League of Permanent Cosmetic Providers
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How We Perform a Color Patch Test for Permanent Makeup ©
BY: Susan Church Director of Education at IIPC
www.permanentmakeupproducts.com
General Guidelines to Check For Sensitivity to Pigments
1. We mix the same pigment colour(s) that we will be using on the client for their requested procedure. Implant colours separately for accuracy.
2. In an inconspicuous area on the client’s scalp, we cleanse the area with alcohol, a sterile Lip Wipe, Green Soap or other appropriate disinfectant.
3. We take a photo of the scalp prior to inserting any pigment.
4. Using a 3 or 5 prong sterile needle, we make 6-7 implants into the clients scalp in a small inconspicuous area. We also take a photo of the exact spot we placed the patch tests to look at for future reference.
5. We instruct the client on proper ‘After Care’ of the procedure area. These are the same instructions as when the client has the actual procedure.
6. In the clients chart, we write down the exact area of the procedure implants and chart the colour formula used along with a photo showing the exact patch test area. 
7. If the client experiences any type of reaction, tell them to contact the clinic and their dermatologist.
8. We wait 4 weeks until the pigment is totally healed into the skin before we start their requested procedure. This is not a guarantee, but a good indication if a person will have any type of reaction to the products.
By administering a patch test to the client does not mean they may not have a reaction to this or future pigments.
Patch testing is the only way to tell how a specific color will heal in the skin.
Remember
Pigment + Skin Undertones = The Final Color Result
As always, these are my personal guidelines that we adhere to.
Specific Procedure Guidelines for Eyes, Lips and Brows
1. We mix the same pigment colors that we will be using on the client for their requested procedure either eyes, brows or lips. Implant colours separately for accuracy.
2. In the area of the requested procedure, we cleanse the area with alcohol (for lips or brows) or a sterile Lip Wipe (for eyeliners).
3. We take a photo of the procedure area prior to inserting any pigment.
4. Using a 1 or 3 prong sterile needle, we make 6-7 implants into the clients requested procedure area. We also take a photo of the exact spot we placed the color patch tests to look at for future reference.
5. We instruct the client on proper ‘After Care’ of the procedure area. These are the same instructions as when the client has the actual procedure.
6. In the clients chart, we write down the exact area of the procedure implants and chart the color formula used along with a photo showing the exact patch test area.
7. If the client experiences any type of reaction, tell them to contact the clinic and their dermatologist.
8. We wait 4 weeks until the pigment is totally healed into the skin before we start their requested procedure. This is not a guarantee, but a good indication if a person will have any type of reaction to the products. We will be able to tell what the healed colour will turn out.
9. By performing a patch test in the requested area, you will be able to see how the color will heal after performing the entire colour application.
10. Have the client look at the procedure area to determine if the color is desirable. If the color is acceptable to both you and the client you may start the procedure. If the color is not quite right you can perform another patch test in another area. i.e. The lip color may be to pink, not pink enough, too light, too dark. Now you will need to decide what color to mix to create the right color combination for a successful procedure. The client must wait another 4 weeks for the pigment color to heal into the skin for color accuracy.
By administering a color patch test to the client, does not mean they may not have a reaction to future pigments.
Patch testing is the only way to tell how a specific colour will heal in the skin.
Remember
Pigment + Skin Undertones = The Final Colour Result
As always, these are my personal guidelines that we adhere to.
By:
Susan Church CCPC, CPDA, CCRT
Worldwide Director of Education
Director of Clinical Research and Development
