At Izabella Bordignon London, your safety and well-being are our highest priority. Starting in January 2025, all clients—both new and returning—will be required to have a Colourstart Passport to proceed with any colour treatments.
Before you embark on your exciting hair colour journey with us, it’s essential to complete a Skin Allergy Test. This mandatory test helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, giving you peace of mind as we bring your colour vision to life.
What Is the Colourstart Allergy Test?
The Hair Colour Allergy Test, also known as a Colour Patch Test, is a test that determines your skin’s sensitivity to colouring products, specifically to PPD (paraphenylenediamine), a common ingredient in hair dyes. This test is essential for preventing adverse reactions that may occur during the colouring process.
Why Is It Mandatory?
This test is mandatory for all new clients, existing clients without a Colourstart Passport, and those who suspect they may have developed sensitivity to hair colour ingredients due to illness or medication. It’s a safeguard to ensure that your hair colour experience is safe and free from allergic reactions.
When Should It Be Done?
You can perform the test at home at least five days before your scheduled colour appointment. This timing allows for any necessary precautions if an allergy is detected.
At Home Colour Patch Test
We have partnered with Colourstart, an innovative, MHRA-approved self-application patch test.
Colourstart patch test offers a safe and convenient way to test your suitability for a colour service and securely store your results in your personal online portal, known as the Colourstart Passport.
If you’re already a colour client at Izabella Bordignon London and have a Colourstart Passport, you’ll be asked a set of screening questions before every colour appointment. If you don’t have the Colourstart Passport, you will need to apply for the test before your next appointment.
For new colour clients, a colour consultation is also required. This includes a hair and scalp assessment, screening, and an allergy alert test to ensure everything is in order before your colour service.
Colourstart Passport
For more information on how to set your account and use Colourstart Passport, click here!
How does Colourstart Patch Test work?
- Colourstart Passport: After obtaining the Colourstart kit, you’ll need to create a Colourstart Passport. This online passport allows you to update your allergy test record for future colour treatments by answering a set of health-related questions. Once the Colourstart app is downloaded, it will send notifications via email to ensure you stay updated on your test status.
- Test Application: The kit includes an adhesive patch containing two small squares—one with a minimal amount of PPD (positive ‘+’) and one without PPD (negative ‘-’). The kit is typically delivered within 2-3 days if ordered online.
- Patch Application: Apply the patch to a visible part of your arm at least five days before your hair colour appointment. Leave it on for at least 48 hours (2 days) before removing it.
- Monitoring Your Skin: After 48 hours (Day 2), remove the Patch Test, but do not record your results yet. Check the application site for any redness, itching, or inflammation. These signs indicate a potential PPD allergy, and in such cases, using hair colour products is not recommended. If you’re uncertain about your reaction or experience severe symptoms, consult a pharmacist or doctor.
- Complete your test and record your results: After 96 hours (Day 4) upload a photo of the test area and record the results on Colourstart passport App or website.
The Importance of the Allergy Test
- Safety First: The Allergy Test ensures that your skin isn’t allergic or sensitive to hair colour products, safeguarding your well-being throughout the hair colouring process.
- Health Evaluation: The test evaluates your overall health status by asking health-related questions, ensuring you’re a suitable candidate for the Colourstart patch.
- Regulatory Compliance: Our requirement for this test aligns with industry regulations, reflecting our commitment to your safety during hair colouring.
What you need to know before you use Colourstart
Before applying the Patch Test, you’ll be asked a series of questions to determine if Colourstart is appropriate for you. Questions include:
- Are you under 16 years old?
- Do you suspect or know you’re allergic to PPD or hair colourant?
- Do you have active dermatitis on your skin (e.g. redness,
- swelling, itching) ?
- Have you had a black henna tattoo or an allergy to one in the past?
- Do you have redness, swelling, or itchy skin?
- Are you taking oral or topical steroids or other immunosuppressive medicines?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Your health and satisfaction are paramount to us. The Allergy Test is a simple yet essential step to ensure your well-being while you enjoy a stunning hair colour transformation.
Patient Information Leaflet
For detailed guidance on using Colourstart, download our Patient Information Leaflet. In this leaflet, you’ll find essential information, including:
- What Colourstart is and what it is used for
- What you need to know before you use Colourstart
- How to Use Colourstart
- Potential Side Effects
- How to store Colourstart
- Contents of the pack and other information
Featured in Colourstart Magazine: Our Commitment to Safe Hair Colouring
We were honoured to be featured on the Colourstart website, where we had an insightful conversation with Emma about why we chose Colourstart for our allergy testing. Although the interview took place some time ago, the importance of allergy testing before any hair colour service remains as crucial as ever. Our dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our clients continues to be a top priority.
FAQ
How much is Colourstart and where do I buy it?
Signing up and ongoing screening questions on the online passport is free. As Colourstart is now a registered medicine, we are required by law to sell the patch test. Providing you pass the screening questions you shouldn’t need to re-test again. You can buy the patch test for £15 from Tops Hair Salon & Beauty.
Why is Colourstart the preferred method for screening for colour allergies?
You are in control of your online passport and, therefore, your testing and screening. It is confidential. We only get to see your result when you share it with us. You can use your online Colourstart passport for screening for any colour services in any participating salon. For example, if you have a brow colouring service you can use the same test. If you are travelling and you need to use a different salon, you can share your passport result with any participating salon. You can get your service done with little notice, you do not have to wait 48 hours for a skin test.
What is and how long does an AAT (Allergy Alert Test) take?
If you are pregnant or have active dermatitis you cannot test with Colourstart. If you are pregnant or have active dermatitis, you will need an AAT appointment at least 48 hours before your colour appointment. It only takes 10 minutes and will need to be applied in the salon by a trained member of the team.
Why do I need a skin test?
Reactions to hair colour can be serious and even life threatening. There are strict guidelines from manufacturers, insurers, industry bodies and the MHRA around using hair colour. We endeavour to give you peace of mind so that you can safely enjoy your visits to the salon.
Why don’t you test me every time?
Colourstart uses screening questions to monitor the need for testing you before your service. If nothing has changed since your last test and we have a valid record it will be OK to proceed with your service.
I have been colouring my hair for years, why do I need a test?
One of the triggers for sensitivity and reactions to hair colour is exposure over time, therefore it is important we monitor it for your safety. We are committed to your safety and use only the best products and methods for hair colouring.
Essential Resources for Hair Dye Allergy Awareness
For anyone considering hair colouring, understanding the importance of allergy testing is crucial. Here are two valuable resources to help you stay informed and safe:
- NHS: Hair Dye Reactions
The NHS provides detailed information on hair dye reactions, including symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures. This guide is essential for anyone who wants to understand the risks associated with hair dye allergies. - UK Government: First Allergy Test for Hair Dye Goes on General Sale
This government article announces the availability of the first-ever allergy test for hair dye, making it accessible to the general public. It highlights the importance of allergy testing and the growing emphasis on consumer safety in the hair industry.
These links provide valuable insights into hair dye allergies and the advancements in allergy testing, reinforcing why patch tests are essential for safe hair colouring experiences.
Ready to get started?
Order your Colourstart test online today, and it will arrive within 2-3 days. Once your test is complete and the results are registered, you can relax and look forward to your upcoming colour appointment with confidence.
At Izabella Bordignon London, we’re here to unlock the potential for stunning hair colours and styles while prioritising your health and well-being.
