Which of the following are contraindications or precautions that would prevent performing a chemical service?

• A. Active scalp conditions, open wounds, severe allergies, recent surgeries or medical restrictions, pregnancy with specific products, medications affecting hair or scalp.
• B. Healthy scalp with no allergies.
• C. No medical history of any kind.
• D. Hair shorter than 2 inches.

Answer: (A)

When deciding whether to perform a chemical service, you look for anything that could be harmed by chemicals or hinder healing. The factors that signal a precaution or a true contraindication are active scalp conditions and open wounds, because chemicals can irritate damaged skin, worsen conditions, or cause infection. Severe allergies raise the risk of a severe reaction during the service, so extra caution or avoiding the treatment is prudent. Recent surgeries or other medical restrictions suggest the body may not tolerate chemical processing well yet, or there may be healing or medication considerations to account for. Pregnancy with certain products is a precaution since some ingredients may not be advised in pregnancy, depending on the product, and medications affecting hair or scalp can alter how the hair responds or raise safety concerns. Altogether, these factors require postponing, modifying, or selecting safer alternatives for the service.

Healthy scalp with no allergies, no medical history concerns, or hair simply being short does not by itself prevent a chemical service, so those options don’t pose contraindications. In practice, a thorough consult and patch test help identify any individual sensitivities before proceeding.