Patch testing guidelines - Extension edition

Below we have listed our patch testing guidelines for Lash Adhesive!

Cyanoacrylate is the main ingredient in lash adhesive and the cause for most reactions. It is an irritant for your skin, eyeballs and respiratory functions. If you are using an EU regulated adhesive, it will state this fact, alongside a big diamond with an exclamation mark inside it, on the bottle or packaging. For this reason, lash adhesive must not touch the skin, ever.

Patch testing for adhesive cannot provide a 100% conclusive result, this is because only a small amount of product is used. It is more likely for allergies and sensitivities to occur in clients who have been exposed to the product. This means a client who has been having lash extensions for a while are more susceptible than a new client who has never had them before.

  1. You do not need to patch test lash adhesive on clients; however, all clients must be offered the option of a patch test if they have any concerns.
  2. It is important that the client is fully educated of the potential risks involved with lash adhesive reactions for them to make an informed decision.
  3. A consultation form and patch test form must be carried out, documented and signed by both the client and the lash artist to confirm both parties understand and are happy to go ahead with the treatment.
  4. You must follow your insurers’ guidelines.

Important to note:

If your insurer says that you must follow the supplier’s guidelines, revert to points 1-3.

OR

If a patch test is required by an / your insurance company, follow the recommend procedure below:

  1. Carry out a consultation, explain patch testing to your client and then document.
  2. Ensure the lashes are clean and make up free.
  3. Protect the lower lashes with tape of pads.
  4. Attach 5-8 fine short lashes to the natural lash spaced along each eye.
  5. Complete the patch test form and ask your client to sign.

A patch test should be completed 24/48 hours prior to appointment/treatment. The client should be instructed to inform you if any reaction or sensitivity occurs. In extreme cases of reaction you should tell your client to seek medical advice. You should be readily available to remove the lashes using the proper technique. If no reaction occurs, the treatment may go ahead.

We retail client record and consultation cards so that you can keep your clients' details to hand, document patch testing and log treatments with our record cards.

    We hope this has helped to clear up any worries you have had about patch testing … now let’s get back to lashing!

    As always, if you have any further questions feel free to get in touch with us over on Instagram @LashBase_UK and we’ll be happy to help.

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