Why patch testing is important

Your customers have chosen you to trust with their face and appearance! So, the first thing to look out for is to secure their safety. For every new customer, safety starts with a patch-test. It's also important to repeat your patch test regularly, as repeated exposure to a product can eventually develop into an allergy. A lot of people don't know this, but allergies can occur seemingly out of nowhere due to exposure to new allergens in the environment, family history and changes in the immune system and hormonal changes. 

So if clients haven't visited you for a while, repeat your patch test to prevent unpleasant surprises. We always recommend doing a patch test every six months. Similar to the henna patch test, the lamination patch test should be taken at least 48 hours before the treatment itself.

How to make a patch test more pleasant for clients

Sometimes customers can be annoyed if they have to do a patch test, since it feels as too time consuming or unnecessary. Even when all of these steps are needed just because you care about their safety. To use their time more efficiently, you can offer them to already start with shaping the eyebrows during the processing time of the the patch test. If they plan the real brow lamination treatment 48H later (if no reaction occurred), you can skip this step, so in the end all together the treatment will not take any longer than usual. The only extra hurdle is that they have to come twice. 

How to do a lamination patch test

1. Step - Apply

Clean the area behind the ear with a cleanser. To conduct the test, grab a silicon brush or a cotton swab and apply a small amount of solution No 1, No 2, and No 3 behind the ear of your customer. If you intend to use a priming glue during your session then it is best to go ahead and apply a small amount of it behind your customer's ear as well.

2. Step - Wait

The small amount should remain on the skin for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, so there is enough time for the reaction to develop. If during that time reaction already shows, remove the product right away. 

3. Step - Remove & Check

You can remove the dots with a cotton pad and check for any redness, itching, irritation, or inflammation. If there are no signs of irritated skin or reaction - you’re probably safe to go. However, to be 100% sure, you have to wait for 48 hours since it can take a while before an allergic reaction develops. If any of the previously mentioned signs have appeared after 15-20 minutes, then wash off any remaining product with cold water. Proceed by explaining to your customers that you care for their safety and that, with a visible reaction after the patch test, it is best not to proceed with the treatment. No reaction after 48 hours? Then you’re good to go!

What to do if they have a visible reaction?

In case your client is showing an allergic reaction you can offer them alternative treatments. You can always give your expert opinion and suggest treatments that would match their brows, such as tinting their eyebrows with a hybrid dye or henna.

If your client really wishes to have a lamination look you can offer to create this look with our Brow Control! This Brow Gel has an extremely strong hold and is able to lift and shape unruly hair in the wanted position. A Brow lammy look, without the chemicals. The wax does not create any flakiness or white haze and will seal the look you created for your clients for up to 24H. Maybe not the 6 weeks they normally have after a brow lamination treatment, but at least you can offer them a similar look. 

Tip: Are they a fan of the look? Upsell them the product and teach them how they can create the look at home!