Why you need a patch test before a brow tint or lash lift

When you book a brow tint or a lash lift with me, you’ll be asked to come in for a patch test first. I know it can feel like an extra trip, so here’s why it matters, and why I won’t skip it.

What a patch test is

Tints and lash lift solutions are applied right next to your eyes, on some of the most delicate skin you have. A patch test is a tiny amount of the product dabbed onto a small patch of skin, usually behind the ear or on the inside of the elbow. Then we wait. If your skin is going to react, it shows up there, in a small spot you can wash off, rather than around your eyes.

Why 48 hours?

Allergic reactions to tint don’t always appear straight away. Some take a day or two to show. That’s why the test needs to be done at least 48 hours before your treatment, not on the day. It only takes a few minutes in the salon, and you can book it online like any other treatment.

What to look out for

For the next 48 hours, keep an eye on the patch. Let me know before your appointment if you notice any of these:

• redness that spreads or doesn’t fade;
• itching, burning or stinging;
• swelling, bumps or blisters.

If anything like that happens, wash the area gently with cool water and don’t go ahead with the treatment. I’ll happily talk you through other options.

Do I need a new one every time?

Your body can become sensitive to something it was fine with before, so it’s good practice to repeat the test if it’s been a while since your last tint, if you’ve started new medication, or if you’ve had a reaction to any hair dye or cosmetic since. When you book, just tell me when your last treatment was and I’ll let you know if you need another.

Brows without a tint

If you’d rather not wait, a brow wax doesn’t need a patch test at all. It tidies and shapes your brows on its own, and you can always add the tint next time.

You can find the brow and lash treatments, including the patch test, on the treatments page.