How to test a new hair product
The AAD skin test steps, and the FDA patch test for hair dye.
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The AAD steps for skin care products
For skin care products, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says to apply a product to a quarter-sized test spot where it will not be rubbed or washed away, such as the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow, twice daily for seven to 10 days. For something you would wash off, like a cleanser, the AAD says to "keep it on your skin for five minutes or as long as the instructions say." The AAD page is about skin care products. Using the same steps for a shampoo is our suggestion, not the AAD's.
If there is no reaction
The AAD says that if after seven to 10 days you do not have a skin reaction, such as red, itchy, or swollen skin, go ahead and use the product.
Hair dye: the FDA patch test
For hair dye, the FDA says to "do a patch test on your skin every time before dyeing your hair." Its hair dye Q&A says to rub a tiny bit of the dye on the inside of your elbow or behind your ear, leave it there for two days, and not use the dye on your hair if you get a rash.
More FDA steps for hair dye
The FDA says to "keep hair dyes away from your eyes, and do not dye your eyebrows or eyelashes," because this "can hurt your eyes and may even cause blindness." It says to wear gloves, and not to leave the product on longer than the directions say.
If you react
The AAD says to wash the product off as soon as possible and not use it again. The FDA says the first step after a reaction to a cosmetic is to stop using the product and contact your healthcare provider, and the second is to report the problem to the FDA. If anaphylaxis symptoms such as shortness of breath or trouble swallowing occur, the FDA says to call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
Patch testing at a doctor
The FDA says a healthcare provider may recommend patch testing, which involves placing a small amount of allergen on the skin and covering it for 48 hours, with a physician inspecting the skin after 72 to 96 hours.
FAQ
General information, not medical advice. Follow the label. We suggest testing a new hair product on a small patch of skin first. Keep it out of your eyes, and stop use if irritation occurs. For hair dye, the FDA says to do a patch test every time and never to dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. See a doctor or dermatologist about scalp problems or hair loss.
Next: hair toner
What makers mean by toner.
