To not do the 48hr test for hair colour

[Ikeasucks]

Just wanting some feedback really - haven’t colored my hair for over 20 years but used to just go for it - no test. Does anyone actually do the test?

As it's been so long I think you should just in case.

I would. I'm usually quite slack about that kind of thing but the risk is anaphylaxis so worth doing if you ask me.

Why do you not want to do it?

Yes, you absolutely need to do it. Why would you not? The formulas will have changed in that time. It’s not worth the risk.

If you haven't done it for so long, I think you should. I must admit I often don't but a colleague, even though she dyed her hair regularly, using the same brand, developed a sudden reaction and ended up in A&E. She was advised never to dye her hair again.

Why wouldn't you?

If your hairdresser is competent they usually insist on it

Spend 3 minutes googling images of hair dye allergic reactions. Then spend 1 minute doing the patch test. You'll probably be fine, but do you really want to risk it???

Yes you absolutely should.

People get sudden reactions to different ingredients all the time even though they've never had an issue for years

Also a lot of colour companies constantly switch out chemicals they can't source for others so it's a big yes.

If it's for a salon you should sign a form to say you have done the test so it's your responsibility

I had a reaction even after a skin test in the hairdressers. It literally burned all down the back of my head and onto my neck - I have no words to describe the pain. The hairdressers just waved their waiver in my face and I ended up in A & E. Took nearly 2 weeks for the reaction to clear and I'm lucky it didn't scar.

Do the test. It's just another 48 hours.

I have been colouring my hair for 15+ years. A couple of months ago my hairdressers shut down so I booked an appointment with a new one, they said I needed a patch test - it gave me a chemical burn! I’ve attached a pic. It’s two months on and I still have a faint scar. So I’d say yes, do the test!!! Imagine that all over my head 😳

I will confess I’ve never actually done one.
not sure how you’re meant to with the home dyes that you mix up-do you have to get a whole other packet just for the test? Or let it sit there for 2 days once mixed up?

I dyed my hair at home and at the hairdressers for years, then didn't for about 3 years. Went to the hairdresser for the first time in ages, was going to splash out on getting it dyed there, she did a patch test and I had an awful reaction. So glad I didn't do a box dye at home now, could have really burned my head.

So definitely do it!

I don't bother. I just say I've done it.

You don't mix it
Just use the dye part not the peroxide

The PPD is the allergy chemical

(Hairdresser that's what we do)

I used to have the same outlook as you. Until I randomly had a horrific allergic reaction and my face swelled up like a balloon and I ended up in hospital. That experience has permanently left me afraid of having another reaction that I am very careful now and do all the tests and research products meticulously before I use them.

I've done home dyes for years - mostly same brand each time. Never had a reaction. After I'd had my covid jabs I did a patch test (because people had reacted after having covid) and my skin reacted. I now do a patch test every time. Not worth the risk of not doing it imo.

As someone with adult onset allergies, I highly advise testing.

you would be amazed how dramatic the shift can be.

Definitely do the test. My hairdressers changed brands and we all had to be retested because of the different formulas.

How does the test work with hair dressers though? Are you supposed to go in 2 days before and get a patch test? I've had my hair dyed around 10-12 times at maybe 5 different hairdressers, and never had a test done, suggested or even mentioned.

Yes you are

I'd never work in a salon that didn't patch test!

You do go in 48 hours before

They get you to sign you have done it

Loreal has it in manufacturing instructions, if not followed and you react, you can sue for the whole salon worth

Any hairdresser that doesn't do it is stupid

YABU

Why wouldn't you?

I believe you but I don't think it's that commonly done. Like I said I've been to many different salons, ranging from cheaper to expensive and never had it mentioned. Nor have I ever heard someone say they were popping in to the salon to get their patch test done.

Well I have been colouring my hair for about 10 years now.Every 2 or 3 months .Always test religiously .Its a quick test and wait 2 days if no reaction all good! If not then obv dont proceed!