why we use colourstart for alergy testing

When it comes to hair colour, ensuring your safety is our top priority. Hair dyes contain a common ingredient called Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Reactions to PPD can range from mild irritation to severe swelling and, in rare cases, life-threatening responses. Even if you have coloured your hair before without issues, sensitivities can develop over time, making allergy testing an essential step before any colour service.

Traditional patch tests require a visit to the salon at least 48 hours before your appointment. However, we now offer an easier, more flexible alternative: Colourstart® Allergy Test.

What is Colourstart®?

Colourstart is an MHRA-approved allergy screening test that provides a reliable way to check for sensitivities to hair colour. Unlike traditional patch testing, which is brand-specific and must be repeated when switching colour lines, Colourstart applies to all hair colour brands. This means once you’ve taken the test, you won’t need to repeat it every time you change your shade or if we use a different product range to achieve your desired look.

Many salons only carry one colour brand because regular patch testing across multiple ranges is impractical. By using Colourstart, we have the freedom to choose the best products for your specific needs, whether it’s for grey blending, vibrant transformations, or custom formulations.

How It Works

Your Colourstart® Allergy Test [£15] is included in your consultation fee.

Simply apply the patch, wear it for 48 hours, then remove it and monitor the area for another 48 hours. You’ll also be asked to take a photo of the site before and after wearing the patch to check for any signs of a reaction.

Once complete, record your results in the Colourstart Passport App, where they’re securely stored for future use.

Before each colour appointment, just answer a few quick screening questions in the app to confirm you're still good to go—no need for repeated patch tests in the salon.

Colourstart is compatible with all colour brands I use, giving you more flexibility, fewer trips to the salon, and complete peace of mind.

For further details, head over to the Colourstart website.