If the Colourstart patch test method is not for you, then the alternative is an in-salon Allergy Alert Test.
For this method, you are required to attend the salon every 6 months and have a small amount of your chosen shade applied to your forearm or behind your ear, which will be left on for 45 mins – whilst you relax and enjoy our complimentary coffee and magazines. We then remove the product; record the result and you are free to go on your way. If you do wish to leave with the product applied and remove yourself, then The Vanilla Room can not accept resposibility for damage to any clothing or personal possecssions and an extra form will need to be signed, everytime.
The downside of this method is that the in-salon Allergy Alert Test takes time to do and involves you visiting the salon more often as it cannot be performed on the same day as we apply your hair colour. It also means re-testing before future shade changes if you are changing brand so updating your colour needs to be planned in advance of your next visit. Unfortunately, it gives no flexibility for Stylists or clients to change brand on the day.
This testing method is not suitable for you if you have multiple shades in your hair because each brand needs to be tested for every 6 months and at separate visits, which is unworkable for the salon and clients alike. A one-time only Colourstart patch test is the only way to allow your Stylist to have complete creative freedom to use any shades they need during your visit.
However, if you are a one shade wearer and someone who has time to pop in for a coffee and a chill out or you visit us for haircuts in between colour services when we can apply the test, then the in-salon Allergy Alert Test may be your preferred method.
The Vanilla Room Owner, Kerry Larcher says, “If you have the time and are a single shade wearer, who likes to plan in advance for seasonal hair colour changes, then an in-salon Allergy Alert Test is an option to keep you safe. Just pop into the salon for a coffee and have it done. However, my recommendation is Colourstart, the ‘gold standard test’ because it gives me choices during the appointment to adjust my formula. It’s the one-time patch test used in hospitals to identify if someone is allergic to PPD, which is the component in hair colour that some people may react to.”
Please feel free to phone the salon or email us at hornchurch@thevanillaroom.co.uk to discuss your options further. We are happy to advise.
In-salon Allergy Alert Testing – FAQs
What is the minimum time before my colour appointment that I can visit for an in-salon Allergy Alert Test (AAT)?
You need to leave a minimum of 48 hours before your colour appointment, however you can come much sooner of course. The chart below shows the latest time for an in-salon AAT and considers that we are closed on a Sunday.
| If your colour appointment is on… | Last day to apply AAT test in salon… |
| Monday | Friday |
| Tuesday | Saturday |
| Wednesday | Saturday |
| Thursday | Monday |
| Friday | Tuesday |
| Saturday | Wednesday |
Why do I need an in-salon Allergy Alert Test every 6 months or a one-time Colourstart at home patch test?
The Vanilla Room will only colour your hair following the colour manufacturers and our insurers instructions to protect you, our valued clients. We have won ‘Best colour salon in Essex’ several times alongside many other industry awards, which would not have been possible unless we were following the highest industry standards and best practice. Our team is trained to put your safety and the integrity of your hair first. We test because we care.
Why can you not put a ‘skin test’ behind my ear, I sign a bit of paper and leave?
We can for a single shade you never change, in reality this is an outdated practice. Read more on why this has changed.
I have bleach highlights and a toner; can I have an in-salon Allergy Alert Test?
Yes, if your toner is one shade only then this method could work for you. Simply, pop into the salon once every 6 months for the test. If your stylist creates you a bespoke mix, then Colourstart may suit you better, as multiple visits for testing each shade in your mix is time consuming.
How much is an in-salon Allergy Alert Test?
Free of charge from TVR. Unfortunately, you may incur travel and parking hassle.
I am a new client at TVR. I am not sure that I want to spend on a Colourstart test for my first visit. What can I do?
As a new to colour client at The Vanilla Room, you are invited to visit us for a complimentary consultation in advance of your colour application appointment. Please allow time at this visit for an in-salon AAT, should this be suitable, we can do this within the consultation. If you are requesting multiple shades, then Colourstart is the preferred method of Allergy Alert Testing at The Vanilla Room because it gives us complete creative freedom to use any brand and any shade during your appointment. Plus, using Colourstart provides you with a colour ‘passport’ that is valid in other hair and beauty salons. It’s a one-time expense for a whole future of hair colour!
