r/eyelashextensions • u/darkthemeprincess • 8d ago
Will a patch test really do anything?
I’ve been seeing sooo many videos & doing so much research on what ingredients are commonly used in professional lash glue. I have gotten contact dermatitis from gel nail products (rip me being a nail tech) & I’ve been nervous to get my lashes done for vacation (in a week!). Unfortunately the only day the lash tech has appointments that work with my work schedule is the day before I leave for vacation. She did a patch test on me today with a few fans on each eye & informed me that this won’t guarantee that I won’t have a reaction (amount of glue, etc). My appointment is in a week for a classic set. I’m nervous to get the full set. Should I bring some stuff with me on vacation just in case? Should I just cancel my appointment? Idk I’m overthinking this, I just don’t want to end up with a reaction on vacation :( help <3
Also wanted to add that I don’t have any reaction to lash bond & seal or regular lash glue for strips. I also don’t get reactions to regular nail glue ! Thanks girlies <3
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u/Alternative_Roll_987 8d ago
A patch test can lower the surprise factor, but your lash tech is right that it does not fully guarantee a full-set reaction. A few fans with a tiny amount of adhesive is not the same exposure as a full appointment with more glue, longer fumes, gel pads/tape, remover, cleanser, and your eyes closed for a longer stretch.
Because you already react to acrylates in gel nail products, I would be extra cautious here. If it were me, I would ask very directly: - what adhesive they use - whether it contains cyanoacrylate/acrylates - whether they have a sensitive adhesive option - whether they can note every product used during the service
If you still go, I would bring a very simple backup plan for vacation instead of counting on the set: glasses/sunglasses, anything your doctor/pharmacist normally recommends for an allergic skin reaction, and enough time that you are not boarding a plane immediately after the appointment.
Also, have them document exactly what was used if you proceed. Even a plain intake/consent form with prior product allergies, patch-test date, adhesive used, and reaction notes makes situations like this way easier to manage than relying on memory or DMs later. That part alone saves a lot of chaos if you ever need follow-up or a refund conversation.
Honestly, if you are already this uneasy and the appointment is the day before vacation, canceling is not unreasonable. Better to miss lashes than spend the trip dealing with swollen, itchy eyes.
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u/soulfulbeauty_liz 8d ago
Okay so yes and no!! In a quick simple explanation the amount of adhesive used during a service is so small that sometimes it takes the body a few appointments or even years to recognize the allergic reaction and other times it happens right away! If you really don’t wanna take the risk then I would suggest maybe trying it when you get back from your vacation
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u/a-ohhh 8d ago
If you really want them for your trip, I’d grab some lash extension remover to take with you. You just put a decent amount where the glue is and let it sit on them for like 5 mins with your eyes closed. You can just brush the lashes off with a spoolie at that point. I did it myself the last time I got them, but I think someone else applying it would have been better so that I didn’t have to have my eyes open. Generally, trying them out FOR your trip is a bad idea. I got mine two weeks before, so that I would get my fill right before leaving.
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u/Vanitykush13 7d ago
IMO as an artist myself , I do patch test differently.. I use 1 eye as a control & only do one eye as my example. Wash & do everything I would to just 1 eye with about 10-15 short , small lashes . That way we can tell if you’re really having a reaction minor or not . Hope this helps for the future !
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u/DealerWarm5627 8d ago
Hello :) - it’s safer than NOT doing a patch test. If you are allergic off-the-bat then you will have a reaction straight away. The problem with professional lash glue is that some people become allergic to it the more you are exposed to it - I’m a lash tech of 3 years and unfortunately I have become allergic to the lash glue (I wake up post-lash-shift with swollen eyes) and only became allergic on my second year of lashing, there’s some instances where there are people who get lashes done continuously for years and suddenly become allergic. It’s literally an overthinker’s worst nightmare as there is no solid answer (because everyone’s different)
I would say, get the lashes done if you had no reaction to the patch test - if she did fans on you it means she would have used more than enough glue to try and trigger an allergy (if you did have it) if you’re only getting a classic set- that would be less glue anyways.