product I use contains a small amount of Ammonia ,and smells fairly strong to me (lock the dog out while I wait for it to work!) I cant see any reason why you would risk a nasty reaction for what is essentially maybe an hour at most!

ReviewingTheSituation - wow, you obviously go to very different salons from me!

I've never been given a patch test before having my hair dyed at a salon.

I thought most hairdressers didn't - a lot of people would take their business elsewhere if they had to turn up 24 hours in advance for a separate patch test appointment.

N. B. I'm not saying they shouldn't - clearly it's more sensible! But I've never seen it happen.

I'm guessing at least they can watch you for signs of a reaction, whereas if you're on your own in your bathroom at home then there's nobody to help you.