Patch test offer

Definition

Where a hair dye's directions call for a patch test, the salon must offer one and name the risk.

Why It Matters

No state read here requires a patch test before a color or relaxer service, and the mandates that do exist are for skin resurfacing and for lash and brow tinting. Minnesota puts the real duty in infection control, where an inspector looks, and requires licensees to follow all manufacturer's directions, to offer a patch test wherever those directions recommend, advise or require one, to tell the client about the risk of an adverse reaction, and to keep every product manual on the premises. The owner and the designated salon manager carry that jointly with the stylist. Arkansas comes at it from the penalty end, treating a failure to follow manufacturer's instructions that harms a client as gross malpractice, and closing its complaint window ninety days after the service while the courthouse stays open. The manuals on the shelf are the only record that the offer was ever made.