North Carolina Barber Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Before using a new hair product, performing a patch test on the client is essential for ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritations. A patch test involves applying a small amount of the product to a discrete area of the skin, typically on the inner arm or behind the ear, and observing for any adverse reactions over a 24-hour period. This step is crucial because even if a product is labeled as safe, individual clients may have unique sensitivities or allergies.

While consulting with a colleague or referring to product reviews can offer useful insights or tips about the product's effectiveness and usage, these methods do not guarantee the product’s compatibility with a specific client's skin or hair type. Applying the product directly to the hair without prior testing can lead to unpredictable reactions, possibly damaging the client's hair or causing discomfort, which underscores the importance of conducting a patch test first.