Page 39 - HAIR COLOUR

Chapter 5

Skin and Strand Tests

Before applying any permanent hair colour, you should always take a
skin test.

Human skin can be allergic to many things, and there is no way of
knowing which person is allergic to what. Before you use anything on
your skin, be safe and carry out a 48 hour skin test. A skin test will tell
you whether or not you are allergic to what has been applied to the skin.
The worst type allergies are to Paraphenylenediamine’s also known as
(PPD’S.)

PPD’S are used in the darker hair dyes only; an allergic reaction to
PPD’S causes swelling and splitting of the skin, and if they are allowed to
enter the blood stream can slow down breathing, and in extreme cases
cause death.

The hair colour companies recommend that a small amount of the hair
dye, about the size of a ten pence piece, not mixed with Hydrogen
peroxide is applied directly to the skin, in an area that is convenient to
wear i.e., under the arm or behind the ear.

Cover the hair dye with a plaster and leave for 48 hours. Remove the
plaster if an allergic reaction has occurred do not colour. (Fig 32.)

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