Open a Hairdressing Claim Today.

This is an area where we at Shires Law receive a number of enquiries. This is an industry where there is very little regulation. Although there have been calls for a state register to be introduced, at the moment there is only a system for voluntary registration with the Hairdressing Council.

Types Of Hairdressing Claims

Although many might feel that damaged hair is trivial, it is not. Where serious harm has been caused to a person’s hair it can take months and sometimes years for the damaged hair to grow out. We live in an increasingly visual society and very often the injured person suffers depression and a loss of confidence.

Types of claims might include:

• Hair Dye
• Overlapping Dye
• Hair Straightening and Perming
• Hair Extensions

 

Overlapping Hair Dye

Generally when you have had your hair dyed and you need a touch up, the hairdresser will apply dye to the roots only. They should take care not to allow the dye to overlap the areas of hair where the dye has been previously applied. When dye is allowed to overlap previously dyed hair, it can result in the condition of the hair changing. The hair becomes weaker and prone to damage, becoming brittle, dry and breaking off. In a recent case we have worked on our client appeared to lose chunks of her hair as the hair was breaking off almost at scalp level leaving her with the appearance of bald patches.

Hair Extensions

Hair extensions have become very popular in recent years. The process involves bonding human or synthetic hair to the person’s natural hair using adhesive. This is then heated to deal them in place. The problem is that this process can cause damage to the hair and scalp including traction alopecia and baldness. This is generally due to lack of skill on the part of the hairdresser. However it is also possible for a person to suffer an allergic reaction to the extension glue and this can result in burns to the scalp and even permanent damage to the hair follicles. As mentioned above a patch test should be carried out at least 48 hours prior to undergoing the treatment to establish whether there is a possibility of an allergic reaction.

What should you do?

• Photographs-our hair expert will need to see some good photographs of the damage to your hair both before and after the damage. Arrange to take some as soon as possible as this will be good evidence of the damage caused.
• Samples of your hair might need to be taken. Whilst we will normally have you seen by a trichologist to review the damage to your hair, this can take some weeks. The trichologist will want to analyse your hair.
• It is tempting to try to rectify the damage by applying hot oil treatments of having your hair cut but it is not advisable to do this. It can result in the hairdresser alleging that the remedial treatment caused or contributed towards the damage to your hair.
• Retain the appointment card, details of the appointment as well as the stylist’s name
• Keep a note of the detail of the treatment that you had.

Establishing liability

Section 13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 applies. It is an implied term that services will be carried out with reasonable care and skill. There would therefore be a potential action in breach of contract.

The common law duty of care and the Occupiers Liability Act can also be of relevance.

An expert will very often need to be appointed to examine the hair and to point out what breaches have occurred. For this reason it is important to consult with a solicitor who is an expert in this area as soon as possible.

A further point worth making is that it will be essential to establish the insurance position. Unfortunately it is often the case that less reputable salons and certainly many mobile hairdressers do not always carry appropriate insurance cover. Of course if there is no insurance cover in place then very often it will prove impossible to recover compensation from the hairdresser personally.

Compensation levels

The level of compensation that you can expect to receive will vary depending on the severity of the damage.

The Judicial College Guidelines is used by the judges to assess compensation levels. They provide figures of between £3,190 and £8,900 for damage to the hair. A recent hair damage case of ours attracted an award of £9,000.00 although there was an element of psychological upset recognised in this award.

How to start a claim

Give us a call and speak to one of our specialist women solicitors. We deal with these sorts of enquiries all the time and should be able to assess your claim very quickly. If you do have a claim we will be able to advise you and discuss your options with you.

Rest assured that we are able to offer a No Win No Fee option so that you do not pay anything should your case not be successful.