Lash & brow treatments: the importance of patch testing
With stories of lash and brow treatment reactions hitting the headlines, patch testing is back in the spotlight.
In our exclusive video, Natalie Piper, business development manager for The Eyelash Design Company, which manufactures Lash Perfect, reveals her tops tips for carrying out a safe patch test in salon for lash and brow treatments.
Patch testing rules for brow tints
“It’s something that just has to be non-negotiable because the chances of a reaction with a tint is a real possibility. You have to educate the client and explain to them that even though they really want their brow tint done now, it's more important they have the patch test done so they don’t have a reaction,” explains Piper.
“Although it’s difficult to turn clients away, from a commercial perspective it’s not ideal, it’s much worse for them to come back with a problem which is potentially dangerous for them.”
Patch testing rules for lash lifts and lash extensions
“With Lash Perfect’s lash extensions and lash lift treatments you don’t need to patch test, which is great – nothing touches the skin and there are no known allergens in the lash extension glue,” says Piper.
“However, if you have a client who is really sensitive and they want to make sure that they don’t have a reaction, we have a sensitive adhesive you can use. The only way to do a true lash extension patch test to see if the client is allergic to the glue is to place one or two lashes either side of the eye. You wouldn’t want to put the lash extension glue on the skin because in the treatment that doesn’t happen.”
If you feel like you really want to do a lash lift patch test, you can test the products, but you must make sure you or the client remove it after no more than an hour because “that product is never going to be on the skin for any longer than 12 minutes, which is the processing time for a lash lift,” explains Piper.
For more helpful advice and tips, visit Professional Beauty’s YouTube page.
Check out our video on the differences in training, outlay and profit for lash lifts and extensions.
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