Colourstart Passport FAQs

AAT stands for Allergy Alert Test - but you may also know it by 'skin testing' or 'patch testing'.  This is a quick test that checks for allergic reactions or sensitivities to the hair colour products we use.  Wiles Studio follows a Colour Responsible Policy for the safety and peace of mind of our clients and team members.  

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 want to give our clients peace of mind so you can safely enjoy your visit to Wiles Studios in Northampton.

You will need to have an Allergy Alert Test every six months. You will also be advised of this during your hair colour consultation with one of our hair experts - or via your Colourstart Passport if you choose this option. In particular, the following people MUST have a skin test:

• Individuals who have had Coronavirus.
• Individuals who have had the Coronavirus vaccine.
• People who have coloured their hair at home.
• Those who have not visited the salon for 6 months or longer.
• Clients who are new to Wiles Studio and would like their hair coloured.

People can become sensitive to hair colour for many different reasons and at different stages in their lives.  That is why it is so important we continue to monitor for any possible reactions to the hair colour products we use.  Rest assured that Wiles Studios is committed to your safety and use only the best products and methods for hair colouring. It is also worth noting that the following people MUST have a skin test:  Individuals who have had Coronavirus. Individuals who have had the Coronavirus vaccine. People who have coloured their hair at home. Those who have not visited the salon for 6 months or longer. Clients who are new to Wiles Studio and would like their hair coloured.  

It is free to sign up to the Colourstart app.  Once you have answered the screening questions, your 'Colourstart Passport' will tell you whether you need to take a skin test.  The Colourstart test costs £15 and can be bought from Colourstart. 

Colourstart has been classed as a medicine by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.  By law, medicines have to be charged for. The Colourstart test costs £15. You can purchase this via Colourstart.

If you wish to proceed with Colourstart, please download the Colourstart Passport app. 

It is also worth noting that Wiles Studios offer a free in-salon allergy alert test which must be carried out at least 48 hours before your hair colour appointment.

The choice is entirely yours.  The benefits of the Colourstart Passport include:

• If you are travelling and need to use a different salon, you can share your Colourstart Passport results with your new salon.
• You do not need to wait 48 hours to have a skin test.  Once you have taken the Colourstart test,  your results will be visible on your Colourstart Passport.
• You can use the Colourstart Passport to show if you have an allergy to other colour services e.g. brow colouring.

Do not use the Colourstart skin test if you:

• suspect or know that you are allergic to PPD or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• have active dermatitis on your skin (e.g. redness, swelling, itching)
• have previously experienced an allergy to hair colourant
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• are taking oral or topical steroids or immunosuppressant medicines
• have a black henna tattoo, or had a reaction to a black henna tattoo.

Medication may vary your reaction to hair dyes. Some will make you hypersensitive; others may suppress your existing hypersensitivity. Please mention any changes in medication to your hair colour expert at least two days before your appointment so we can test for possible allergies. 

If you have having your Alert Allergy Test at Wiles Studio, please pop in at least 48 hours prior to your colour appointment where we will do a quick skin test.  If you are having the Colourstart patch test, you will need to carry out the test five days before your colour appointment.