Strand & Patch Test
Consultation
For clients who are interested in our services involving hair lightening, full hair coloring or hair treatment, we have a routine to book a consultation before undergoing these major procedures. If the distance to our salon is far for you, do not be alarmed! We can also consult via our Whatsapp chat, which makes it very convenient for our clients.
During the consultation one of our hair specialists will discuss with you, one on one and in detail about your hair and the final look you want to achieve. This allows you and the professional stylist to gain information of the hairs current condition, what it may require and also an understanding of the type of procedures your hair will undergo.
For Whatsapp users, we recommend sending a photo of the hair from behind (with clear view of all the hair). This way the stylist will be able to see the hair and determine if the look you dream for is achievable or inform you how long the procedure will take, as well as a precise quote.
Strand Test
For clients who book a consultation, we may ask to test your hair strands before the lightening procedure. This is only for services involving bleaching of the hair, such as balayage or hair lightening. During this test, a very small section of the hair is lightened using the bleach. This can take upto an hour (max). Again, this depends on the hair – as some hairs are more stubborn to lift than others.
Furthermore, the strand test is vital for clients that have already had a coloring service previously and/or want a new daring look or a change.It is essential because this test helps the stylist gain information on; the speed of the reaction (the time it takes for the hair to lift), the health of the hair (if the hair is capable of withstanding the lift with little to no damage), the level of dryness and the level of endurance of the hair.
These results provides an understanding of the general health of the hair. In some cases, when the hair is significantly damaged and drying as well as visible breakage, then we recommend our special Botox hair treatment instead of undergoing any lightening procedure. In some cases we can still proceed with the lightening procedure with the clients consent and request, while trying to achieve the maximum lift with the least possible damage. However, this will be at the clients volition.
Patch Test
For clients that want a change involving color, specifically color applications that involve chemicals being in direct contact with the skin (for example; root color or root lightening), we like to do a patch test. This test is simple and safe.
A drop of color is applied to a small surface area of the skin. This will be a small patch covering the areas such as; behind the ear or the wrist. This small patch of color remains on the skin between 24-48 hours. During this time period, after the patch has been removed by the client, we can see if there is any redness or any visible allergic reaction with skin and the color.
The results help both the clients and our professional stylists to gain important information regarding the health of the skin and gives us insight if we should proceed with the coloring procedure. In rare cases, some people can have a sensitive skin towards color, therefore, this test is essential for our new clients. Furthermore, with this safety precaution in place, the client and our staff can be at ease during the color application process.
We also like to undergo this test for clients who have not had their hair colored with us for over 6 months. Just to ensure the clients haven’t developed any new skin health related problems.