Hair colour for under-16s investigation uncovers malpractice

A recent Welsh tv programme carried out an undercover investigation and found a number of salons were willing to colour the hair of someone under 16 years of age. The X-Ray documentary, which was commissioned by BBC1 Wales secretly filmed three hairdressing salons who were apparently happy to colour a 12-year-old’s hair without offering an allergy test 48 hours in advance.  The incidents featured in the documentary serve as a reminder to all salon owners that hair colour should never be applied to anyone under the age of 16. Allergy tests should always be carried out at least 48 hours in advance for new colour clients if they are over 16. Hilary Hall, NHF chief executive comments: “At least the programme has helped to raise awareness with the general public about the importance of doing allergy tests." She continues: "Clients understand that when salons ask them to do an allergy test, even though it may be inconvenient, they are doing it to protect the safety and wellbeing of their clients." If you are unsure about the colour guidelines for your salon, the NHF has resources to keep you up to date. "The National Hairdressers Federation has produced clear guidelines for salons about allergy testing, including factors which may put people at higher risk of a reaction, for example if they have recently had a tattoo. We provide our members with free allergy test record cards to make sure they follow industry best practice guidelines and are therefore fully covered by their insurance policy*," says Hilary. *NHF allergy alert consultation and test record cards are approved for use with Coversure’s Salonsure salon policies. If salons are using any other insurance broker, they must check the record card is approved by their underwriters.