Making a hair damage claim
What is a hair damage claim?
Most of us visit the hairdresser on a regular basis. It is such an everyday part of our lives that we rarely stop to think about what could go wrong. However, hair damage cases are becoming increasingly common. This is due to new treatments and products being introduced to bleach, colour, straighten, perm and extend our hair.
Most incidents are relatively minor, but occasionally the consequences can be serious. The use of sharp and hot objects, dangerous chemicals and electrical equipment can result in serious injury. Problems frquently arise when inexperienced stylists are involved or the hairdresser uses equipment or products they have not been properly trained for.
When a mistake is made the customer is entitled to seek compensation and can make a claim against the hairdresser or the salon that employs them. Hairdressers are therefore legally required to have insurance to cover them for this risk.
What can go wrong at the hairdressers?
There are a number of ways a hair damage claim may arise.
Customers can for instance suffer an alergic reaction to the chemicals used on their hair, especially when it has been left on for too long, too much has been applied or it has been mixed too strongly. Burns and cuts are also common.
When a hairdresser mistake is made the resulting injuries can include the following:
- Dermatitis of the scalp;
- Bald patches;
- Itchiness of the scalp;
- Damaged hair follicles;
- Burning of the scalp;
- Tingling sensation on the scalp;
- Thinning of hair;
- Dry and brittle hair;
- Irritated scalp;
- Emotional/ psychological trauma; and
- Alopecia.
Do I have a hair damage claim?
In order to make a hair damage claim for compensation we must be able to show that someone is to blame for your injuries. This is likely to be the hairdresser who provided the hair treatment.
They may perhaps have failed to inform you of the side effects of the procedure and all risks involved. Or they may have failed to take basic safety precautions. New customers should for instance always be offered a skin patch test to check for possible allergic reactions. This should take place 24 hours prior to any treatment being performed.
Our specialist lawyers will be able to assess your case free of charge and offer guidance on whether a hair damage claim can be made.
How much compensation is my hair damage claim worth?
This is a very common question. Each case is different and the amount of compensation you receive will depend upon the nature of your injuries and any financial losses incurred. Although we cannot provide exact figures for your particular claim, please see below some guidelines that have been determined by judges for injuries that can arise in hair damage claims.
| Injuries suffered | Compensation | Description of injury |
| Minor injuries | A few hundred pounds-£600 | Complete recovery within 7 days |
| Minor injuries | £600-£1,200 | Complete recovery within 28 days |
| Minor injuries | £1,200-£2,150 | Complete recovery within 3 months |
| Dermatitis and other skin conditions | £1,500-£3,460 | An individual may experience Itching, irritation and/or rashes but once treatment is administered it resolves within a few months |
| Less Severe psychological injury | £1,350-£5,130 | The amount of compensation provided will be determined by the extent to which sleep, and daily activities were affected, as well as the length of the period of disability. |
| Moderate psychological injury | £5,130-£16,720 | An individual may have experience issues with regards to future vulnerability, their relationships, and their ability to cope with work and life. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | £3,460-£20,290 | An individual will make a full recovery within one to two years and only minor symptoms will persist over any longer period |
| Minor scarring | £1,500-£3,090 | Trivial scarring |
If the type of injury you have suffered is not listed above, then please give us a call and we will be able to advise you further.
How we can help?
We deal with beauty treatment compensation claims on a nationwide basis. Almost all the beauty treatment and hair damage claims we deal with are funded on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that if you are unsuccessful in your claim for whatever reason, you will not have to pay any legal fees.
If you think you have a hair damage claim and would like to know if you are entitled to compensation, contact Carly Sylvester on 0333 888 0437 or via email at [email protected] for a free case assessment.