How to Do a Step-by-Step Allergy Test for Eyelash Extensions

As we've already mentioned in previous posts, eyelash extensions are one of the star services in most beauty salons, but if we want to offer professional, safe and healthy services to our clients, it's essential to consider the obligation to perform a prior allergy test for this service, since, additionally, the skin around the eyes is especially thin and prone to reactions. In fact, one of the main concerns clients have about eyelash extensions is that they could damage their eyes, their natural lashes, or that they could develop an allergic reaction.

What you should know

There are two very important aspects every lash technician should know:

1. That an allergic reaction can develop not only to the glue but also to the extension material, the patch, the tape, etc., although it's most common for the reaction to be to the glue and the vapor it releases while curing.
2. That it's more likely for an allergy or sensitivity to develop in clients who have had lashes for 6 months or more than in new clients, because allergies of this type are cumulative — that is, sensitivity increases each time the client is exposed to the lash adhesive.

Therefore, we will never be 100% exempt from some reaction occurring from the service, so it's always advisable for our client to sign a consent form for the service listing the possible adverse effects it can cause, even if the allergy test has been performed. Our recommendation is to always perform the allergy test, also known as a “patch test,” 48 hours before the lash session, even if extensions have been worn on previous occasions, since an allergy may have developed since the last session. This test would be performed as follows:

• We must use all the products we would use in an extension service: from the makeup remover, primer and patch to the sealant.
• At least two or three test lash extensions need to be placed on the outermost natural lashes on both eyes.

Once the test is finished, we need to wait at least 24 hours to check whether any reaction such as redness, swelling, itching or any discomfort has occurred; if not, our client would be ready for her eyelash extension session.

How the allergy test is performed

1. We lay our client down on the treatment bed as if we were going to perform the full service, trying to make her as comfortable as possible.
2. We examine her eyes to make sure there's no prior sign of reaction or sensitivity.
3. We remove makeup and thoroughly clean the lashes with an oil-free product.
4. We place the patch to protect the lower eyelid lashes.
5. We apply the Primer without touching the skin, using a micro-brush.
6. We place 2 or 3 test lashes at the outer corner of each eye. Remember that the glue should never come into contact with the eyelid or skin. We should use a length similar to the natural lash so it doesn't stand out.
7. We check that the extensions have adhered correctly and aren't causing any discomfort.
8. We record all the test details on the client's file, i.e., all the materials used (type of glue, type of extensions, patch, primer, makeup remover, etc.), the number of extensions placed and any information we consider relevant.
9. We schedule the client to return 24 hours later to assess the results, telling her to come in sooner if she has any symptoms of allergy.

What to do if a reaction occurs

The most common reaction in an allergy test is erythema, which is simply inflammation of the area caused by irritation from a product not tolerated by the client's skin. Erythema can cause redness, stinging or itching, heat, a rash… it can even cause slight swelling in the eyelid area near where the test extensions were placed. If any of these reactions occur, the first step is to immediately remove the extensions placed and apply something cold to the affected area. If the irritation persists, the client should be advised to seek medical attention. If we did not perform the allergy test, the reactions mentioned above could be more intense and severe, ranging from swelling of the entire eyelid to swelling of the whole face. Finally, if we already know our client suffers from allergies or the test comes back positive, you can always use our hypoallergenic glue, specifically designed for these cases. As for the eyelash extension material, which can also cause an allergic reaction as we mentioned earlier, at Seena Owell we always recommend synthetic fiber extensions, since natural hair ones, such as mink, considerably increase the chances of an adverse reaction. That's why all the eyelash extensions you'll find on our website are made of synthetic silk. At Seena Owell we assure you that none of our products are harmful to health. All of them undergo a thorough examination of their components and are specifically tested for this purpose. We hope you found the content of this post interesting; if you think it could be helpful, don't hesitate to comment and share.