Why You Should Never Skip Patch Testing

patch test allergic reaction

I’ve had a lot of questions about patch testing in the last few weeks, so I thought I’d cover it in this month’s blog. I know that your clients will be desperate to get in and get their treatments done, but with treatments like lash lift or perm and lash/brow tinting, patch tests are crucial.

There is never any excuse for cutting corners when it comes to safety, especially now, when keeping ourselves and our clients safe is more important than ever. Here’s why you should never skip patch testing.

The potential risks are too big

Clients have waited months for their treatments so they might try to convince you that they don’t need a patch test especially if it means they have to wait at least another 48 hours, but skipping patch testing is really not worth it.

It can put the client’s health at risk if they have a serious allergic reaction to a product, and it opens you up to potentially being sued, fined, or losing your business. Also, how many people do you think a client will tell if they have a really bad allergic reaction and what effect will this have on your reputation?

Something else to think about is if you don’t patch test a client and they have a reaction, it can invalidate your insurance. You know you should have done a patch test and they can decide that you have been negligent and refuse to pay out any money. In this case, it will probably be more difficult and expensive to get the insurance cover you need.

Allergies can develop over time

You’ve probably had clients telling you that they don’t need a patch test as they had one elsewhere not so long ago. It doesn’t matter, they still have to get one done, because:

  • You could be using different products to the place where they got their last treatment.
  • Allergies can develop over time with repeated exposure to a product.
  • Allergic reactions can happen out of the blue, even when a client has never had a reaction to a product before.

Good practice for patch testing

For all treatments that require a patch test (check the manufacturer’s instructions on products if you’re not sure), make sure it’s clearly stated on any price lists and your website.

Make sure new clients are aware that they’ll need a patch test before any applicable treatment. If they try to convince you that they don’t need one, just explain to them that it’s for their safety and that it’s an important part of how you operate your business safely and maintain standards.

If you are afraid that clients will go elsewhere rather than get a patch test, let them. Clients should be running a mile from therapists who don’t patch test and it’s really not worth skipping them and risking your reputation and business.

Train with us…

All our courses are taught in small groups which makes for a relaxing learning environment where you’ll get all of the attention you need. Steph, our academy director and trainer, has over 20 years’ experience in the industry so when you book a course with us, you’ll be perfectly prepared to be the most successful therapist that you can be.

For more information on any of our courses, call Steph on 07825337342.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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