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.

A patch test is a quick and simple way to make sure your skin is happy before your colour appointment. It’s an essential safety step, and we won’t be able to carry out your colour service without one.

There are two ways you can complete your patch test with us: in-salon or at home.

Take a look below to see which option suits you best.

The Manual Patch Test (In-salon option)

This is our in-salon patch test. A small amount of colour is applied just behind your ear to check for any reaction.

When should I get it done?

Your patch test must be completed at least 3 days before your appointment, and no more than 7 days before.

Example:

If your appointment is on a Saturday, you can come in anytime from the Saturday before up to the Wednesday before.

Once completed, your patch test is valid for 6 months.

Things to keep in mind:
  • All salons are closed on Sundays
  • Only our Brixton and Herne Hill locations are open on Mondays

This option is perfect if you’re local and happy to pop into the salon.

The ‘ColourStart’ Passport (At-home option)

The ColourStart Passport is a convenient, one-time patch test you can do at home. It costs £15.

You can order it through ColourStart for home delivery or pick one up in any of our salons.

Why choose ColourStart?
  • You only need to do it once
  • No need to visit the salon before each colour appointment
  • Quick, easy, and done in your own time
  • Perfect if you don’t live locally and you’re not able to pop in
Can I use the ColourStart Passport?

If any of the following apply we recommend doing our manual patch test:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Know/suspect you’re allergic to PPD or PTD
  • Have active dermatitis on your skin (eg. Redness, swelling, itching)
  • Have previously experienced an allergy to hair colourant
  • Taking oral or topical steroids or immunosuppressant medicine
When should I get it done?

The ColourStart Passport takes around 5 days to complete once it arrives. Please allow 3–5 working days for delivery, plus 5 days to complete the test, before your colour appointment.

Once completed, your results are stored digitally, so we can check your status before your appointment.

If you’ve already completed your ColourStart Passport, you’ll just need to renew it before each colour appointment by updating your questionnaire. You can log in to your account anytime to check your status.

Order your ColourStart Passport
Renew your ColourStart Passport
Back to Ask Myla
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.