Introducing Colourstart – The MHRA Approved Colour Patch Test

Over the past year, hairdressing salons have been closed more than they have been open, but that does not mean that the industry has been asleep. There have been significant changes in directives around hair colouring which have come from Government, insurance companies and industry bodies. It has impacted the tests we conduct before a colour service and here we want to explain not just the what, but the why.

For about the last decade Collections Hair Club has conducted regular skin testing on its clients in line with guidelines from the colour manufacturers we work with.

The Government regulator – MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) most recently in the news for their work approving the Covid Vaccines safe for use, have now approved a new ready-to-use patch test to find out if you might be allergic to ingredients found in most Colourants – ‘Colourstart’.

Colourstart is supported by a ‘passport’ system that monitors and stores the information of individuals using Colourstart as a skin testing method. The MHRA has mandated that once a test has been carried out and a positive/green/go ahead result has been recorded, future colour service tests should comprise of a screening questionnaire to assess whether another test is necessary. More often than not, it will be safe to proceed to colour service without another test. A new test is only needed if something has changed. This is because one of the identified allergy triggers is exposure over time, therefore the MHRA do not want to see consumers exposed unnecessarily. They believe when it comes to testing – less is best.

How much is Colourstart and where do I buy it?

Signing up and ongoing screening on the passport is free. The Colourstart test is £15. You can buy it within the salon or from our online shop.

Can I use Colourstart?

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. 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.

Why is there a charge Colourstart?

The Colourstart test is a regulated medicine by the MHRA and it is a legal requirement to charge for it.

What are the benefits of Colourstart?

Colourstart has been registered and approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency). 

– You are in control of your passport and therefore your testing and screening. 
– It is confidential  – we only get to see your result if you choose to share it with us. 
– You can use your Colourstart passport for screening for any colour services in any salon that accepts it. 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 that accepts colourstart, you can share your passport result with them. 
– You can get your service done with little notice, you do not have to wait 48 hours for a skin test.

How do I use Colourstart?

Step by step instructions can be found here and on the video below. 

All our stylists have been trained to test and screen for suitability for colour services. We have vast experience in safe colouring – you can be sure we only use the best products and invest in the most up to date practices. We take your safety and our work seriously.

When you visit Collections Hair Club, you can have peace of mind that we are taking the best care of you and your hair. We thank you for your co-operation in our preliminary procedures before your service with us.