Before the application of color, what safety precautions should the barber take to ensure no allergic reaction?

• A. A full blood test
• B. A scalp massage
• C. A patch test
• D. A skin biopsy

Answer: (C)

Before applying color, check for potential allergies by performing a patch test. Hair color products can contain chemicals that trigger allergic reactions in some clients. A patch test places a tiny amount of the dye on a small skin area, typically behind the ear or on the inner forearm, and you check it after 24 to 48 hours. If redness, itching, swelling, or irritation shows up, do not use the color on that client. This simple step helps prevent a full-scale reaction during the service. Alternatives like a blood test or biopsy aren’t practical for this purpose, and a scalp massage doesn’t assess allergy.