Hair Colour Policy
Hair Colour Policy At Spirit Hair Company In High Wycombe
PATCH/ COLOUR TESTING POLICY – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Your Hair Colour, Health & Safety Come First
At Spirit Hair Company in Downley, High Wycombe, we love helping you achieve beautiful, healthy-looking hair colour. Whether you're visiting us for a root refresh, highlights, balayage or a complete colour transformation, your safety and comfort always come first.
That's why we have a clear hair colour consultation and allergy testing policy. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our requirements before booking your next appointment.
Our updated Hair Colour Policy takes effect from 1st October 2026.
Colourstart Passport & Hair Colour Allergy Testing
We use Colourstart Passport for our standard salon colour testing.
Colourstart offers a convenient way to screen for potential allergy to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), an ingredient found in many permanent hair colours.
The Colourstart Passport system allows you to record your test results, complete the required screening questions and share your information with our team.
Once you've completed your initial Colourstart test, you should not normally need to repeat the physical test before every appointment. However, you must update your Passport questions and share your information with us before each colour service.
Our team will confirm whether your testing is up to date and whether any further checks are necessary.
How Much Does Colourstart Cost?
Colourstart Test: £15 – one-off purchase
You can purchase your Colourstart test directly from Spirit Hair Company.
We understand that using a new testing system might feel unfamiliar, so we're happy to help.
Book a complimentary 15-minute appointment, and a member of our team will guide you through setting up your Colourstart Passport.
For more information please visit for further information: https://colourstart.com
When Can I Have a Free In-Salon Allergy Test?
We understand that Colourstart isn't suitable for everyone.
You can arrange a complimentary in-salon allergy test if:
You're a new client at Spirit Hair Company.
You haven't visited the salon for more than 12 months.
A medical reason prevents you from using Colourstart, or the system advises that the test isn't suitable.
Our team will explain the testing process and help you prepare for your appointment.
Prefer an In-Salon Allergy Test?
If you choose not to use Colourstart Passport, you can book a traditional in-salon allergy test instead.
In-Salon Allergy Test: £5 per test
You'll need to attend a short, five-minute appointment at the salon, and the test must be repeated every six months.
Please arrange your appointment in advance so that we can complete your testing within the required timeframe.
Important: Complete Your Colour Testing at Least 48 Hours Before Your Appointment
To help you prepare, we send complimentary SMS reminders to our colour clients.
These reminders ask you to:
Complete your Colourstart Passport or required allergy test.
Update us about any relevant changes.
Contact the salon if you need an in-salon test.
Ensure all required testing is completed at least 48 hours before your colour appointment.
What Happens If I Haven't Completed My Colour Test?
For your safety, we cannot proceed with your colour service if the required testing hasn't been completed.
If your required colour test is incomplete, your appointment will be cancelled and the full cost of the booked service will be charged.
Please contact us before your appointment if you're unsure about your testing requirements. We're always happy to help you get everything organised.
Scalp Bleaching & Hair Colour Safety
Important Information About Bleach Applied to the Scalp
There is no skin test available at Spirit Hair Company that can determine your sensitivity to scalp bleach.
Everyone's scalp reacts differently to bleaching products. Skin condition, scalp sensitivity and other factors can affect your experience.
Before carrying out a scalp bleaching service, your stylist will assess your hair and scalp during a consultation. We'll also carry out a strand test to help assess your hair's suitability for the treatment.
If you experience burning, pain or increasing discomfort during your appointment, tell your stylist immediately.
Please never feel that you need to tolerate discomfort. Your stylist can assess the situation and take appropriate action.
New Client Hair Colour Consultations
If you're visiting Spirit Hair Company for the first time, we'd love to get to know you and your hair before your colour appointment.
All new colour clients must attend a complimentary hair colour consultation.
This also applies if you haven't visited us for more than six months.
During your consultation, your Colour Expert will discuss your hair goals, previous colour history, hair condition and scalp health.
We'll recommend a personalised colour plan, explain any necessary testing and help you understand what to expect from your appointment.
Hair Colour Booking Deposits
A 50% pre-booking deposit is required for new clients, online bookings and services lasting four hours or longer.
Our updated cancellation policy requires:
72 hours' notice for technical services, including hair colour, perming, extensions and keratin treatments.
48 hours' notice for cutting and styling appointments.
Cancellations made without the required notice incur a charge of 50% of the booked service. Missed appointments are charged in full.
Clients with previous no-shows or repeated late cancellations must pay in full when booking future appointments.
For full details, please see our Salon Policies page.
Hair Colour Services for Under 18s
We take our responsibility for younger clients seriously.
To support their safety, Spirit Hair Company follows these age restrictions:
Under 16s: We do not provide chemical services, including hair colour, keratin or perming treatments.
Under 18s: We do not provide scalp chemical services, including root colour and scalp bleaching.
Our team will happily discuss suitable services and explain when particular treatments become available.
Does My Hair Colour Appointment Include a Cut & Finish?
A cut and finish isn't included in the price of our hair colour services.
However, all colour appointments must include a cutting or styling service. This can be as simple as a quick blow-dry with an assistant.
We'll explain the available options when you book so that you know exactly what your appointment includes.
Book Your Hair Colour Appointment in High Wycombe
Beautiful hair colour starts with a great consultation, professional expertise and the right safety checks.
Whether you're planning a subtle colour refresh or a completely new look, our team at Spirit Hair Company in Downley, High Wycombe, is here to help you feel confident throughout your colour journey.
If you have any questions about Colourstart, allergy testing, consultations or our booking policies, please get in touch.
Call 01494 440132