Colourstart
"The convenient way to skin test"
How can Colourstart help you?
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Colourstart is a clean, convenient and easy to use patch test. The colourstart pack contains full instructions on how to use the test and what the result can mean.
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Colourstart can be used to screen for allergy to PPD ad you can repeat the Colourstart test if you are switching to a new hair colour product.
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Participating hair professionals will recognise and accept the Colourstart rest result, so you will not need to be screened for allergy before your colour appointment, unlocking walk-in colour appointments.
How to use Colourstart?​
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Colourstart consists of an adhesive patch that contains two small, separate squares. One square contains a small amount of PPD (this is the positive '+' part), the other contains no PPD (this is the negative '-' part) and is used only for comparison.
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The patch is applied to an easily visible part of the arm at least 5-days before an appointment for hair colour. The patch is let on for at least 48 hours (2-days) and then removed. 48 hours (2 days) later, the arm can be inspected for any sign of a reaction.
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If there is any sign of redness, itching or inflammation on the site of the patch, this is an indication that you may be allergic to PPD. If this happens you should no use hair colorant. If you are unsure about what to do, or if you have a severe reaction, you should seek the advice of a pharmacist or doctor. Please see the patient information leaflet for more details.
What is the Colourstart Passport?​
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The Colourstart passport is an easy-to-use system, to let your salon and stylist know that a skin/patch test has been completed, and that you are not suffering from any allergies to PPD.
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Instead of having to go to your salon 48 hours in advance of you appointment, for a 5 minute test, the Colourstart passport allows you to complete the skin test in the comfort of your own home, and at time that is convenient to you.
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The passport itself is accessible through an app, available to both Android and Apple users, and is very easy to use. After following the step-by-step instructions, you will be able to submit your skin/patch test results, which can be viewed by your chosen salon or stylist.
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The best part is, once this has been done, providing no relevant changes have occurred to your health, you only need to complete a quick questionnaire the next time you need a colour appointment.
What are the costs?
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At home test kits usually retail at £15, but we will be offering them at just £10 to our clients. After the initial test , providing no significant changes have occurred, you should only be required to complete ongoing questionnaires via the Colourstart passport.
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When you consider the time and financial savings from not having to make multiple trips to the salon, this is really a fantastic and convenient service.