ALLERGY TEST

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SKIN ALLERGY ALERT TESTING (AAT)

25TH APRIL 2021

For ALL hair colouring and Beauty tinting Lash and brow services you must have a Skin test at least 48 hours prior to

any colouring/tinting service.


Be aware that even if an Allergy Alert Test (AAT) has been carried out you may

still experience an allergic reaction.


Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the vaccinations there has been a marked increase in the number of people reacting to hair colouring services across the UK. We have always skin tested our clients and will continue to do so. However please note that the guidelines for skin testing have changed as a result of this. You must read all of the below before booking future colours.


Hair colouring products contain many ingredients that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Most cases of allergic reactions stemming from exposure to hair colours are caused by an ingredient called Paraphenylenediamine (PPD).


PPD is a chemical that is also found in temporary tattoo ink and printer ink. In hair colouring once the hair colour is mixed with the developer this is when it is likely to cause allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to it.


There is a difference between sensitivity and an allergic reaction to PPD or other ingredients contained within the hair colour:


  • A SENSITIVITY:
  • A sensitivity may cause contact dermatitis symptoms such as burning & stinging or red dry skin



  • AN ALLERGIC REACTION:
  • If you are allergic to hair colour, your symptoms can range from mild to serious. Symptoms may occur immediately or take up to 48 hours to manifest. Hair colour allergy symptoms include:
  • Stinging or burning sensation on the scalp, face or neck
  • Blisters or welts
  • Itching or swelling of the scalp and face
  • Swollen Eyelids, lips, hands or feet
  • An angry red rash anywhere on the body



Occasionally, a hair colouring allergy will cause anaphylaxis to occur. This is a very rare reaction but is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

  • Skin reactions such as stinging, burning, swelling & rashes
  • Swelling of the throat & tongue
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fainting
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting


Should you experience any of these symptoms following an AAT or a hair colouring service you must call 999 or get to

A & E immediately.

The earlier it is treated the better.

In order to help any treatments required please advise any medical professional of the

Schwarzkopf Professional

 Technical Advisory Helpline on

01296 314100

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR YOUR SKIN TEST

If you have not visited our salon before, or your skin test is out of date, or you are changing your colour shade you must book for a consultation first.


This is where your Stylist or Therapist may discuss your requirements and select the correct colour brand and colour shades to be used on the day of your service.


Whilst we understand this is an inconvenience it is completely out of our control and we as a salon value your safety over anything else at all times.


This must be done at least 48 hours in advance of any colouring service.

On the day of your Consultation


On the day of your Consultation



  • We perform the Allergy Alert Test on an area of skin sized approximately 1cm x 1cm on the inside of the elbow for Hair colouring Services and behind the ear for Beauty tinting Lash & brow Treatments.


  • For HAIR COLOURING SERVICES We apply a small amount of the mixed Colour Crème in a thin layer on the inside of the elbow with a cotton bud and leave uncovered for 45 minutes. You MUST remain in the salon for the entire 45 minutes.


  • After 45 minutes, we then wash off the Colour Crème carefully with lukewarm water.


  • For BEAUTY TINTING LASH & BROW SERVICES We apply a small amount of the mixed product in a thin layer behind the ear with a cotton bud and leave uncovered. This MUST be left for 48 hours. You DO NOT have remain in the salon for Beauty Tinting and lash service AAT.



  • If any reaction occurs during the processing time or during the following 48 hours, We must rinse immediately, and we are unable to use the product.


  • This test represents an important precaution. However, be aware that even if an Allergy Alert Test (AAT) has been carried out you may still experience an allergic reaction.


  • The Allergy Alert Test is not a guarantee of avoiding future allergic reactions. We therefore re-test after the following:


  • 90 days have elapsed
  • You are changing the shade & tone of your previous colour
  • You have had a recent vaccination between colouring services
  • You have had a new tattoo (including further work on an existing tattoo, a henna tattoo, Semi-Permanent Make-up or a change in medications


We cannot carry out a skin test for a clear 14 days following a covid-19 vaccination.

 You MUST NOT ignore any of the important guidance given for your own safety.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Why should I have  the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) as I am a  regular client or a new client who has been having a regular colour appointments for years?

Allergies may develop over time so performing an AAT at least every 90 days and keeping a full history of previous colour applications will help to identify if you are developing an allergy. If you are a new client ( or a regular client changing their hair colour) we have to perform an AAT with the exact colour mix that will be used during your service. There are many colour brands out there! Safety first.



When do I need to have  the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) performed?

You MUST have the AAT performed if you are a new client to our salon, a client who is changing their colour service/shade or if you the client has reported any adverse reactions between salon visits or in the past.


Otherwise, for regular returning clients who have the same colour service and shade you only need to perform the AAT every 90 days with the exceptions outlined above such as a covid-19 vaccination etc.



What colour/shade will be used to perform the Allergy Alert Test (AAT)?

Following a consultation we will always use the product brand/shade that we intend to use on your hair on the day of your colouring appointment.



What If I change my mind about the shade I would like on the day of the colour appointment?

We must perform another AAT with that shade and reschedule to the first available appointment after 48 hours has elapsed.

 Please keep in mind that the cancelation charges would apply and we strongly recommend that you are 100% sure of which colour you would like to avoid these charges.



What If I receive a bleach/lightening service, do I need to perform an Allergy Alert Test (AAT)?

No, an AAT is not required for bleaching, however, should you wish to use a toner or another shade after the bleaching/lightening service an AAT must be performed.



Why do I have to perform the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) 48 hours prior to my appointment?

A reaction can take up to 48 hours to develop, therefore, by performing the test 48 hours prior to the appointment, this should allow sufficient time for any reaction to be identified.



Will you need to cleanse the skin test area with surgical spirit etc before I have the test?

No this is not recommended.



Once you have applied the test do I need to cover the area with a plaster etc?

No, we do not recommend this. The test area on the inside elbow should be left uncovered for 45 minutes, then gently remove the colour cream with lukewarm water.



Can I carry on colouring my hair if I am pregnant or breast feeding?

Scientifically, there is no reason why you should not be able to colour your hair during pregnancy. The safety of hair colourant use during pregnancy is taken into account at the product development stage.

However, you must remember that during pregnancy and breast feeding the body may react more sensitively to external influences. In this instance, we would strongly advise that the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) be performed before EACH TIME you colour your hair. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns.



What happens if I experience discomfort during the colouring process?

If you experience discomfort such as stinging or burning or develop a rash during the colouring process, we must rinse your hair immediately and ask you to seek medical advice straight away.

 If you have a rapidly spreading skin rash, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath and/or swelling of the eyes or face during the colouring process, again we must rinse your hair immediately and call 999 immediately.

 We cannot attempt to colour your hair again and will contact the technical advisory helpline for further guidance.

ALLERGY TEST

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SKIN ALLERGY ALERT TESTING (AAT)

25TH APRIL 2021

Three hair Colouring bowls, a hair tinting brush and tube of colour

For ALL hair colouring and Beauty tinting Lash and brow services you must have a Skin test at least 48 hours prior to

any colouring/tinting service.


Be aware that even if an Allergy Alert Test (AAT) has been carried out you may

still experience an allergic reaction.


Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the vaccinations there has been a marked increase in the number of people reacting to hair colouring services across the UK. We have always skin tested our clients and will continue to do so. However please note that the guidelines for skin testing have changed as a result of this. You must read all of the below before booking future colours.


Hair colouring products contain many ingredients that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Most cases of allergic reactions stemming from exposure to hair colours are caused by an ingredient called Paraphenylenediamine (PPD).


PPD is a chemical that is also found in temporary tattoo ink and printer ink. In hair colouring once the hair colour is mixed with the developer this is when it is likely to cause allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to it.


There is a difference between sensitivity and an allergic reaction to PPD or other ingredients contained within the hair colour:


  • A SENSITIVITY:
  • A sensitivity may cause contact dermatitis symptoms such as burning & stinging or red dry skin



  • AN ALLERGIC REACTION:
  • If you are allergic to hair colour, your symptoms can range from mild to serious. Symptoms may occur immediately or take up to 48 hours to manifest. Hair colour allergy symptoms include:
  • Stinging or burning sensation on the scalp, face or neck
  • Blisters or welts
  • Itching or swelling of the scalp and face
  • Swollen Eyelids, lips, hands or feet
  • An angry red rash anywhere on the body



Occasionally, a hair colouring allergy will cause anaphylaxis to occur. This is a very rare reaction but is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

  • Skin reactions such as stinging, burning, swelling & rashes
  • Swelling of the throat & tongue
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fainting
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting


Should you experience any of these symptoms following an AAT or a hair colouring service you must call 999 or get to A & E immediately.

The earlier it is treated the better.

In order to help any treatments required please advise any medical professional of the

Schwarzkopf Professional

 Technical Advisory Helpline on

01296 314100

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR YOUR SKIN TEST

If you have not visited our salon before, or your skin test is out of date, or you are changing your colour shade you must book for a consultation first.


This is where your Stylist or Therapist may discuss your requirements and select the correct colour brand and colour shades to be used on the day of your service.


Whilst we understand this is an inconvenience it is completely out of our control and we as a salon value your safety over anything else at all times.


This must be done at least 48 hours in advance of any colouring service.

On the day of your Consultation



  • We perform the Allergy Alert Test on an area of skin sized approximately 1cm x 1cm on the inside of the elbow for Hair colouring Services and behind the ear for Beauty tinting Lash & brow Treatments.


  • For HAIR COLOURING SERVICES We apply a small amount of the mixed Colour Crème in a thin layer on the inside of the elbow with a cotton bud and leave uncovered for 45 minutes. You MUST remain in the salon for the entire 45 minutes.


  • After 45 minutes, we then wash off the Colour Crème carefully with lukewarm water.


  • For BEAUTY TINTING LASH & BROW SERVICES We apply a small amount of the mixed product in a thin layer behind the ear with a cotton bud and leave uncovered. This MUST be left for 48 hours. You DO NOT have remain in the salon for Beauty Tinting and lash service AAT.



  • If any reaction occurs during the processing time or during the following 48 hours, We must rinse immediately, and we are unable to use the product.


  • This test represents an important precaution. However, be aware that even if an Allergy Alert Test (AAT) has been carried out you may still experience an allergic reaction.


  • The Allergy Alert Test is not a guarantee of avoiding future allergic reactions. We therefore re-test after the following:


  • 90 days have elapsed
  • You are changing the shade & tone of your previous colour
  • You have had a recent vaccination between colouring services
  • You have had a new tattoo (including further work on an existing tattoo, a henna tattoo, Semi-Permanent Make-up or a change in medications


We cannot carry out a skin test for a clear 14 days following a covid-19 vaccination.

 You MUST NOT ignore any of the important guidance given for your own safety.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Why should I have  the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) as I am a  regular client or a new client who has been having a regular colour appointments for years?

Allergies may develop over time so performing an AAT at least every 90 days and keeping a full history of previous colour applications will help to identify if you are developing an allergy. If you are a new client ( or a regular client changing their hair colour) we have to perform an AAT with the exact colour mix that will be used during your service. There are many colour brands out there! Safety first.



When do I need to have  the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) performed?

You MUST have the AAT performed if you are a new client to our salon, a client who is changing their colour service/shade or if you the client has reported any adverse reactions between salon visits or in the past.


Otherwise, for regular returning clients who have the same colour service and shade you only need to perform the AAT every 90 days with the exceptions outlined above such as a covid-19 vaccination etc.



What colour/shade will be used to perform the Allergy Alert Test (AAT)?

Following a consultation we will always use the product brand/shade that we intend to use on your hair on the day of your colouring appointment.



What If I change my mind about the shade I would like on the day of the colour appointment?

We must perform another AAT with that shade and reschedule to the first available appointment after 48 hours has elapsed.

 Please keep in mind that the cancelation charges would apply and we strongly recommend that you are 100% sure of which colour you would like to avoid these charges.



What If I receive a bleach/lightening service, do I need to perform an Allergy Alert Test (AAT)?

No, an AAT is not required for bleaching, however, should you wish to use a toner or another shade after the bleaching/lightening service an AAT must be performed.



Why do I have to perform the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) 48 hours prior to my appointment?

A reaction can take up to 48 hours to develop, therefore, by performing the test 48 hours prior to the appointment, this should allow sufficient time for any reaction to be identified.



Will you need to cleanse the skin test area with surgical spirit etc before I have the test?

No this is not recommended.



Once you have applied the test do I need to cover the area with a plaster etc?

No, we do not recommend this. The test area on the inside elbow should be left uncovered for 45 minutes, then gently remove the colour cream with lukewarm water.



Can I carry on colouring my hair if I am pregnant or breast feeding?

Scientifically, there is no reason why you should not be able to colour your hair during pregnancy. The safety of hair colourant use during pregnancy is taken into account at the product development stage.

However, you must remember that during pregnancy and breast feeding the body may react more sensitively to external influences. In this instance, we would strongly advise that the Allergy Alert Test (AAT) be performed before EACH TIME you colour your hair. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns.



What happens if I experience discomfort during the colouring process?

If you experience discomfort such as stinging or burning or develop a rash during the colouring process, we must rinse your hair immediately and ask you to seek medical advice straight away.

 If you have a rapidly spreading skin rash, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath and/or swelling of the eyes or face during the colouring process, again we must rinse your hair immediately and call 999 immediately.

 We cannot attempt to colour your hair again and will contact the technical advisory helpline for further guidance.

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