Allergy Testing for
Hair Colour, Eyelash Tinting & Eyebrow Tinting
Tops Hair Salon & Beauty follows an Allergy Responsible Protocol for the safety and peace of mind of our clients. We use testing and screening to check suitability for the products and services we provide.
For all hair colour services, eyelash tinting & eyebrow tinting, Tops Hair Salon & Beauty use the Colourstart patch test and passport. Please see below for step by step instructions.
If you are pregnant or have active dermatitis you cannot test with Colourstart. You should speak to your stylist or reception about an AAT (Allergy Alert Test) in the salon.
Colourstart Patch Test & Passport - MHRA approved method
Step 1
At least 5 days before your colour appointment, please register on the Colourstart website to create your online passport.
Step 2
Answer the screening questions.
Step 3
Buy and apply your Colourstart Patch. This must be applied at least 5 days before your colour appointment. Colourstart patches are available to buy in salon.
Step 4
When you have your Colourstart Patch Test, you will need to log into your passport. When prompted to share with a salon search and select Tops Hair Salon & Beauty. Then click on “my passport” (top right) and follow the instructions to apply the test. You will need to insert the batch number from the back of the patch test packaging and follow the instructions to apply the patch test. You will be asked to take a photo once applied.
Step 5
48 hours after applying your patch test Colourstart will email you to remind you to remove your patch test.
Step 6
You will then receive another email from Colourstart asking you to record your results by clicking “submit results”.
Once you have created your passport and completed your first test, subsequent colour treatments require you to answer the screening questions. Testing again with a Colourstart test may not be necessary unless you do not pass the screening questions. Your Colourstart Passport will confidentially store your records.
Allergy Testing Frequently Asked Questions
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 it Tops Hair Salon & Beauty’s 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.
My stylist said Colourstart is not suitable for me – why is that?
If you are pregnant or have active dermatitis you cannot test with Colourstart. You should speak to your stylist about an AAT (Allergy Alert Test) in the salon.
How long does an AAT take?
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?
We use 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. Tops Hair Salon & Beauty are committed to your safety and use only the best products and methods for hair colouring.