HomeThe science of cosmeticsHow do hair products work?

Cosmetics can have a role to play in helping people to feel good by taking care of their appearance. When it comes to hair, whether blonde, brunette, sandy or silver, changing our hair colour and style can help us express our mood and personality. Four out of every 10 women in the UK use hair colorants as part of their personal beauty regime.

In this section you can discover the facts about how hair colorants and shampoos work - and learn about the importance of Allergy Alert Tests and how they must be carried out at home and in the salon.


Colour With Confidence

Research carried out in 2012 showed that 13.7 million women would colour their hair in the run-up to the festive season, but more than three quarters wouldn't carry out an Allergy Alert Test.

To address this, the CTPA has joined forces with National Hairdressers' Federation (NHF), which represents UK salon owners, to launch the Colour With Confidence campaign, to highlight the importance of carrying out an Allergy Alert Test 48 hours before every colour - whether at home or the salon.

Visit the Media page for easy style tips in a series of how-to videos from President of the NHF and celebrity hair stylist, Mark Coray - and a host of hair tips from other top celebrity stylists.


Should I be worried about allergy?

Millions of people across the world colour their hair every year. While the overwhelming majority experience no problems at all, it is known that a small number of people do have the potential to be allergic to some ingredients in hair colorants. It is really important to follow manufacturer instructions closely when colouring the hair, making sure to carry out an Allergy Alert Test 48 hours before each colouring.
Hair colorants are one of the most thoroughly studied consumer products on the market and their safety is supported by a wealth of scientific research. As with any other cosmetic product, European cosmetic safety laws require that they must not cause harm to human health.

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