LVL Patch Testing

In late December 2020, we made changes to our patch testing process after reviewing with a medical expert and our insurance partner. From our evaluation, it became clear there have been advancements in medical understanding of allergic reactions, which indicate that increased exposure can increase sensitivity. On this basis, these changes have been made to minimise exposure and limit the possibility of increased sensitivity to the chemicals in patch tests for lash artists and their clients. Reducing the frequency of patch tests will also reduce the time and money spent on facilitating these and can make the client booking process more flexible.

Some insurance providers prefer the patch test to be carried out in sight of a professional, others are happy for the client to do this at home. Check your insurance policy documents for details.

LVL Patch Test Kits are being replaced by LVL Patch Test (5 Pack), and will be available the moment the kits go out of stock. For Tint, simply use a small amount mixed with Tint Developer.

The key actives in the formulations start reacting as soon as exposed to air. We’ve tested ourselves that once exposed, their ability to create a lift diminishes quickly. However, the ingredients themselves remain and so while they’re rendered ineffective for a good quality treatment, you’re patch testing the presence of the ingredients and not their efficacy.

They will be available until we go out of stock, which is estimated to be end of June 2021. After this time they will be discontinued and replaced with the LVL Patch Test (5 Pack).

48 hours. When a new product is first introduced it can take up to 48 hours for the body to develop a reaction to it. Following expert advice from Consultant Dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall, we choose to leave patch tests on the skin for 48 hours in total. Although a patch test does not guarantee no subsequent reactions, it should eliminate the majority of cases.

Patch tests don’t need to be carried out for every single LVL treatment. Patch tests are required prior to the first treatment, then after 6 months (if they haven’t had a treatment in that time). A patch test must also be carried out if there are any changes to a client’s medical situation.

Providing your clients have had a treatment within the last 6 months and have had no change in their medical history, the treatment can go ahead with no additional patch test needed.

Please check your insurance policy documents. 

Some insurers are happy for you to proceed with a treatment having offered the patch test which has been declined by the client but will require a signature to confirm they have declined the test. Most insurers will not cover you unless a patch test has been undertaken so a waiver would be unacceptable. Their requirements will be clearly defined in your policy documents. 

There is currently no official advice from the government, the vaccine manufacturers, or our own insurers with regards to conducting treatments and patch tests on clients who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and/or who have previously tested positive for COVID-19. 

After your client has received the vaccine, you may choose to wait to undertake a patch test to help ensure the side effects are not confused with a patch test reaction. Otherwise, standard patch testing guidelines apply. 

As a change in medical history requires a patch test to be carried out, a patch test should be carried out before a treatment is performed on a client that has suffered from COVID-19 or received a COVID-19 vaccine (please note, any vaccine is considered a change in medical history).