A new survey has revealed that 25 out of 30 hairdressing salons approached in Wales did not offer a patch test to customers to see if the customer had an allergy to hair dye before having treatment done. The patch test is used to see if customers have an allergic or other reaction to the chemicals in the dye or treatment. This is vital as it can prevent more serious allergic reactions which may have significant side effects, such as rashes, scars, pain and even burns, occurring.
Currently hairdressers are not regulated and the lack of regulation means that hairdressers do not have to carry out patch tests before carrying out hair treatments. However, failing to offer a patch test can invalidate a hairdresser’s insurance. If a customer subsequently has a severe reaction to the hair dye, the customer can pursue an accident compensation claim for injuries caused by the hair dye. Such claims will have a very good chance of succeeding if the hairdresser failed to carry out a patch test.
Hair dye manufacturers’ guidelines recommend carrying out patch tests on a regular basis and patch tests should always be offered to a new customer. Lawson-West recommend that all customers who want their hair dyed or treated request a patch test first and do not go ahead with treatment if a patch test has not been done.
