Skin exposure to permanent hair dye compounds was assessed in 33 hairdressers using a previously evaluated hand rinse method. Hand rinse samples were collected from each hand before the start of hair dyeing, after application of the dye and after cutting the newly-dyed hair. Sixteen of the hairdressers did not use gloves during dye application, and none used gloves while cutting the dyed hair. The samples were analysed for pertinent aromatic amines and resorcinol (RES) using an HPLC method. 10 of 54 hair dye mixtures contained 1,4-phenylenediamine (PPD), 40 toluene-2,5-diaminesulphate (TDS), and 44 RES. After application of the hair dye, PPD was found in samples from 4 hairdressers, TDS in 12 and RES in 21. PPD was found in samples from 3 of the 17 hairdressers that used gloves during application of the hair dye, TDS in 5 and RES in 11. In the group that did not use gloves during the application of hair dye (n = 16) PPD was found in samples from 1 hairdresser, TDS in 7 and RES in 11. After cutting the dyed hair, PPD was found in samples from 5 hairdressers, TDS in 14 and RES in 20. Analysis of samples of newly-dyed hair cuttings revealed the presence of aromatic amines and/or RES in 11/12 samples. Our conclusion is that hairdressers' skin is exposed to allergenic compounds during hair dyeing. Exposure occurs from dye application, from cutting newly-dyed hair and from background exposure. The exposure loadings are in the level, where there is a risk of sensitization and/or elicitation of contact allergy (i.e. for PPD 22-939 nmol per hand). The glove use observed in this study was often improper, and was insufficient to prevent exposure. To reduce exposure, improved skin protection and work routines are important.