Chemical hair services (colour, bleach, perms) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Handling and storage of oxidisers/reducers — Store peroxide upright, capped and away from heat/sunlight; segregate oxidisers from combustibles. Handle thioglycolate and perm solutions with gloves, keep SDS/COSHH to hand, train spill response, and use labelled, shatter-resistant bottles with dated batch logs.
• Cross-reactivity with related dyes or anaesthetics — Ask about reactions to benzocaine, PABA and azo dyes; provide a written “avoid list” and select truly non-cross-reacting families. Use targeted patch tests where appropriate and record tolerance outcomes to guide safe future shade selection.
• Allergic reaction to direct dyes and toners (non-oxidative) — Review dye reaction history; perform a small behind-ear/inner-arm test with the exact toner/shade, avoiding damaged skin. Use minimal contact time, remove at the first sign of irritation, provide aftercare advice, and record product, batch and timing.
• Incompatible hair history or metallic salts reaction — Take a detailed history of box dyes, henna and metallic salts; perform strand tests before high-lift or bleach. Discontinue if heat/fume reactions occur; choose chelation, removers or staged plans instead. Document decisions and set realistic outcomes with the client.
• Client movement during processing — Seat clients comfortably with head/neck support, explain why stillness matters, and set a call-bell for discomfort. Clip foils securely, avoid folding against the scalp, and pause if the client needs to move; recheck placement and timing before resuming.