Patch Testing: Why It’s Extremely Important

One of the non-negotiable steps in every appointment here at Ardour Brows and Lashes is patch testing. If you’re unsure what it is and why it’s important, we’ve got you!

In this article, we’ll explain everything to you about patch test for lashes: what it is, why it is important, how it is done, and more. Read on.

Why is doing a patch test important?

Patch testing isn’t something new. We do a patch test for skincare products, for example, because even natural ingredients can cause allergies.

To put it simply, doing an allergy patch test is important to rule out any possibility of an allergic reaction to the tint, lash glue, and other products (the last thing we want for our clients is a catastrophic allergic reaction!).

Patch testing in Melbourne is always completed for eyelash/eyebrow tinting, lash lift, eyelash extension, eyelash perming, and other treatments. If allergy patch testing isn’t done, clients could suffer anything from a small irritation to dermatitis or in the worst-case scenario, anaphylactic shock.

What causes allergic reactions? A few clients may develop allergic reactions either to the lash adhesive itself or the ingredients in the adhesive. Carbon black (the dye that gives the glue its black colour) and cyanoacrylate (material that makes the lash glue fast curing) are some of the ingredients found in lash adhesives that may cause allergic reactions.

Whilst allergies can happen, fortunately, it’s extremely rare and unlikely.

What is patch testing?

Patch testing is a way to check whether your skin will react to the lash extension glue, tint, or other product that will be used in the beauty treatment. It’s a protective procedure carried out before the treatment to prevent a reaction to the product’s formula.

In other words, it’s done to ensure it’s safe to use the product before you are fully exposed to it.

How to do a lash patch test?

So, how to do a patch test for eyelash extensions? Patch tests are super quick and straightforward and there are many ways to do them. Your lash artist can either:

• Apply a small amount of lash extension glue behind your ear. The skin behind your ear is sensitive, so we can check for any reactions there.
• Or apply a small amount of lash extension adhesive to the outer corner of the eyes.
• Or place one or two lashes on the outer corner of either side of the eye.

After using either of those methods, we wait for 24 hours for any reaction, such as redness, itching, swelling, watery eyes, irritation, and others.

For a lash lift patch test, your lash stylist will apply a small amount of the solution either behind your ear or in the crook of your elbow.  The area is then monitored for any reaction for 24 hours.

If no side effects occur, then you can proceed with the treatment. However, if there’s any reaction, your lash artist can run another allergy patch test with a different adhesive or solution. If you still develop a reaction to the product, we might need to find another treatment that is safe and suitable for you.

How long does a patch test take?

We typically wait for 24 hours and in some cases, 48 hours to see any side effects. After that time, your lash artist will check for any signs of reaction.

A patch test for lashes is not necessarily carried out for every single lash or brow treatment. We typically carry out allergy patch testing for new clients and when we’re using new products.

However, patch testing should be repeated every few months in case there are changes in the product’s ingredients. It’s also important to carry out an allergy patch test regularly for clients who are very sensitive to products. Also, note that allergies can develop over time, so you can have allergic reactions even to products you’ve already used before.

Allergy patch testing rules for lash lifts and lash extensions

As the saying goes, “it is better to be safe than sorry.” Because a reaction to the lash glue, lash lift solution, tint, and other products is always a possibility, it’s best to make allergy patch testing non-negotiable.

During consultation here at Ardour Brows and Lashes, our eyelash artists will ask  our clients if they have any known allergies before the treatment is given. Then, we educate our clients and explain to them that though they want their lashes and brows done now, it’s important to rule out any allergic reactions first.

Patch testing in Melbourne is carried out even if the client has already signed a waiver or insists on not being tested. This is especially true when the manufacturer of the product says a patch test is required.

What to do if there’s an eyelash extension patch test reaction

If there is redness, itching, or swelling in the area, it means you’re sensitive or allergic to the product. You can take an antihistamine and use a cold compress to alleviate the symptoms. However, if the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, please see a medical professional.

As mentioned previously, if you have an allergic reaction, we can rerun another lash extension patch test with a different product. If sensitivity still occurs, we can still do a different treatment that is safe for you.

Takeaway

Patch testing is crucial to identifying potential allergic reactions to any product. To avoid dangerous situations from happening, lash salons should never skip patch testing.

Doing an allergy patch test is simple, and we only have to wait 24 to 48 hours to check whether you are sensitive or allergic to the product. If you develop no side effects, you can safely proceed with the treatment. If you do, it is best not to continue with the procedure or try a different treatment that is safe for you.

Do you have more questions about patch testing? Our lash stylists are more than happy to cater to all your questions. Make an enquiry here.

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