Grant Withnell

Hair

Why It's Really, Really, REALLY Important to Do a Patch Test

Tell me, do you do a patch test when you colour your hair?

Tell me, do you do a patch test when you colour your hair? Every time? This week, reports hit that a British woman nearly died while colouring her hair at home, so I think it's about time that we all solemnly swear to patch test every single time we dye or hair, don't you? I spoke with Schwarzkopf's National Technical Educator Grant Withnell to get his advice on the tests we should do every time we colour.

According to Grant, "Allergic reactions can develop over time which is why it's so important to perform an allergy test EVERY TIME you colour your hair." He also highlighted that tattoos may increase the risk of an allergic reaction, so it's especially important for those with tatts to do the test.

TIP #1: Grant recommends doing the patch test (aka skin sensitivity test) "on the area directly behind the ear, or on the inside of the elbow."

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Hair

Heavy Metal: Why Bobby Pins and Hair Dye Just Don't Mix

Y'know how people say that you learn something new every day?

Y'know how people say that you learn something new every day? Well yesterday I really did. I learnt that using any metal product, like a comb or bobby pin, while dying your hair is BAD. Why? Well, now it's over to Grant Withnell, National Technical Educator for Schwarzkopf.

Grant: You shouldn't use anything metallic when colouring hair because any colour that contains a developer will have a chemical reaction with metal.

Me: OK, so I heard your mouth moving but I didn't really get what you were saying.

Grant: Well, in some extreme — I'm talking really rare — cases, that chemical reaction can cause the hair to dissolve. This is why everything including clips, pins, combs, bowls anything used in hair colouring should be plastic.

Me: Yikes-o-rama. I did not know that.

Grant: Well know you do. Also remember to check the pack before you use a colour restorer on your hair. Some hennas use metal salts to generate the colours, so these can also create a similar chemical reaction. Doesn't mean you can't use 'em, but just check the ingredients and wait for the restorer to fully grow out before you dye your hair.

Stockists: Schwarzkopf (1800 022 219)