COLOUR POLICY
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. Mainly due to Covid, Vaccines and the fact that we have not seen clients for so long. This has, in turn, impacted the tests we conduct before a colour service and here we wanted to explain not just what to do, but the why and take the steps to ensure a safe service and give you peace of mind before your colour service.
Bow Belles Hairdressers and Wigs Specialists follow a Colour Responsible Policy for the safety and peace of mind of our clients.
SKIN TESTING AND SCREENING FOR SENSITIVITY AND REACTIONS
We use testing and screening to check suitability for the colouring products we provide. You may choose either;
A. Colourstart Passport (MHRA APPROVED METHOD)
Please register on the Colourstart website by Clicking HERE and create your passport. Answer the screening questions and ensure you share the results with us – you will find our details drop-down list (we are registered with Colourstart). Once you have been approved you can purchase the kit HERE and apply your Colourstart Patch, following instructions in the video below. Upload your results to your online passport. Again share your results with us Bow Belles Salon.
Once you have created your passport and completed your first test, subsequent colour treatments require you to answer the screening questions – testing with a Colourstart test may not be necessary unless something changes. Your Colourstart Passport will confidentially store your records.
B. In-salon AAT (Allergy Alert Test)
For your first colour appointment at Bow Belles or if it is 6 months since your last you will need an AAT test; Make an appointment to attend the salon at least 48 hours before your appointment. We will apply a small amount of colour formula to the inside of your elbow. Leave for 48 hours, should you experience any signs of irritation, reddening, swelling, inflammation or itching please contact us. If you develop symptoms that make you unwell please contact a medical professional. When you attend the salon we will observe the test site and ask you to complete a questionnaire. Subsequent colour services may not require an AAT test subject to screening questions -unless you change your colour formula. We advise you to speak to your stylist about what is best for you. 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 Bow Belles Salon 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
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Skin Testing FAQ’s
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 from Bow Belles directly or by clicking on the link HERE to support this convenient method of testing.
Why is it Bow Belles preferred method for screening for colour allergies?
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 hair or beauty salon when tints are required. 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, you can share your passport result with any salon. You can get your service done with little notice, you do not have to wait 48 hours for a skin test.
My Colourstart said this method is not suitable for me – why is that?
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.
How long does an AAT in-salon take and how much does it cost?
You will need an AAT appointment at least 48 hours before your colour appointment. It only takes 10 minutes in the salon and is a free test.
Why do I need a skin test?
Reactions to hair colour can be serious and even life-threatening. There are strict guidelines from manufacturers, insurers, industry bodies and the MHRA around using hair colour. We endeavour to give you peace of mind so that you can safely enjoy your visits to the salon.
Why don't you test me every time?
We use screening to monitor the need for testing you before your service. If nothing has changed since your last test and we have a valid record (typically within the last 6 months) it will be OK to proceed with your service. If you change your colour formula you will need a subsequent AAT before you book in.
I have been colouring my hair for years, why do I need a test?
One of the triggers for sensitivity and reactions to hair colour is exposure over time, and changes within the body therefore it is important we keep monitoring for your safety. Bow Belles are committed to your safety and use only the best products and methods for hair colouring.