Home / Blog · · By Olivia Berry
If you book a lash lift or extensions with me for the first time, I ask you to come in for a patch test first. Some people wonder if it is really necessary. Here is why I do it and what it involves.
What a patch test is
A patch test is a short appointment where a small amount of product is applied to your skin to see how it reacts. It is a way to find out about a possible sensitivity in a small area, before the full service. My patch tests are free and take about 15 minutes. You can see the details on the Patch Tests page.
You do not need to prepare for it beyond arriving with clean skin, and you do not need to commit to a full service to have one. It is just a first step so you can decide with more information.
Why it comes first
The products used for extensions, lifts and tints can bother some people. Adhesives, lift solutions and tints all contain ingredients that skin can react to. A patch test lets us find that out in a small area instead of finding it out in the middle of a two-hour appointment around your eyes. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and see the studio before the full appointment.
What it can and cannot tell you
A patch test is useful, but it is not a guarantee. It tells us how your skin reacted to a small amount of product at that time. It cannot predict every future reaction, and it does not replace advice from a medical professional. If you have allergies, a known sensitivity, or a history of reactions, talk to a medical professional before you book.
Which services need one
I ask for a patch test before your first lash lift or extension set. I also recommend one when you try a new product, such as a lash tint or a brow tint. The test can be for lash lift, extensions or general.
Before you come in
I ask you to read the Client Intake & Consent Form and the Patch Test form ahead of time. They are available on the eyelash extensions info page. Come with clean skin, and let me know about any skin conditions, allergies or products you use around your eyes.
What to do after
Follow the instructions I give you at the visit. If you notice anything unusual, like redness, itching or swelling, contact me or a medical professional. If everything looks fine, you can book your full service. I explain what happens at that first full visit in your first lash appointment: what to expect.
Is it worth the extra trip?
I think so. It takes 15 minutes, it is free, and it means you go into your full appointment knowing what to expect. I would rather take a few extra minutes up front than have you uncomfortable later.
Many clients tell me it also helps them feel less nervous. They see the room, meet me, ask their questions and know what comes next. By the time they book the full appointment, nothing is a surprise. If you have a tight schedule, tell me and we will find a time that works.
Book your patch test
You can book a patch test online through Square. I am in Bothell, by appointment only, and I am happy to answer any questions before you come in.
You might also wonder how often to repeat it. A patch test is for a particular product at a particular time, so I recommend one again if you switch to a new kind of service. If your skin or health changes, for example if you start a new medication or notice new sensitivities, mention it before your next appointment so we can decide together whether another test makes sense. A medical professional is the right person to advise on allergies and prescriptions.
If you are wondering what the patch test appointment looks like, it is simple: a quick chat, a small application, and a short wait. Then you leave with clear next steps. It is one of the easiest parts of the whole process, and it is a good opportunity to ask about anything on the service list you are curious about.