Departure is in three hours. The guest wants a lash tint and a brow tint before the party tonight, and she has never had one with you before. She promises she is "not allergic to anything." You have no patch test on file. The answer is no — and this lesson is why that no is not negotiable.
The Patch Test Is Not Optional
Tint and lash adhesive can cause severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the eyes and face and, rarely, anaphylaxis. Hair dye and eyelash tints containing PPD (para-phenylenediamine) and related compounds have caused serious harm and, in documented cases, death.
- Patch test at least 24–48 hours before treatment (follow the manufacturer's instruction — it is the legal reference point).
- Patch test every new client, and again if the product changes or after a long gap.
- A previous reaction-free treatment does not mean the next one is safe. Sensitisation builds. Guests who have had tints for years are exactly the ones who react.
- Record the test, the date, the product and the result on the record card. No card, no treatment.
- If a guest pressures you to skip it: "I cannot. It is the one thing I am not allowed to do." Then tell the chief stew.
If a reaction occurs: remove the product, flush with cool water, get medical help immediately, and escalate to the captain — a serious allergic reaction offshore is a medical emergency, and shoreside help may be hours away.
Waxing
| Point | Practice |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Test on your own inner wrist every time. Burns are the commonest waxing injury |
| Contraindications | Sunburn, broken skin, active infection, recent laser/peel, retinoid or isotretinoin use (skin lifts off), varicose veins, some medications |
| Technique | Apply with hair growth, remove against, hold the skin taut, remove fast and low — not up and away |
| Never | Double-dip a spatula into the pot. Ever |
| Aftercare | No heat, sun, sauna, swimming, exfoliation or tight clothing for 24 hours — hard for a guest on a yacht, so time it: not on a beach day |
Brows and Lashes
- Shape to the face, not to a trend. Brow hair regrows slowly and over-plucking can be permanent.
- Tinting: patch test, protect the skin, process to the manufacturer's time, remove carefully. Eyes stay closed.
- Lash extensions: cyanoacrylate adhesives. Fumes irritate; ventilate, keep the eye fully closed, isolate each natural lash — glueing lashes together damages the natural lash and causes traction alopecia. This is a slow, static treatment and a bad choice in a seaway.
Evening Makeup
- Ask about the event, the lighting and the dress. Yacht dinners are candlelit and photographed.
- Prep is everything: hydrate, prime, and set — heat, humidity and salt air destroy makeup.
- Waterproof mascara and a setting spray for a tender ride. Blot, do not re-powder into cake.
- Finish 30 minutes before they need to leave.
Onboard Notes
- No patch test, no tint, no lashes. It is not a formality and there is no VIP exception.
- Test wax temperature on yourself, and never double-dip.
- Retinoid users do not get waxed.
- Time waxing away from beach days; time makeup to depart, not to you.
- Preparatory study only. Nothing here qualifies you to treat a guest. Beauty and nail work requires an accredited vocational qualification and professional insurance.