Always follow the product manufacturer’s instructions and your insurer’s requirements for patch testing. This article is about keeping good records, not medical advice.
Many hair colour, lash and brow products tell you to carry out a skin test before use. If a client reacts, a clear record of when they were tested, with what, and the result can be very important, for the client and for you.
What to record
- The client’s name and the date and time of the test
- The product used, ideally with the batch number
- Who carried out the test
- The result, and when it was checked
- Any notes, such as a previous reaction
Timing
Product instructions usually say how long before the treatment the test should be done and how long a result can be relied on. Many salons use at least 48 hours before treatment and repeat the test after a set period, or whenever the product changes. Follow the instructions for the products you use.
Stop untested bookings
The risk is often online booking: a new client books a colour or lash appointment without having had a test. Make it clear on your booking page which treatments need a patch test, and have a process for checking before the appointment.
Keep consultation forms up to date
Ask clients to update their consultation form regularly, and whenever their health or medication changes. Flag anything important so whoever is treating them sees it.
How WearBeauty helps
- Patch-test records with the service, product, date, time and result on each client
- Services can be marked “Needs a patch test”; they cannot be booked online until a passed test is on file
- Patch-test warnings on the appointment in the calendar
- Consultation forms with e-signatures, sent automatically and renewed after a set number of months
More on this: consultation forms and patch tests