Leading industry bodies and insurers work together to simplify allergy testing

A landmark agreement has been reached between the hairdressing industry and insurers to develop an allergy alert test ‘colour record card’ that will allow stylists to gauge whether a client making a colour appointment will need an allergy alert test 48 hours beforehand, or whether it will be safe for the treatment to go ahead without a test. The Allergy Alert Consultation and Colour Record Card has been developed by the National Hairdressers’ Federation and the Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation (FHBF), working in consultation with the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA). It will allow salon stylists and freelancers to monitor when a client last had an allergy alert test and whether a repeat test is required. The card can be used by salons insured by Coversure Insurance Services, the NHF’s preferred insurance broker, Just Hair Insurance, and freelancers or self-employed hairdressers specifically covered via the FHBF’s members’ insurance policy. These guidelines aim to give hairdressers and barbers confidence that they are following best practice, are protecting clients and complying with the terms of Coversure, Just Hair Insurance and Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation insurance policies.  All salons and freelancers/self-employed stylists are advised to check the terms of their own insurance policies. The card system will work as a complete record of a client’s colour history, allowing stylists to offer a safe and effective colour care service, while offering the stylist peace of mind that they are operating in a way that means they are protected under their insurance policy without necessarily having to allergy test before every colour application. The system will also highlight certain situations which may necessitate following manufacturers’ guidelines – for example if the client is transferring to a new colour manufacturer/ product brand, has had a previous reaction and/ or had a tattoo, henna or black tattoo or permanent make-up since last colour. Sheila Abrahams, director of the Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation, said: “The Allergy Alert Consultation and Colour Record Card is a giant step forward for all hair care professionals to benefit from a flexible and workable skin testing policy. I would like to see a united acceptance by all insurers to adopt this protocol and allow hairdressers and barbers to concentrate on producing great hair.” Gary Crowder, account director at Just Hair Insurance, said: “This agreement provides the hair sector with clear parameters, and reaffirms professionalism, integrity, trust and promotion of public safety.”