With three thriving London salons and a buoyant colour client base, Samantha Cusick London needed a reliable, streamlined solution for skin testing.
When their manufacturer updated its skin testing guidelines, the practicalities became increasingly complex, raising concerns about insurance coverage and operational efficiency. That’s when Clarke and the team turned to Colourstart.
“Introducing Colourstart felt like a more premium, professional way to approach skin testing,” Clarke explains. “We were unsure how well our insurance would hold up under the new manufacturer guidelines, so Colourstart offered peace of mind with its full insurance backing. The process and app felt intuitive and client-friendly, so it was an easy decision.”
Colourstart has made a huge difference to how Samantha Cusick run colour services, “For many clients that are time-poor, they just want the convenience of not having to test every time, so this is a perfect solution for them. Equally, we have some clients that that are often passing the salon and they don’t mind coming in for us to do an Allergy Alert Test,” he says.
The difference being that the traditional test needs to be left on for 45 minutes to see if a reaction occurs, and only the colours tested can then be used in the appointment.
While Colourstart’s implementation has been a gradual journey, uptake has been strong and around 50% of clients have already converted.
“Clients love the convenience and professionalism of Colourstart,” Clarke adds. “They often say it feels like a proper medical allergy test – something a traditional patch test doesn’t offer. That clinical reassurance really matters.”
From a business perspective, the benefits are clear. Colourstart simplifies operations, reduces admin, and empowers the team with creative flexibility.
“If a client changes their colour choice on the day, there’s no issue—Colourstart covers all colours and brands.”
“We’re always encouraging clients to switch because it’s easier for them and for us. It’s not expensive as it’s a one-off test, and it gives our team the freedom to colour without limitations. The system becomes second nature very quickly. It’s simple, efficient, and profitable. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer and I can’t recommend it enough.”