Say hello to Colourstart
- Colourstart is a ready-to-use patch test for finding out if you might be allergic to one of the ingredients (PPD) in hair colorants
- Hair colours contain chemicals which can cause an allergic reaction
- An allergic reaction can be a serious risk to health in some people
- Screening with Colourstart before using hair colour helps minimise the risk of a potential allergic reaction to PPD
About allergy to hair colour
Many hair colorants contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
One common ingredient in hair colour is para-phenylenediamine (PPD). PPD is the most common cause of reaction to hair colour.
To reduce the risk of users experiencing a reaction, many manufacturers of hair colour recommend the use of an Allergy Alert Test before their product is used.
If you are allergic to PPD, you should not use hair colour or Colourstart. Your chosen hair colour may not contain PPD, but it may contain ingredients that are similar to PPD and these can also cause an allergic reaction.
One common ingredient in hair colour is para-phenylenediamine (PPD). PPD is the most common cause of reaction to hair colour.
To reduce the risk of users experiencing a reaction, many manufacturers of hair colour recommend the use of an Allergy Alert Test before their product is used.
If you are allergic to PPD, you should not use hair colour or Colourstart. Your chosen hair colour may not contain PPD, but it may contain ingredients that are similar to PPD and these can also cause an allergic reaction.
Assessing the risk of reaction
Colourstart contains a small amount of PPD, many times less than used in a typical hair colour. It works by exposing the skin to the PPD in the test.
Once Colourstart is on your skin, you will see one patch square marked
“A+”, which is the active patch containing PPD and one clear patch square marked “A-”, which is the control patch with no PPD allergen. If the test is positive, indicating potential allergy to hair colorant, the area under the patch marked A+ will look different to that marked A-.
If you do have a reaction, you should not use hair colorant, Please see the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).
Once Colourstart is on your skin, you will see one patch square marked
“A+”, which is the active patch containing PPD and one clear patch square marked “A-”, which is the control patch with no PPD allergen. If the test is positive, indicating potential allergy to hair colorant, the area under the patch marked A+ will look different to that marked A-.
If you do have a reaction, you should not use hair colorant, Please see the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).
Questions about allergy to hair colourWhy am I recommended to test for allergy before using 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. Am I at extra risk of experiencing an allergy to hair colour if I have had a black henna tattoo?
If you have had a black henna tattoo you have an increased risk of being allergic to PPD. How common is an allergy to PPD?
It is estimated that 1.5% of people are allergic to PPD If I have had a reaction in the past to black henna tattoo, can I use hair colour?
You should not use hair colour if you have had any reaction to a black henna tattoo in the past. What are the symptoms of an allergy to hair colour?
An allergic reaction to hair colour can cause itchy rashes, redness and blisters. In some cases, more severe reactions can occur. What should I do if I see a reaction on my skin to Colourstart test?
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 passportCan I share the results of my Colourstart test with my salon to avoid repeat testing?
You can share the result of your Colourstart test with your salon by using Colourstart Passport. What is Colourstart Passport?
Colourstart Passport is a web 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. What information will I be asked to give in Colourstart Passport?
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. Why should I use Colourstart Passport questionnaire?
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. Can my salon see the result of my Colourstart passport questtionnaire?
The result of Colourstart Passport is personal to you, but you can choose to share the result with your hair professional if you wish. |
Questions about ColourstartWhat is 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 Does Colourstart replace own manufacturers' own Allergy Alert Test?
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. Can I use 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. How often should I use Colourstart?
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 also recommended to repeat on a yearly basis. How do I buy Colourstart?
Colourstart is available through hair professionals in the UK What should I do if I accidentally use more Colourstart than I should?
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. What should I do if I experience a side effect from using Colourstart?
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. How should I store Colourstart patch test?
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 My Colourstart patch test is out of date, What should I do?
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 general topics?What is a hair professional?
A Hair Professional is anyone in the UK using hair colour as part of a professional service and includes barbers, beauty therapists and hairdressers. |
| DOWNLOAD PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET |