1. Types of Tests

2. Skin Test
Purpose of test
To test for
allergy to colour
products

3. Skin Test Method Wipe area of skin behind the ear with surgical
spirits. Apply small
amount of proposed
mixture to cleansed area.
Allow to dry naturally
Leave for 48hrs
DO NOT COVER

4. Expected Result Negative Reaction Positive Reaction No reaction
Red inflamed itchy

5. When to do the test
48 hours before the application of permanent or quasi colours. Test should be carried out in the following circumstances:
for a client new to the salon
for a client new to colour
for a client who has not had a colour treatment in previous 12 weeks
If a client changes to a different colour product or shade

6. Potential Consequences Of Not Carrying Out The Test
BBC News | HEALTH|
Hair dye allergy
'led to tragedy‘
Potential for client to
take legal action if
hair if damage to
scalp occurs

7. Elasticity Test
Purpose
To determine
the condition
of the cortex

8. Elasticity Test Stretch one or two hairs between finger and thumb
Method
Stretch one or
two hairs
between finger
and thumb

9. Elasticity Test Expected Result The hair should stretch and
return to its
normal length
without breaking

10. Elasticity Test When to do the test- Before any chemical process

11. Potential Consequences Of Not Carrying Out The Test
Damage to the
hair
Potential for
client to take
legal action
if damage to
hair occurs

12. Porosity Test Purpose of test To determine the condition
of the cuticle

13. Porosity Test Method Before wetting the hair slide fingers from
Point to root

14.   Porosity Test
Expected Result
Hair should feel smooth

15. Porosity Test When to do the test- Before any chemical process

16. Potential Consequences Of Not Carrying Out The Test
Damage to the
hair
Potential for
client to take
legal action
if damage to
hair occurs

17. Strand Test Purpose of test To check the development of
colour or bleach
applications

18. Strand Test
Method
Remove colour
or bleach from
small strands
of hair

19. Strand Test When to do the test During the colour or
bleach development
process and after
manufacturer’s
Recommended
development time

20. Strand Test Expected result The colour result is as required or
may need further
development time

21. Potential Consequences Of Not Carrying Out The Test
The result may not
meet requirements.
If damage to scalp or
hair occurs, for the
client to take legal
action.

22. Incompatibility Test Purpose of test To determine the presence of
metallic salts

23. Incompatibility Test Method Mix 1:20 ammonium hydroxide and 6%
H2O2 , place hair
cutting into mixture
and leave for up to
30 minutes

24. Incompatibility Test Expected result If metallic compounds are
present the hair may
change colour, the
mixture may bubble
or fizz and heat may
be created

25. Incompatibility Test When to do the test- Before any chemical process

26. Potential Consequences Of Not Carrying Out The Test
Disintegration of
hair, change of hair
colour, damage to the
hair
If damage to the hair
occurs, potential for
the client to take
legal action

27. Test Yourselves
Practice Quiz and Challenge Game For One or Two Players
Interactive Card Games and Word Search
Interactive Card Games

28. Development Test Curl Purpose of test To find out if The perm is
Fully developed

29. Development Test Curl Method Partially unwind a Rod and gently push
It back on itself.
Do this with a
Few areas on the
head

30. Development Test Curl Expected Result The formation of an “s” shape
on the partially
unwound hair

31. Development Test Curl When to do the test During the perming
process and after
manufacturer’s
Recommended
development time

32. Potential Consequences Of Not Carrying Out The Test
Damage to the
hair
If damage to the
hair occurs,
potential for the
client to take legal
action

33. Pre-perm Test Curl Purpose of the Test To find out the
hair’s suitability
for perming

34. Pre-perm Test Curl Method Wind 2 or 3 rods in the hair
Apply perm solution and
leave to process for
manufacturer’s
development time, check
then neutralise

35. Pre-perm Test Curl Expected Result If the curl is strong
and hair is in good
condition – carry on
with perm
If the hair has been
left in poor condition
DO NOT PERM

36. Pre-perm Test Curl When to do the test When you have concerns whether
the hair is
suitable for
perming

37. Potential Consequences Of Not Carrying Out The Test
Damage to the
hair
If damage to the
hair occurs,
potential for the
client to take legal
action