ASK MYLA

Why do I need a patch test?

There is no argument that we all love colouring our hair and using Davines colour but…  it is still a chemical and it is really important you get a patch test done to make sure you don’t have a reaction.

There are two ways you can do a patch test with us. One is a long term option which we recommend, and the other only covers you for the single colour appointment.

Scroll down to find out which patch test is the right one for you…

WHICH PATCH TEST SHOULD I DO?
 The ‘ColourStart’ passport (long-term)

The ColourStart passport is a one off, take home patch test which costs £15. You can order this patch test via our website to be delivered to your home or picked up in the salon.  The best thing about this patch test is you only have to do it once. No more running to the salon before every colour appointment. 

Step  1 – Can you use it?

If any of the following apply to you, you CANNOT use the ColourStart patch test:

Pregnant or breastfeeding?
Known or suspected to be allergic to PPD or PTD?
Have active dermatitis on your skin?
Have previously had a reaction to hair colourant?
Taking oral or topical steroids, or immunosuppressant medication?
*if you’re not sure if these apply to you, feel to contact one of our team to ask.

Do you have time before your appointment? Check whether your appointment is more than 5 days away, if not you will have to do our ‘three day’ manual patch test at one of our salons.

Step 2 – Purchase

Purchase here or come into any of our salons and ask our receptionists to purchase a ColourStart patch test.

Step 3  – Register

Once you have purchased your patch test you need to register and make an account with ColourStart via their website: app.colourstart.com/customer/sign-up
Once you have made an account it will ask you to:

  1. Find Your Hair Professional – This will be Myla and Davis, Railton Road (this address applies to all of our salons)
  2. Take Screening Questionnaire – This will just confirm that you are able to use the patch test.
  3. Use ColourStart Patch Test – Click ‘I have my patch test’  and record your ‘batch number’ found on the back of the packet and proceed with the ColourStart instructions on your account.
Step 4 – Apply test

1. Stick your patch test on
2. Snap a picture
3. Upload it to your account
4. Remove patch test after 48 hours when you receive the ColourStart notification (2 days)
5. Upload a picture of the test area after 96 hours, when you receive the ColourStart notification (4 days)

Step 5 – Complete

If no reaction occurs your appointment can go ahead as planned. If any of the reactions described in the instructions occur, your appointment cannot go ahead.


 The manual patch test (short-term)

This is the alternative option for those who can’t complete the ColourStart passport.  The manual patch test can be carried out in person at one of our salons 7 days prior to your appointment and no less than 3 days before your appointment.  For example, if your appointment is on a Saturday, you can come in from the Saturday before, up until the Wednesday before your appointment.  This patch test needs to be completed before every colour. For more information on patch testing click here.