What are Patch Tests and Why are they Important for Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments?

If you’ve had an eyebrow tint or eyelash treatment in the past, then you will be no stranger to the concept of the patch test – which must be conducted 48 hours before a treatment in order to ensure that your skin does not react negatively to the substances used in the treatment.

With our team often answering questions and advising clients as to why a patch test is required, even if it is not the clients first time undergoing a treatment, this blog post is designed to answer some of the most commonly asked questions and clear up the reality and importance of patch tests.

What is a patch test and how does it work?

A patch test is a quick and simple way of assessing whether or not a product or substance will react to a person’s skin, prior to them undergoing a treatment.

Typically, a patch test is conducted behind the ear or inside the elbow, where the skin is fairly fragile and where any kind of negative reaction will be clear to see but not overtly visible. As it can take time for a patch test to result in any kind of reaction, patch tests need to be carried out 48 hours before the treatment time and are therefore booked in at the same time as the treatment itself is booked, to ensure the client does not turn up to their full appointment without having first attended the salon for their patch test.

The signs of a negative reaction that clinics and salons should urge clients to look out for include redness, swelling, and itching – as well as any other negative allergic reactions.

For those who regularly ask why they need a patch test every time they book eyelash and eyebrow appointments, this is because the products and their ingredient lists change frequently – and a patch test protects not just clients but also businesses from the potentially harmful effects of reactions caused by unknown ingredients. In addition, allergies and bodies change all the time, and so a clinic or beauty parlour which asks you to come back for a patch test prior to every appointment is simply safeguarding your own personal safety and the reputation of their business.

Why are patch tests so important?

There are two main branches of why patch tests are so important – the first relates to the simple fact that eyelash and eyebrow treatments are both closely linked to your eyes, which can become susceptible to long term damage if an allergic or negative reaction is not prevented.

The patch test is deliberately conducted away from the eyes, so that if the skin is going to react it does so in a non-invasive and not as fragile area. After all, sensitive skin can react in all manner of different ways and so minimising the exposure of your eyes and the skin around your eyes to unknown ingredients and products is key.

The other main reason why patch tests are so important comes down to business acumen, and the importance of protecting the business in terms of insurance, reputation, and clients. If, as a business, you are not doing everything you can to protect your clients then the chances are that insurance will not cover you, and that any negative experience will quickly cause you to clients and potentially suffer much more serious consequences if the event is considered serious or neglectful.

As such, patch tests and the paperwork that comes with them are considered a normal part of any eyelash or eyebrow treatment, both for the safety of you as the client and of the business you have selected.

How do our patch tests work?

Here at Boilerhouse we understand how frustrating it can be to be asked to come in for a patch test every time you book a treatment or appointment. That’s why we do all we can to make the experience as smooth and efficient as possible – allowing you to conduct your patch test 48 hours before your treatment from home for optimum convenience, and even giving clients access to multipack patch testing kits if they are looking to benefit from regular treatments.

For more information on our patch tests, to receive advice on how to ensure you are completing your test correctly, or to find out more about our eyelash and eyebrow treatments, visit our website or give one of our salons a call.