Hair tests are usually used prior to carrying out a chemical service so would not be often used in a barbershop environment.
Skin Test
Purpose of Test
To test for a reaction against colour
How
Mix a small amount of colour with peroxide and place it behind the ear with a cotton bud. Inform the client that it must stay on for 24-48 hours and advise the type of reaction that may occur if there is an allergy
Elasticity Test
Purpose of Test
To test the strength of hair
How
Take a few strands of hair between the forefinger and the thumb of each hand and gently stretch. Hair in good condition should return to it’s original length. Bad condition hair will not return and may break.
Porosity Test
Purpose of Test
To determine the condition of the cuticle
How
Take a few strands of hair between the forefinger and the thumb of one hand, with the other forefinger and thumb run your hand up the hair from end to root. If it feels smooth the hair is not porous, if it feels rough the hair is porous.
Strand Test
Purpose of Test
A preliminary test to determine the suitability or result for colour or bleach
How
Take a small test cutting from the hair. Mix a small amount of tint or bleach with peroxide and apply to the cutting and await development. Rinse, dry and check result.
Incompatibility Test
Purpose of Test
To determine the presence of metallic salts
How
Prior to the service, a cutting is taken and placed in a solution of 20ml of 6% hydrogen peroxide and 1ml ammonium hydroxide. If it produces bubbles or heat or the hair disintegrates, the service must not be carried out
Development Test
Purpose of Test
To find out if a perm has fully developed
How
Unwind 1 perm rod 1 and 1/2 times and hold up and towards the scalp, if the size of the ’S’ shape corresponds to the size of the perm rod, the processing is complete
