Alaska Hairdresser and Barber Certification Practice Exam

What should you do before applying a hair color?

1. Wash the hair

2. Perform a patch test

3. Condition the hair

4. Use a heat protectant

The correct answer is: Perform a patch test

Before applying a hair color, performing a patch test is an essential step. This is a safety precaution designed to determine if the client has any allergic reactions to the hair dye ingredients. It typically involves applying a small amount of the dye on a discreet area of skin (often behind the ear or on the inner forearm) and waiting 24 to 48 hours to observe any adverse reaction, such as redness, swelling, or itching. This step is crucial because allergic reactions can lead to serious health issues, including severe skin reactions, which can be dangerous. While washing the hair, conditioning it, and using a heat protectant are all important steps in hair preparation and care, they do not serve the same purpose as a patch test. Washing the hair is typically done to remove any buildup, and conditioning can help improve the hair's texture, but neither of these actions checks for potential allergens in the dye. Using a heat protectant is beneficial for preventing heat damage during styling but is irrelevant in the context of hair coloring directly. This highlights why performing a patch test takes precedence as a safety measure for both the client and stylist.