GDL - The Patch Test
Always complete a patch test at least 48 hours prior to completing a Gravity Defying Lashes Treatment and ALWAYS complete a co-signed consultation card.
Most problems associated with the procedure can be avoided by the implementation of a simple patch test.
Failure to carry out a patch test not only compromises your client but could also expose you to costly legal consequences.
Patch tests should be carried out for the following products:
| Product | Area to be tested on |
| Gravity Defying Lashes Developer and Tint. | Tint patch test card - apply to arm or behind the client's left ear. |
Gravity Defying Lashes offer a tint patch test card that can be sent to clients prior to the treatment. These are the best practical aid to help identify potential sensitivity to the most common chemical found in lash tinting, paraphenylenediamine (PPD).
These patch test cards deliver a small amount of PPD to the surface of the skin. If your client is at risk from these ingredients, this is indicated in a mild reaction within the 48 hours.
The GDL patch test card has two hexagons; the larger one containis PPD and the smaller hexagon is a Control . If a client reacts to the larger hexagon, they are sensitive to PPD and should not receive treatment. If they react to both hexagons, they are sensitive to the test card itself and a further patch test should be taken using the tint directly on the skin.
Our advice is you should be patch testing 48 hours before EVERY time the tint is used as an allergy to PPD can build up over time. This protects you (the therapist) in the event of a problem as well as being correct practice for the client’s safety. In the event of a reaction, tinting must not proceed.
Patch testing of the other products in the Gravity Defying Lash treatment should not be necessary unless your client has known allergies which should cause you to check the ingredients with care and / or to perform a patch test of the other products as an additional precaution.
As the pH value of our Define perming solution is so alkaline, it has the potential to make the skin react and become red or inflamed which might wrongly look like a positive result for allergy. The solution is relatively aggressive and not intended to go near the skin in treatment, applying it to skin is not sensible. Repetitively doing so is more likely to cause an issue over, the long term.
If a reaction occurs from the patch test, treatment should not be carried out.
Record all patch test information on the relevant client’s consultation card and ensure the form is signed and dated by both yourself and client. This is both a legal and health and safety requirement. It is essential for your own protection should a dispute arise at a later date.
First Aid
If tint or any solution (Define, Set or Nourish) accidentally enters the eye during the treatment. You must:
- Remove excess product quickly
- Stay calm and reassure the client
- Using a sterile vial of eyewash solution, rinse the eye.
If stinging or irritation persists, recommend the client seeks medical advice. Ensure you record all details on client’s record card.
Additional points to remember
Body chemistry can change overnight and allergies develop just as quickly. A client who has her lashes tinted often without any trouble must still have a patch test 48 hours prior to treatment. In this way, it safeguards both yourself and the client.
Never use hairdressing tint or developer. Hair dyes contain strong chemicals such as Metaphenylenediamine which are not suitable for using in the sensitive eye area.
Always read the manufactures instructions before mixing tint. Make sure you use the correct strength of peroxide/developer with the right amount of tint.
The date of the consultation and patch test with results should always be recorded on the clients record card.
Do not mix tint until you are ready to apply, as the colour will start to develop before being applied to the lashes.
