This test is to ensure that colour is safe to use on your hair. A small dot of colour pigment is placed discreetly on your skin near the hairline. The pigment remains in place for at least 48 hours. If there is no reaction during the test your are deemed to have passed the skin test. The idea is that only a tiny amount of dye is placed on the skin and thereby if there is a reaction this should be minimal and an indicator not to proceed with that colour.

It is not a common occurrence but in the few people who do react the effects can be uncomfortable and in extreme cases, harmful. Many permanent and some semi-permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD). This is the culprit of most reactions to hair dye. Reactions to the test will usually be in the form of itchy skin or a raised red rash or slight swelling and may not appear for hours or days afterwards. To relieve mild symptoms simply wash the area thoroughly with mild shampoo to remove any excess dye and try gently applying an emollient (moisturising treatment) such as aqueous cream to the affected skin. Please contact your GP immediately. And inform the salon as well.

At THESALONOFCHI we do operate a unique team based approach. We are happy for you to utilise all the skills and experience that our individual team members bring. You are welcome to select one stylist to cut and another to colour for instance and if you are happy we can advise on the best team members to manage your visit. Some people always opt for the best stylist in the salon when faced with this choice and it's quite a sound approach. As the best stylist will usually carry the highest level of skill and knowledge. However we can advise on how to use the various skills and abilities within the salon team to your best advantage. Once you have found the stylist that you simply can't do without you are welcome to re-book with them at future times to suit you. However, no two appointments are exactly the same. We understand you may have time constraints or feel like updating your style a little. Your stylist is best placed to discuss how we as a team can help meet your needs at each appointment so feel free to share the challenges. Our guests can often find our team based approach gives them more flexibility.