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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Would you have your brows done without a patch test?

24 replies

letsgowiththat · 27/05/2021 13:57

I have never had my brows done before and I have been growing them out for quite some time now planning to finally get them professionally done and shaped post lockdown as I don't like them and don't know what I'm doing.

I live rurally and unfortunately looking at pictures and reviews the local salons leave much to be desired and I have finally found what seems to be a very well reviewed and reputable small independent salon which is 35mins drive away. I would be going for henna and lamination.
They have advised I do a patch test at least 24hrs before but I would have to drive there and back which is 1hr + for me and a bit of a pain with my current schedule. I asked if I can do it without and they said if I wish but they waive responsibility if I have a reaction on the day - which is understandable.

I have never had a reaction to anything before but I am aware it's not an impossibility.
But is it a really high risk if I just go ahead with the appointment without a patch test?

OP posts:

AryaStarkWolf · 27/05/2021 13:58

I never had one done before I got mine

DM1209 · 27/05/2021 13:59

If they value their insurance and are a good salon, they won't let you get your brows done without a patch test.

Annoying to drive that far, but get it done.

Yabu.

CupoTeap · 27/05/2021 13:59

Mine wouldn't let you

Sirzy · 27/05/2021 14:00

Any reputable place wouldn’t dream of doing it without one

shouldistop · 27/05/2021 14:03

Some people can have severe reactions to henna. 2 people I know ended up with scarring due to a bad reaction to a henna tattoo.

AlmostSummer21 · 27/05/2021 14:05

I don't get mine done, but I don't think a reputable place would do them without, so I wouldn't go there, because god alone knows what other safe practises they're not bothering with.

Years ago I used to get my eye lashes tinted, a friend and I used to go to a place I wouldn't dream of going to these days 🤣

LindainLockdown · 27/05/2021 14:07

I recently had a patch test which was posted out to me, is that an option? The salon are trusting you to do it of course, but it's in no ones interest if you don't.

otterbaby · 27/05/2021 14:11

I've always waived the responsibility when going to a new place because I've never had a reaction. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you might be more likely to have a reaction though.

user1471457751 · 27/05/2021 14:57

You should have the patch test. It will take a lot more time out of your day if you have a bad reaction. Think potentially your face swelling up to the point you can barely see, blisters and burns, a couple of days in hospital. It's not worth the risk

1Morewineplease · 27/05/2021 19:13

Always get a patch test.
These things can often go wrong. Our bodies change with age and something that always seemed to agree with you can suddenly cause you to react badly.

NeverDropYourMoonCup · 27/05/2021 19:15

Have the patch test.

It's definitely not an area where you would want to find out afterwards that you've become/are severely allergic to whatever they are using.

picturesandpickles · 27/05/2021 19:17

Always get a patch test, an allergic reaction anywhere in the region of your eyes is not a desirable outcome!

pinkunicorn20 · 27/05/2021 19:22

No and I would have reservations about a salon that would allow it, I have been getting my brows done by the same beautician for years, except during the pandemic and patch test every 6 months for her insurance

prettylittlestar · 27/05/2021 19:25

From a trained beautician
I advise you have a patch test. I used to refuse customers at the salon who wouldn't have it done. It's not worth the risk....

Mellonsprite · 27/05/2021 19:46

Yes get a patch test done, my salon insist on it every time now, even if you’re only having same as all previous appointments. Something to do with covid or vaccines having the potential to cause new allergic reactions.

CoffeeCakey · 27/05/2021 20:09

Presumably you are getting it done becuase you think it will make you look better so probably best to get a patch test to make sure it won't make you look all swollen and puffy.

Newbie8365 · 27/05/2021 20:40

Get a patch test. I am a trained beauty therapist and wouldnt touch anyone who hadnt had a test.

You can use the same product for 20 years and then one day be allergic.

Not worth risking your eyesight.

NiceGerbil · 27/05/2021 20:43

Is this silly or could you ask them to pop a little bit of the dye in the post and get someone to take a pic and email it?

I mean it's dab some behind the ear right?

You could offer to send a stamp even! Save you loads of time.

BettyOBarley · 27/05/2021 20:45

I would do the patch test. Especially because you've not had anything like that done before. I'm surprised they are considering not letting you

Notavegan · 27/05/2021 20:49

I had a patch test and the rash spread around my whole neck..I didn't subject my eyes to it!

BeautyQueenIamNot · 27/05/2021 20:54

Always a patch test every 6 months or so, I don’t get my brows done but do get my lashes done every now and again.

I’ve been jabbed now so had to have a repeat test done.

I used to work at an a&e trust me get the patch test - you’ll probably be fine.

NeverDropYourMoonCup · 28/05/2021 08:49

If you Google 'allergy to brow lamination', you'll see why a patch test is so important.

Thehop · 28/05/2021 08:51

It’s unlikely you’ll react. But if you do it’s huge. Just have the test.

Ps if they’re reputable there’s no way they’d do it without.

yellowdenim · 28/05/2021 08:56

Most salons will insist on it but personally, having had lots of tints and hair dye etc, I wouldn’t be worried if they didn’t.

Reading your post made me realise I went to Benefit to get my eyebrows tinted after lockdown, have never been there before and they didn’t do a patch test. Would have thought the bigger chains would have insisted on it

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