Performing skin allergy tests (patch tests)
What is a skin allergy test?
A skin allergy test is the most effective way for customers to check for allergic reactions by themselves before coloring hair. Even with products that you have used safely in the past, allergic reactions can develop suddenly. Perform a skin allergy test every time 48 hours before you color your hair. Detailed instructions for skin allergy tests can be found in the instruction leaflet. Please read it carefully and perform the skin allergy test correctly.
Skin allergy test procedure
Perform a skin allergy test every time two days (48 hours) before coloring your hair by following the steps below.
A skin allergy test is intended to find out whether your body will react negatively to the hair coloring product. The test area should be observed twice, about 30 minutes after application of the test solution and again 48 hours later. Even if you have colored your hair safely in the past, you may develop an allergic reaction due to changes in your body. Perform a skin allergy test every time before you color your hair.
*During the skin allergy test, if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as a rash, redness, itching, blisters, or irritation in the applied area, do not rub the skin with your hands. Immediately wash the area off and do not color your hair. The same applies if you experience similar skin reactions sometime before the 48 hours is over.
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What you need
・Instruction leaflet
・1st agent (colorant) and 2nd agent (oxidant) for the hair coloring product you are about to use
・Cotton swabs
・Cotton pads or tissue paper
・A small dish for mixing the 1st and 2nd agents (There may be vessel that comes with the product)
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Step 1. Take a small amount of each agent
Take a small amount of the 1st and 2nd agents using the ratio specified in the instruction leaflet. (Note that the ratio to be mixed varies depending on the product.)
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Step 2. Mix to make the test solution
Mix them with a clean cotton swab to make the test solution
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Step 3. Apply the test solution to the underside of your arm
Using the cotton swab, lightly apply the test solution to the underside of your arm on an area the size of a 10-yen coin. Let the solution dry naturally.
※ Be careful not to allow the test area to come into contact with your clothes before it dries. If it does not dry after about 30 minutes, that means too much test solution was applied. Gently wipe off the excess solution with a cotton pad or tissue paper without rubbing the area. Do not take bath or shower while testing. If you must take a shower, be careful not to get the area where you applied the test solution wet.
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Step 4. Observe the test area 30 minutes after application (first observation)
Observe the test area 30 minutes after applying the test solution to the underside of your arm.
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Observe the test area 48 hours after application (second observation)
Observe the test area 48 hours after applying the test solution to the underside of your arm. After making sure there are no skin reactions after 48 hours, you may color your hair with the product.
<Notes regarding skin allergy tests>
- Observe the test area twice-once after 30 minutes and again 48 hours later.
- After applying the test solution to the underside of your arm, leave the test area alone. Do not touch it. Do not cover the test area with a bandage.
- Do not take a bath or shower while testing. If you must take a shower, be careful not to get the area where you applied the test solution wet.
- During the test, if you experience any skin reactions including a rash, redness, itching, blisters, or irritation in the applied area, do not rub the skin with your hands. Immediately wash the area off and do not use the hair coloring product. The same applies if you experience similar skin reactions sometime before the 48 hours is over.
- Hair coloring products should not be used if you experience skin reactions with the skin allergy test.
Products that require skin allergy test every time before you color your hair
The following products require skin allergy tests every time before you color your hair.
*Some products that do not contain henna may also include instructions for skin allergy test at the discretion of the individual manufacturers.