Question

Which test do you use when checking the progress of a hair color procedure?

1) Strand test
2) Patch test
3) Skin test
4) All of the above

Answer 1

To check the progress of a hair color procedure, a strand test is used to observe the potential result on the hair. This differs from a patch or skin test, which are for allergy testing, not for assessing color changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When checking the progress of a hair color procedure, a strand test is typically used. This test involves applying the color mixture to a small section of hair in order to observe and predict the outcome of the coloration on the entire head.

Unlike a patch test or a skin test, which are used to identify potential allergic reactions to chemicals used in the hair dye, the strand test is specific to assessing the color development.

Permanent hair coloring is a chemical process that needs careful monitoring to achieve the desired result. Understanding the mechanism of oxidation dyes is crucial, including the oxidation of 1,4-diaminobenzene derivative to the quinone state, the reaction with a coupler, and a final oxidation step to give the dye its permanent color.

The strand test allows the stylist to verify that these steps are proceeding as expected.