Allergy testing is a critical component of professional hair colour services, ensuring client safety and compliance with both industry standards and insurance requirements. However, the specific wording in insurance contracts can vary significantly, particularly regarding how and when patch testing should be conducted. This article explores the key differences between manufacturers’ instructions and protocols, the implications for insurance coverage, and how tools like Colourstart fit into the broader framework of allergy testing. You can watch my full webinar on the subject of testing and insurance here.
Insurance policies often reference either the manufacturer’s “instructions” or the Vendor’s “protocols” when outlining allergy testing requirements. Understanding these terms is essential for ensuring compliance and maintaining coverage:
Failure to adhere to the specified requirements—whether instructions or protocols—can invalidate your insurance policy, leaving you exposed to potential claims. These records must be retained and accessible for six years.
Colourstart is recognised as an industry best practice alternative to the AAT and is available to any hairdresser offering professional Colour service for allergy testing. Unlike the AAT tied to specific brands, Colourstart provides a universal approach that can simplify testing processes for both salons and clients.
Clients can use the Colourstart Passport app to manage their test results, which can reduce or eliminate the need for retesting to only when their health circumstances change.
For salons incorporating Colourstart into their services, there is an additional layer of protection available through the vendor extension. This extension forms part of Colourstart’s Product Liability insurance and offers coverage for claims where your business has legal liability due to the distribution or sale of Colourstart products. If your salon insurer does not indemnify a treatment claim involving Colourstart, this extension may provide coverage—provided you meet specific conditions such as maintaining at least £2 million in Public Liability insurance.
Another key consideration in insurance contracts is the prohibition against transferring products from their original packaging. For example, sending pots of hair colour through the post for at-home application is generally not allowed under most policies. This restriction ensures that products are handled and applied as intended by manufacturers, reducing risks associated with improper usage.
Navigating allergy testing requirements in hair colour services requires a clear understanding of both manufacturer guidelines and insurance contract wording. Whether your policy references manufacturer’s instructions or protocols, compliance is essential to maintain coverage and protect your business from liability. Tools like Colourstart can offer an efficient solution for allergy screening but must be used in accordance with both product instructions and insurance terms. By staying informed and adhering to best practices, salons can ensure client safety while meeting their legal and professional obligations.