A useful power point on types of test for colouring hair in hairdressing industry

1. Tests and Testing
• Skin Test
• Elasticity Test
• Porosity Test
• Strand Test
• Incompatibility Test
• Test Cutting

2. SKIN TESTING
THERE ARE 2 REASONS WHY WE SKIN TEST
1. to get a result – Para content in tint
2 .as a duty to care
There are 2 types of reactions
1. Allergic
2. Irritant

3. Irritant
• Client may be sensitive to an ingredient or the product you are
applying
• They can also have an irritant reaction to the smell of the
product
• This is an external reaction
• It is confined to the area product is applied to

4. Allergic reaction
• It is only as a formality we check for an allergic reaction
• Allergic reaction can occur at anytime
• Takes up to 24-48 hours to occur
• This is a severe reaction
• The immune system starts to fight
• Antibodies change shape and swell

5. Allergic reaction
• Blisters on the skin taking several weeks to heal
• Anaphylactic shock- severest reaction DEATH

6. Allergic reaction to hair colour

7. Allergic reaction to hair colour

8. Allergic reaction

9. Allergic reaction

10. How do we skin test
• Each company have their own way of testing
• Always follow manufacturers guidelines
• Wella-Mix a small amount of colour with peroxide and place
behind ear with cotton bud
• Inform client that it must stay on for the next 24-48 hrs and of
the type of reaction that may occur if there is an allergy

11. Symptoms
• Hot spots
• Heat
• Stinging
• This is due to blood capillaries been aggravated in the dermis
• If this type of reactions occur you must remove the product
immediately
• By not skin testing we are open to being sued and permanent
damage to your business

12. Elasticity test
• Purpose is to check the hairs internal strength
• Hair in good condition can hold a 100gms in weight
• Hair in poor condition can hold only 30gms in weight
• Hair which is in poor condition will not hold colour well as
there is to much space in the cortex
• Hair in poor conditioned is known as sensitised hair

13. Elasticity test
• To perform an elasticity test
• Take a few strands of hair and stretch between fingers
• Hair in good condition will stretch and return
• Hair in poor condition will not return

14. Porosity test
• 2 types of porous hair
• Naturally porous hair
• Chemically /physically porous
• Purpose of the test is to check the hairs ability to absorb
moisture in varying degrees
• Condition of the cuticle- EXTERNAL DAMAGE
• If the hair is externally damaged the effect is on the outside
• Cuticle scales could be broken or missing

15. Incompatibility test
• We are looking for a reaction due to metallic salts being
present in the hair
• Compound henna, some colour sticks, sun in
• These products can contain metallic salts which can have an
adverse reaction to professional products

16. Incompatibility Test
• If no test was carried you could jeopardise the condition of the
hair
• Breakage or complete disintegration
• If client has used home colour ALWAYS carry out an
incompatibility test
• To test- take cuttings of hair from various areas of the head
• Place in an non metallic bowl with 20ml of 20vol liquid + 1ml
ammonia solution

17. Incompatibility
• Leave for 3-5 mins
• Look for signs of bubbling attracting along the hair shaft
• Fizzing , heat, discolouration of hair, disintegration of hair
• If any of these reactions occur never proceed with colour

18. Colour Test or Test Cutting
• Test cutting – done prior to colouring to check if colour result
will be even or will be achievable
• Will the hair tolerate the service
• To perform the test apply your chosen colour to various
cuttings from round the head (discreet areas)
• Develop for full development time
• Rinse, dry and check

19. Colour Test / Test Cutting
• Negative Result
• When the desired colour is not achieved or unsuitable for
client
• DO NOT PROCEED WITH COLOUR SERVICE
• Positive Result
• When the desired colour has been achieved and is suitable for
the client
• PROCEED WITH COLOUR SERVICE

20. Strand test
• This test is performed during the colouring process
• Ideally to check the lightening on bleaching and tones when
using toner
• Remove a piece of colour using damp cotton wool
• If colour achieved rinse and remove colour
• If colour not achieved massage product back into area
removed from and further develop