Colour Safe Policy
The Gilston Room Hair Salon follow a Colour Safe Policy for the safety and peace of mind for 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:
Colourstart Passport (MHRA Approved Method)
Colourstart is a ready-to-use patch test for finding out if you might be allergic to one of the ingredients (PPD) in hair colorants.
The Colourstart test is £15, which you can purchase directly from us. Simply send us an email to place your order and we will post it directly to you. This style of test will be suitable for clients who prefer not to make an extra trip to the salon before their appointment for their ATT (Allergy Allert Test). Your test results will be stored on your Colourstart Passport which is an online app. A Colourstart test will only need to be repeated if you are switching to another product. Signing up and ongoing screening on the passport is free. To find out more detailed information, visit Colourstart.com.
To support this convenient method of testing, when you buy a Colourstart test we will take £5 off your next three colour services. Please speak to us to activate this.
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AAT (Allergy Alert Test)
For your first AAT with The Gilston Room (New Clients) or if it is 6 months since your last AAT, 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.
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Skintesting FAQ
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How do I register with Colourstart?
To create your Colourstart Passport, simply register at Colourstart.com.
Answer the screening questions and apply your Colourstart Patch following instructions in the video below. Upload your results to your online passport. Share your results with The Gilston Room Hair Salon – (we are registered with Colourstart). 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.
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Why is it The Gilston Room's preferred method for screening for colour allergies?
You are in control of your passport and therefor 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. Example, if you have 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 stylist said Colourstart 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 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.
What is the best test for me?
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 The Gilston Room you can have peace of mind that we are taking the best care of you and your hair.
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Why do I need a skintest?
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 endevour 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.
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, therefore it is important we keep monitoring for your safety. The Gilston Room are committed to your safety and use only the best products and methods for hair colouring.
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How to apply Colourstart skintest