A patch test is a small application of a colour/chemical product to a client's skin, checked after 24–48 hours, to check for an allergic reaction before a full treatment. Whatever its precise legal status (see our dedicated guide on that), it matters for three practical reasons: client safety (an undetected allergy during a full-head application can cause a serious reaction), your insurance cover (insurers may decline a claim if a patch test wasn't carried out and recorded for a product that required one), and your legal protection in a negligence claim (a dated record is strong evidence of due diligence). Record the date, product, area tested, and result every time — our £49 Kit's Consultation, Consent & Patch Test Record template has a built-in log for this.
General business guidance, not legal, financial or professional advice. Requirements change — check the official source or a qualified professional before relying on it.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — "DBS checks for adult social care roles" (DBS guidance leaflet), incl. Scenario 2 "Theresa" mobile hairdresser exampleOfficial source
- GOV.UK — "Employers' liability insurance"Official source
- GOV.UK — "Employers' liability insurance: when you do not need it"Official source
- HSE — "Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969" (HSE40)Official source
- legislation.gov.uk — Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, s.1Official source
- HSE — Research Report RR623, "Occupational asthma, respiratory issues and dermatitis in hairdressers and nail bars"Official source
Home Help Hub Business is not a government or regulatory body. Labels describe the type of source we used; always check the latest version on the source's own site.