Questions about Colourstart

Colourstart is a ready-to-use patch test for finding out if you might be allergic to one of the ingredients, called PPD, found in most hair colorants

If the product you intend to use recommends that you test for allergy before using hair colour, you can use Colourstart instead. You should not use both the Allergy Alert Test and Colourstart.

To check if Colourstart is suitable for you to use please download the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Colourstart is not suitable for use by anyone under the age of 16.

Colourstart should only be used once if you are using the same hair colour product but may be repeated if you are switching to another product.

Colourstart is available from hair professionals in the UK.

If the instructions are followed carefully, it should not be possible to use more Colourstart than intended because it is a single use product. However, if you apply more than one patch or if anyone else applies the patch to their skin, remove as soon as possible and wash the area gently with water.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

The Colourstart patch test is a medicine, and should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.
The test should be stored in an environment below 25°C. It should not be used after the expiry date stated on the outside of the foil test pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated. The test should not be used if you notice that the foil test pack is open or damaged.

The used patch should be folded, sticky sides together, put back in the empty pouch and disposed of carefully.

Always dispose of used Colourstart patches sensibly, away from the reach of children and animals.

You should not use the Colourstart patch test after the expiry date. The expiry date is printed on the outside of the foil pouch. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month printed. Please tell your salon if you have been provided an out of date test. If opened, out of date or used patches should be folded, sticky sides together, put back in the empty pouch and disposed of carefully. Always dispose of used Colourstart patches sensibly, away from the reach of children and animals.

Questions about allergy to hair colour

Most hair colour manufacturers recommend testing for allergy before the use of hair colour. Hair dyes contain chemicals that you can become allergic to through repeated exposure. A test before using hair colour is recommended to predict whether use of the colour will result in an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to hair colorant can cause itchy rashes, redness and blisters. In some cases, more severe reactions can occur.

If you have had a black henna tattoo you have an increased risk of being allergic to PPD.

It is estimated that 1.5% of people are allergic to PPD

You should not use hair colour if you have had any reaction to a black henna tattoo in the past.

An allergic reaction to hair colour can cause itchy rashes, redness and blisters. In some cases, more severe reactions can occur.

If you see a reaction on your skin at the site of the Colourstart test, or if you experience any symptoms of discomfort or there is a noticeable difference in how your skin looks or feels in the 48 hours after applying Colourstart, you should remove the patch and wash the area gently with water as it may be a positive result.

DO NOT apply hair colorant. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are at all unsure.

Questions about Colourstart Passport

You can share the result of your Colourstart test with your salon by using Colourstart Passport.

Colourstart Passport is an app that helps you and your hair professional assess the risk of allergy to hair colour. It works by helping you decide if you can use Colourstart. You can share the result of your Passport with others, including your favourite salon. Colourstart Passport gives you the freedom to use hair colour provided you get the all-clear.

Colourstart Passport contains a set of simple questions about your history of using hair colour, and whether you have had any kind of allergic reaction to hair colour in the past. Your answers to the questions will determine whether you can go ahead and colour, or whether you are advised to test for allergy before colouring, or whether you are advised not to colour or to seek medical advice.

Colourstart Passport is a quick and simple way for you to find out whether you can use Colourstart. By answering the questions carefully and sharing the result with your preferred hair professional, you may not need to use Colourstart before having your hair coloured.

The result of Colourstart Passport is personal to you, but you can choose to share the result with your hair professional if you wish.

Colourstart Passport online app is free to use.

Questions about general topics

A Hair Professional is anyone in the UK using hair colour as part of a professional service and includes barbers, beauty therapists and hairdressers.

How Colourstart can help you

How Colourstart can help you

Colourstart is a clean and convenient way to test for allergy to one of the chemicals, called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), found in most hair colours.

Read More

How it works

How it works

Colourstart can show whether someone may be allergic to one of the ingredients, called PPD, used in hair colorants. Find here a step by step guide to how to use Colourstart and how Colourstart works.

Read More

Buy

Buy

You can buy Colourstart from any participating Colourstart hair or beauty professional.

Find a ColourStart Salon

Before entering our site, please confirm whether you are a Consumer or a UK-based Hair Professional.


I am a Hair Professional based in the UK OR I am a Consumer

By entering this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.

Enter

Colourstart Test 65mcg Cutaneous patch. Contains p-phenylenediamine (PPD). A screening test for allergy to hair colour (PPD). Always read the label.