Hair Damage Claim
For many of us, going to the hairdresser is a regular part of our lives. For some it’s just a routine part of maintaining their appearance, for others it’s the perfect chance for a bit of pampering time, and for a few it can be something they dread. We’ve all experienced that moment where we realise we haven’t got quite what we ask for. When this happens at the hairdresser’s, it can be an annoying frustration and the most you can do is make a complaint and hopefully rectify the situation to a satisfactory standard.
But what if you have been hurt or your hair has been damaged unnecessarily as a result of an accident or negligence at the hairdresser’s?
With so many services available, hairdressers use a range of dangerous equipment and strong chemicals which if improperly handled, could cause a serious injury or damage to a person’s hair or scalp.
Like any profession who offer a service dealing with a physical part of ourselves, hairdressers are put in a position of trust. When dealing with something so personal as a person’s hair, it is essential the correct safety procedures and training are in place to prevent such accidents and injuries occurring. When visiting a hairdresser, you expect to improve your appearance, not for your hair to be damaged.
Hair Damage Claims
When an individual has a hair damage claim, it can be difficult to find a lawyer who will understand just how distressing this type of claim is. You need a lawyer who you can trust to listen to you, take you seriously and try to get you the justice you deserve. It is not just about the pain you may have suffered but you may have experienced shock, distress and upset. You also may have suffered from long term effects such as lack of confidence and a loss of earnings due to taking time off work.
Hairdressing Claims specialise in hairdresser claims, thus our name and have years of experience in this specialised area. Hairdressing Claims operate a no win no fee policy so that you can claim against those who have failed you without the worry of financial implications. You will only owe us a fee if we secure you compensation.
If your hair has been damaged as a result of a hairdresser failing in their responsibilities to follow the right procedures, you may have a case to claim compensation. We offer a nationwide service so regardless of where you are based, we can help.
As a guideline, a figure of somewhere between £3000 and £9000 is the level where most cases typically settle. Of course, the more serious cases achieve more compensation but it will vary depending on the case and all the factors involved.
To speak to one of our team abut your case:-
• Calling for free on 0800 141 3682 from a landline
• Calling 0333 202 6560 from a mobile
• Emailing us at enquiries@hairdressingclaims.co.uk
• Completing our online claim form
Hairdresser Claims – Am I Eligible?
Hairdresser claims are not about ending up with a hairstyle or colour you are not happy with. They are about cases where your hair or scalp has been damaged as a result of professional negligence, whether through the correct safety precautions not being carried out or improper following of procedures. When you go to the hairdressers, you put them in a position of trust and power and expect them to know how to protect your hair and scalp from damage.
Unfortunately, hair dressers claims can be difficult because it is an industry in the UK which current has no compulsory regulations to enforce registration upon those working in hairdressing. However, like any other business or employer, they have a duty of care to protect your health and safety within practical reason. If they have acted in a way which has caused physical damage to your hair, you may have a case for compensation.
WHAT DOES HAIR DAMAGE MEAN?
It’s not uncommon that we do things to our hair which are not good for its condition. It’s a well known fact that things like straightening, colouring and heat styling can cause a reduction in the quality of your hair. When we talk about damage with regards to a hair damage claim, it means that your hair or scalp suffered unexpected damage as a result of improper procedure i.e. professional negligence.
Types of scalp and hair damage:-
• Hair loss
• Brittle hair that breaks easily
• Burns
• Scarring
• Skin irritations
• Scalp dermatitis
Much like a personal injury claim, you may also have a case if you were injured, for example cuts or bleeding caused by scissors or other hair styling tools such as razors.
MAIN CAUSES
If hair becomes damaged in any of the ways above, it is usually due to the hairdresser following improper practices. This may involve:-
1. Poor preparation or application of products
2. Inadequate or no testing for allergies or reactions
3. Burns or damage from heated instruments such as tongs and hot irons
4. Poorly fitted extensions
5. Chemical burns
6. Poor or inaccurate assessment of hair condition
Common treatments which may lead to these accidents happening include perms, straightening, colouring, extensions, and bleaching.
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Hidden Q
LOVE is located in a stunning old Victorian building with a spacious, air-conditioned dressing room which takes up the whole of the first floor of the boutique (she is a beauty!) We close the boutique for each and every bride during her appointment so you will have complete privacy during your appointment. For this reason we are by appointment only so to book your exclusive appointment please get in touch via email hello@lovebridalboutique.co.uk or via our enquiry form on our website and we can get you booked in with us.
1. Poor preparation or application of products
If products and chemicals are not prepared or applied according to procedure, there may be hair damaging consequences. Over processed hair can be the cause if your hair has become brittle, falls out easily, lacks shine or is difficult to style.
Causes of this include:-
• Appointments too close together
• Too many treatments being squeezed into one appointment
• Inappropriate combination of products
• Products being applied to hair that has already been treated
• Too many products applied
• The strength of the product is too much for the hair condition or type
• The products being applied for too long
2. Inadequate or no testing for allergies or reactions
Any type of treatment in which strong chemicals (including hair dye, perming and straightening treatments) are going to be applied, patch testing should be done about 48 hours before the treatment is applied. Patch testing involves applying a small amount of the hair products which will be used to a small area of sensitive skin like the wrist. Testing over 48 hours will allow enough time to see if there are any adverse skin reactions. This may involve the skin becoming raised, red or itchy.
Unfortunately, where no testing has been carried out, there is a higher risk of hair damage as there is not a chance to predict any kind of negative reaction to the chemicals and products used. In these cases, results can include burns, blisters and damage to the scalp.
3. Burns or damage from heated instruments such as tongs and hot irons
Hair styling tools and equipment can emit high temperatures that could cause serious damage to skin and damage hair if used incorrectly. Hair should have the extra barrier applied such as a heat protection spray but if the appliance is used for too long on sections of hair, the damage cannot be prevented. If these appliances come into contact with skin, they will cause a burn. They need to be handled correctly to reduce the chances of this occurring.
4. Poorly fitted extensions
Unfortunately, poorly fitted extensions are far too often a problem in hairdressing but are unacceptable in most cases. Poorly fitted ones can cause damage such as a painful and irritated scalp, headaches and are visually unsatisfactory. The correct product should be used and you should be provided with information regarding how to look after and maintain the extensions to prevent the need for them to be cut out in the future.
Extensions are poorly fitted if:-
• They are fitted too close together
• The wrong bonds are used
• Too many bonds are used
5. Chemical burns
Many types of hair styling such as perms and straightening treatments use strong chemicals. If used incorrectly, they can cause severe damage to an individual’s hair and scalp. Hairdressers should be trained to use such chemicals and have the knowledge to know when not to use them and how to apply them safely without causing damage.
6. Poor or inaccurate assessment of hair condition
Preventing hair damage is not just about the right preparation of products and chemicals and the correct procedures being carried out. It is about the hairdresser having the knowledge to know if your hair can withstand the treatment it is about to have applied.
This may involve:-
• Strand tests being performed to ensure the hair is of good enough quality to withstand the treatment
• Some types of hair will not be suitable for certain treatments. Recently permed hair for example should not receive perming or straightening treatments
• Visual and elasticity checks should also be made before applying any treatments. Hair in a poor condition or a scalp that is already irritated may not be able to have further treatments applied.
Preventing hair damage is not just about the right preparation of products and chemicals and the correct procedures being carried out. It is about the hairdresser having the knowledge to know if your hair can withstand the treatment it is about to have applied.
This may involve:-
• Strand tests being performed to ensure the hair is of good enough quality to withstand the treatment
• Some types of hair will not be suitable for certain treatments. Recently permed hair for example should not receive perming or straightening treatments
• Visual and elasticity checks should also be made before applying any treatments. Hair in a poor condition or a scalp that is already irritated may not be able to have further treatments applied.
WHAT TO DO IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU
If you have been the victim of a hair damaging accident at the hairdressers or have been injured, there are some key things you should do, some of which should ideally be completed before getting the damage fixed so there is a record of the hair damage:-
• Keep records of any appointments
• Take photos
• Save any pictures of your hair before the damage
• Completing our online claim form
• Take the name and details of the salon and the stylist
• Collate the details of any products that were used
• Store any damaged hair
• Visit your doctor
• Get in touch with us so we can advise you…
Chances of Success
Hairdressing claims and hair damage claims are a specialised area of the law. Couple this with the lack of regulations for hairdressers, your chances of success in suing a hairdresser depend on several factors.
Hidden Q
LOVE is located in a stunning old Victorian building with a spacious, air-conditioned dressing room which takes up the whole of the first floor of the boutique (she is a beauty!) We close the boutique for each and every bride during her appointment so you will have complete privacy during your appointment. For this reason we are by appointment only so to book your exclusive appointment please get in touch via email hello@lovebridalboutique.co.uk or via our enquiry form on our website and we can get you booked in with us.
Gathering Evidence
As stated in the section above, gathering evidence of your hair damage or injury is important. Hairdressers are in a position of responsibility when using dangerous chemicals and equipment. If we can prove your hair damage or injury was the result of negligence, it will improve your chances of success.
Finding a good lawyer
Here at Hairdressing Claims, our years of experience in such a specialised area means we have developed links with the right lawyers, barristers, trichologists, and doctors. Having such access to the expertise you need will increase your chances of success.
Use of trichologists
Not only do we have lawyers and other professionals who can help you but we also use trichologists in our cases. These are individuals who act as an independent opinion and specialise in hair and scalps. They can diagnose any causes of hair loss, breakage, thinning, and diseases of the scalp. They can also help to identify if there were any procedural steps missed by the hairdresser, thus improving your chances of proving negligence played a part in your hair damage or injury.
Insurance companies
The good news is that if an insurance company is involved, a settlement is usually highly likely. Without one, it can be more difficult to make a successful hairdressing claim as it is typically the insurance company who pay out the compensation. We will still pursue compensation if the individual or salon are not insured and we have successfully secured compensation directly from them in the past.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE PROCESS?
We understand just how daunting a process any legal case can be. There is no obligation to speak to anyone straight away. If you would rather send an initial email or contact form, then you are more than welcome to do so and we will contact you.
We speak using jargon-free language so that you do not feel overwhelmed by legal terminology and we keep you updated throughout the process so you always feel informed of progress.
Firstly, speak to one of our advisers and they will be able to tell you quickly as to whether you have grounds for a claim. They will then advise you about the process.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
The first thing to do is get in touch with us. We will be able to tell you whether you have a potentially successful hair damage claim or not. One of our expert lawyers will provide you with a case plan and write a detailed letter outlining the incident and issues that will be sent to the hairdressers. We will use our specialist trichologists to gather information to be able to use in the case. The aim is to settle the case outside of court but if this is not forthcoming, we’ll proceed to court.
This process may take between 12 and 18 months as it takes time to gather specialist evidence and present to any insurance company. Each case is unique though so this timeframe is only an average.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
One of our qualified and experienced lawyers is waiting to help.
Contact Hairdressing Claims
Call or email us, or simply complete the contact form below to start your claim…
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