Allergy Alert Testing

What is an Allergy Alert Test?

An Allergy Alert Test (also known as a patch test) is an essential safety procedure carried out before professional hair colouring services to assess whether a client may have an adverse reaction to hair dye products. Hair colourants contain chemical ingredients, such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD) or related compounds, which can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. This test helps identify sensitivities before the full colouring service takes place.

What is the purpose of an Allergy Alert Test?

The primary purpose of an Allergy Alert Test in hair colouring is prevention. Allergic reactions to hair dye can develop suddenly, even in clients who have previously coloured their hair without issue. Reactions may range from mild symptoms such as itching, redness or irritation of the scalp and skin, to more severe responses including swelling, blistering or, in rare cases, serious medical emergencies. By applying a small amount of the colour product to the skin in advance, the test allows time to observe any adverse response in a controlled and low-risk way.

Why is an Allergy Alert Test important?

The importance of this test within hair colouring services cannot be overstated. It protects clients’ health and wellbeing while also ensuring professional standards and duty of care are met. For salons and colour technicians, performing an Allergy Alert Test demonstrates responsibility, compliance with industry guidelines and a commitment to client safety. It also helps to avoid distressing reactions that could lead to long-term sensitivity or medical intervention.

Ultimately, an Allergy Alert Test provides reassurance for both client and professional. It enables informed decisions, safer colouring experiences and confidence that beauty treatments are delivered with health as the top priority.

The process of an Allergy Alert Test

An Allergy Alert Test for hair colouring involves applying a small amount of the prepared hair colour product to a discreet area of skin, usually behind the ear or on the inner elbow. The skin is first cleansed, then the colour mixture is applied and left uncovered to dry. The client is advised not to wash or disturb the area for 24–48 hours and to monitor for any signs of redness, itching, swelling or irritation. If no reaction occurs within this time, the hair colouring service can proceed as planned. Any sign of a reaction means the colour must not be applied, and an alternative service should be discussed.

Your responsibility

The safety of you and your clients is your priority & responsibility.

Check your Insurance Policy. If there are any differences between your policy and our AAT policy please contact your insurance provider to confirm your position in regards to Allergy Alert Testing.

Professional Consultation

Screening questions recommended to ask before carrying out an Allergy Alert Test:

People can have allergic reactions to hair colourants and even if your client has had their hair coloured previously, allergies may develop over time.

You should always go through a thorough consultation including the AAT Screening Questionnaire. If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ then you should always carry out an Allergy Alert Test.

You should ideally carry out your AAT using the required colour following your consultation. If you are not sure of the shade you will be using or you are applying multiple shades, then you should choose the darkest shade from the range, level 2-3.

Explain to your client that you cannot colour their hair and they should seek medical advice from their doctor.

Certain substances found in permanent or semi-permanent skin tattoos may themselves cause an allergic reaction. Even if your client didn’t have a reaction, allergies can develop over time so you should still perform an Allergy Alert Test before applying a hair colorant.

Your client may not react immediately and it can take upto 48 hours for a reaction to develop.

Insurance policies vary and you need to make sure that your insurance offers you the required protection. If the wording is unclear then you’ll need to clarify this with them. If your policy does not give you your required protection then you need to change your policy or your insurance provider. If in doubt, always follow your insurance’s guidance.

The safety of your clients must always remain your priority however most manufacturers adopt their own protocol as an alternative procedure of doing things whilst still prioritising the safety of your clients. This usually includes a screening questionnaire similar to ours which you should include as part of your salon’s own “Colour Responsibly Policy”.

By adopting this protocol into your policy, this is an alternative and more convenient way of being able to reapply the same colour to your client whilst still prioritising their safety. Share your salon’s “Colour responsibly Policy” with your insurer and ensure that your insurance policy offers you the protection you require.

Yes. Should you ever have a claim raised against you, you need to show that you have carried out due diligence and acted with a duty of care. We recommend keeping the documentation for at least 3 years, however again, follow your insurance policy.

• Client’s name
• Condition of the scalp
• Date of Allergy Alert Test
• Result of Allergy Alert Test
• Shade applied and developer
• Date of last colour application
• Record card/Allergy Alert Screening Questionnaire should be signed by the hairdresser and the client

If you are unsure or have any reservations then you should alway carry out an Allergy Alert Test.

Rinse the hair immediately and cleanse with diluted shampoo. If the irritation persists then recommend that they seek medical advice from their doctor.

For any more technical information please contact our advisory line

T: 0161 968 4040 - opt.2

E: education@alanhoward.co.uk

For urgent but non-emergency cases, call 111