Help and advice

Colourstart is a medicine. You do not need a prescription to obtain it but, as with all medicines, care should be taken when using it. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.

A temporary black henna tattoo may increase your risk of having an allergic reaction when you colour your hair.
DO NOT use Colourstart if you have a temporary black henna tattoo. DO NOT use Colourstart if you have had any reaction to a temporary black henna tattoo in the past.

DO NOT perform the “Allergy Alert Test” as instructed on hair colorants in addition to using the Colourstart patch test.
This is because repeated exposure of the skin to PPD, whether through using hair colorant, performing the “Allergy Alert Test” or in using Colourstart, may cause sensitisation (development of allergy) in some individuals. For this reason, the Colourstart patch test should not be used more than once if you are using the same hair colour product, but may be repeated if you switch to a new hair colour product.

In rare instances, you may become allergic to the PPD present in the Colourstart patch test. This is also a risk with exposure to
hair colorants containing PPD. Any reaction which occurs at the site where the patch was applied, approximately 10 days later,
may be a sign of contact sensitisation. If this happens talk to your doctor or pharmacist and DO NOT use hair colorants.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you require further advice regarding use of this product or in deciding if it is suitable for you.

  • suspect or know that you are allergic to PPD or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
  • have active dermatitis on your skin (e.g. redness, swelling, itching)
  • have previously experienced an allergy to hair colorant
  • are pregnant or breast-feeding
  • are taking oral or topical steroids or immunosuppressant medicines

Colourstart is not recommended for adolescents and children under 16 years of age.
Hair colorants are not intended for use by children under 16 years of age.

If you go out in the sun regularly, as you should avoid exposing the area where the patch is applied to the sun. This is particularly important during the summer.

Avoid getting the patch excessively wet as this may cause the patch to loosen and stop working properly. So take care when bathing, showering or during periods of exercise where you may sweat.

Do not use Colourstart if you are taking oral or topical steroids (such as prednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone or immunosuppressant medicines (such as tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, azathioprine, sirolimus) as they may suppress a positive reaction. If you are unsure if any medicines you may be taking will interfere with Colourstart, you should speak to your pharmacist.

The Colourstart patch test has not been tested for use in pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use Colourstart. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant or are planning to have a baby ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. You should not use Colourstart if you are breast-feeding your baby.

Colourstart Passport

Colourstart Passport

Colourstart Passport is an online app that helps the user decide if Colourstart is suitable for them. Colourstart Passport can also store the user’s Colourstart test result for sharing with participating hair professionals, so making walk in colours possible.

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FAQs

FAQs

All the helpful information in one place. Clarity and advice around the purchasing and usage of the Colourstart pack.

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Buy

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

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