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Hair-it-yourself

Hair color safety tests

Hair color products may cause allergic reactions, which in rare instances can be serious. Do not color if you've had a previous reaction and check our tests to color safely.


Allergy test

To help minimize your risk, it is important to perform the skin allergy test 48 hours prior to every application. You will need cotton wool or a cotton bud, a plastic bowl and a plastic spoon.

Step 1

Open the colorant tube (#1), unscrew cap and turn upside down. Hold tube firmly without squeezing and point the opening away from your face. Push the pointed end of the cap into the seal.

Step 2

Mix small, equal parts of colorant (#1) and color developer from bottle #2 (about the size of a nickel) in a plastic bowl.

Step 3

Tightly recap both the colorant tube (#1) and developer bottle (#2).

Step 4

Apply small amount of a mixture to inside of elbow. Allow to dry. Do not wash site for 48 hours. Use remaining mixture for a strand test (see below).

Step 5

Examine during the next 48 hours. If no reaction occurs, you are ready to color. If a rash or redness, burning or itching occurs, you may be allergic and you must not use this product. Retain the product for identification and write us a direct message on our official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/wella/.

Strand test

We recommend you do the strand test each time you color to determine optimal timing and color results. Perms, chemical treatments like straightening, previous color and the sun can affect your results and timing. You will need scissors, tape, and a clock.

Step 1

Cut a 1/4-inch strand from the root area that is generally not visible (any area NOT along the part line, temples, or hairline is best), and tape strand, exposing the root end.

Step 2

Completely cover the exposed root end with the mixture remaining from the Allergy Test. Start timing.

Step 3

Tightly recap both the colorant tube (#1) and Developer Bottle (#2).

Step 4

After 10 minutes, check the root end of the strand. If the root end is not the color you want, leave color on for an additional 5 minutes.

If during coloring you experience intense stinging or burning and/or rash, rinse immediately. Do not color your hair again before consulting a physician. If you experience shortness of breath seek prompt medical attention.


Do not worry if you do not remember all the steps for these tests, all of Wella hair color products come with a leaflet clearly explaining the steps for each test.

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