Allergy awareness is stepping firmly into the spotlight this April and the hair industry is being given a major boost to get informed, confident, and protected.

To mark Allergy Awareness Week (April 22-28 2026), TrichoCare Education has teamed up with Colourstart, the UK’s leading professional allergy test provider, to give away an impressive £10,000 worth of free online allergy awareness courses to hair professionals across the country.

And the best part? It’s all designed with busy salon life in mind. Bite-sized learning that fits around you. This one-hour online course is fully flexible, meaning you can dip in and out whenever it suits you. The content is broken down into easy-to-digest modules, so whether you’re between clients or catching up after hours, you can learn at your own pace and pick up exactly where you left off.
But don’t let the convenience fool you, this course packs serious value.

What you’ll learn
The training offers a practical, no-nonsense introduction to allergy, covering:

• How the immune system works
• The different types of allergic reactions
• Key ingredients in hair colour (including PPD)
• The difference between irritation and allergy
• Common triggers in everyday life
• What to do if a client or colleague shows signs of a reaction

In short, it’s the kind of knowledge that can make a real difference behind the chair.

Why this matters now
Allergy isn’t a niche issue it’s a growing one. Around one in three people in the UK now live with an allergy, making it the most common chronic disease in Europe. Even more concerning, up to 20% of sufferers experience severe symptoms, often living with the daily anxiety of a potential reaction.

For hairdressers, that risk is even more relevant. Regular exposure to chemicals and close client interaction means allergy awareness isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Raising standards across the industry
Nick Plunkett, CEO of Colourstart, emphasises the importance of education in building trust and professionalism: “Education is the foundation of professionalism, so we’re delighted to be teaming up with TrichoCare to offer this free course. It’s vital that everyone in the industry understands the mechanics of allergy to help them make good decisions — for themselves, their teams, and their clients. Increasing awareness builds trust in our sector and gives us the confidence to work to higher standards.”

Free — but only for one week. Usually priced at £65, the course will be completely free during Allergy Awareness Week only (April 22–28). Participants who complete the training will receive an official TrichoCare Education CPD certificate.

How to claim your free place
Simply sign up here and enter the code: AAW2026

For more on allergy testing, visit Colourstart.com, or head to trichocare.co.uk for further education and training resources.