I can't stress enough how important it is to have a patch test before having your hair colour done, as side effects can range from scalp irritation to second degree burns. We all know that salons require a patch test 48 hours before you have a colour done, but how many salons actually keep to this rule? Perhaps if you have virgin hair they'll be more stringent, but in my years of working in beauty I've only ever been required to do it about three times, having had to request it personally, the other times. As a dyed blonde I'm probably not perceived as much of a risk so it came as a shock when two salons in a ROW refused to serve me.
I approached Toni & Guy salon in Clapham Junction, wanting a simple tint regrowth, and they said they couldn't do it till they'd checked with another Toni & Guy, where I'd had the original patch test. My records had somehow got lost, and they shook their heads- no go, unless I wanted a test then and to come back tomorrow.
I then visited the next door RUSH salon, where I underwent the same response. They called a previous salon, and thankfully located my records, so I managed to book in, otherwise it would have been out the door for me!
Though it was slightly irritating, I was very impressed with their professionalism and adherence to the policy- and though stories like this may have played a part, the salons went up a serious notch in my estimation.
P.S. My hair looked lovely as well!
