The rising threat of dangerous beauty practices: Claiming compensation from wild west beauticians.
The beauty business in the UK has exploded recently, with cosmetic treatments now easier to access than ever. But this growth has brought a worrying trend: the rise in unqualified or poorly trained practitioners, often called “wild west beauticians”. These individuals perform risky procedures without the right training or safety measures, putting their clients in harms way.
Why Quick Fixes Are So Tempting
From lip fillers to Botox, microneedling, and chemical peels, non-surgical cosmetic treatments promise big results without surgery or downtime. Social media amplify the allure, with influencers posting dramatic before and after pictures that make these treatments look easy and safe. To meet the demand, many beauticians offer cheap prices and speedy appointments, luring clients who want instant results.
But these “bargain offers” can lead to serious problems. Procedures that need careful training and strict hygiene are sometimes handled by people with little or no proper qualifications. This leads to more botched treatments, infections, and even permanent damage.
Risks to Watch Out For
Some of the most dangerous practices on the rise include:
- Unregulated Fillers: Some practitioners use non-medical-grade dermal fillers purchased online from dubious sources, which can cause severe allergic reactions, lumps, or infections.
- Fake Credentials: Beauticians may use terms like “medically trained” or “certified” without holding formal medical degrees or accreditations from recognised medical institutions. This blurs the line between cosmetic services and medical procedures, misleading clients into believing they are in safe hands.
- DIY Botox Kits: Tutorials online have encouraged untrained people to use DIY Botox kits, risking nerve damage, drooping features, or uneven results.
- Unsafe Laser Treatments: Using lasers incorrectly can cause burns, scars, or pigmentation problems, especially when done by unlicensed operators.
- Poor Hygiene: Skipping proper sterilisation can spread infections like hepatitis or staph bacteria.
Weak Regulations and Loopholes
The UK beauty industry does not have consistent rules across the board. While some treatments, like Botox, need a qualified medical professional, many others fall into a grey area with little oversight. This makes it easy for untrained practitioners to operate, often working from home or temporary setups.
The government is starting to tighten rules, like banning under-18s from getting Botox or fillers for cosmetic purposes and considering licensing systems for practitioners. But enforcing these measures is tricky, especially with rogue beauticians operating under the radar.
How we can help with claiming compensation from wild west beauticians
For a free consultation about claiming compensation from wild west beauticians and details of our No Win, No Fee funding scheme, contact our dedicated helpline.