Colourstart skin allergy test
Colourstart is a unique patch test used by hairdressers as a skin allergy test. These tests help the hairdresser to check if clients are likely to have a problem with hair dye. Colourstart is one of the most important advancements in professional hairdressing. It helps to improve client satisfaction and safety.
What is hypersensitivity? Hypersensitivity is an over-reaction of the immune system to an invading antigen or hapten. Both antigens and haptens have the ability to provoke an immune response. Antigens can do this alone but haptens (such as PPD) are smaller molecules and must be associated with a larger molecule as a carrier.The over-reaction of the immune system brings about pathological changes in the tissues of the body known as an allergic response or allergy. Antigens and haptens that provoke an allergic response are known as allergens.Common hypersensitivity responses include the reaction to some types of food, pollens (hay fever), Poison Ivy and some man-made (anthropogenic) chemicals acting as haptens
Why test for hypersensitivity? PPD (paraphenylenediamine) is the active ingredient found in permanent hair dye, which is proven to elicit allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals.As reported in the press recently, allergy to PPD can cause uncomfortable reactions, which may result in symptoms such as soft tissue swelling, blisters and infection. In rare and extremely severe cases the reactions can be life threatening.These allergic responses can develop at any time, the simplest way to avoid complications is to test
What is Colourstart? Colourstart is an allergy indicator in the form of a temporary transfer.The transfer identifies those individuals who may be allergic to PPD, the chemical found in permanent hair dye.Colourstart is the only practical solution to sensitivity testing.The tests are individually air sealed with full instructions of use and have been designed for safe and easy postage so clients can apply the tests at home 48 hours before treatment, as required by manufacturers.Having Colourstart on their arm at the time of their appointment, hairdressers have proof that the client has conducted the test. It can then be removed, using normal domestic sticky tape and assessed by the operator. If there has been any sign of reaction, the colour treatment should not be conducted.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why is hypersensitivity only becoming an issue now?A: There has been a dramatic increase in hypersensitivity in recent years - increased incidence, increased severity and increased complexity.Within the hairdressing industry, this is compounded with an increasing trend towards the use of dark hair colours.
Q: I've been colouring my hair for many years and have never had a reaction to hair dye. Why should I start testing now?A: Every day, we witness how you can become hypersensitive to new things. Some people develop hay fever one year or find they become allergic to latex gloves. The same is true for hair dye. You can become sensitive at any time in your life.
Q: I'm taking medication. Will this affect the result?A: Medication may vary your reaction to hair dyes. Some will make you hypersensitive; others may suppress your existing hypersensitivity.
Q: Why do I need to test at least 48 hours before the application of a hair dye?A: In certain circumstances, the most severe form of hypersensitivity is a cell-mediated reaction that takes at least 48 hours to occur.
Consequences
Hypersensitivity to PPD can cause uncomfortable reactions, which may result in symptoms such as soft tissue swelling, blisters and infection. In rare and extremely severe cases the reactions can be life threatening.
The simplest way to avoid complications is to test.
Once sensitised to an allergen, it is invariably permanent. PPD is not unique to hair dye and is used in a variety of other industries including rubber, clothing and printing inks and oils
How Colourstart works
Colourstart delivers a safe and measured amount of PPD to the surface of the skin.If the client is hypersensitive, this is indicated by a very mild sensitivity reaction (unusual sensations, irritation, redness or swelling) within 48 hours.The advantages of Colourstart over the existing method of testing are:
It's a practical way to test every client
It can be removed by the Hairstylist to ensure clients have tested
It remains in contact with skin for as long as necessary
It provides an accurate dosing
Using Colourstart
Because you can become hypersensitive at any time, this test must be carried out every time your hair is permanently coloured.
48 hours prior to your appointment, remove clear protective film from front of Colourstart.
Press firmly to the inner arm with the Colourstart logo face-down on clean, healthy, grease free skin (close to the elbow fold).
Wet the back of Colourstart thoroughly with either a wet sponge or water spray and leave for at least 20 seconds.
Carefully slide off the backing paper.
Pat dry with a tissue and leave Colourstart in place until your appointment.
Please Note
If hypersensitivity (any unusual sensation, irritation redness, or swelling) appears within 48 hours, remove the transfer with ordinary domestic sticky tape and inform your Hairstylist
If you are unsure of the result of your test, consult your Hairstylist for further tests.
If hypersensitivity occurs, do not use and hair dye.
The patch test will withstand normal bathing activity. However, please avoid prolonged immersion in water and do not apply any type of skin product to the area.
Words of warning
Do not apply to sensitive, inflamed or broken skin.
Caution: contains paraphenlenediamin and resorcinol.
Do not use if you have previously experienced sensitivity to hair dyes.
Keep Colourstart of of the reach of children - it is not a toy.
Colourstart must be applied to your skin at least 48 hours prior to each and every salon appointment.
The patch test will be removed by your Hairstylist.
The test must be removed by the operator using normal domestic sticky tape.