West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

The first step in the hair coloring process should be performing a patch test. Conducting a patch test is vital to ensure that the client does not have any allergic reactions to the hair dye. This involves applying a small amount of the dye to a discreet area of the skin, typically behind the ear or on the inner elbow, and observing for any adverse reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling over a period of 24 to 48 hours. This precaution helps to safeguard the client's health and avoid potentially severe reactions that could occur if the coloring product is applied directly to the hair without prior testing.

While other steps in the hair coloring process like shampooing the hair or conditioning it can be important as well, they are not as critical as ensuring the client’s safety with the patch test. Applying heat typically occurs during or after the coloring process to help develop the color, and therefore it is not a preliminary step. Each of these other options serves a role in the overall process but does not address the safety check that is integral to beginning the hair coloring procedure.