If you have reason to believe that you are entitled to a claim for compensation from a hairdresser, you are not alone. There are thousands of clients filing claims against their hairdressers in the United Kingdom. Although the industry is still heavily unregulated, your hairdresser has a duty of care to you – which means that they should do everything in their power to make sure they provide you with the right service. But what types of claims are there, and are you eligible for a claim? Here’s a look at the different types of claims you can file for your hairdresser.
Damaged or burnt hair
One of the most common injuries of people who seek claims against their hairdresser – and result in various searches for can I sue my hairdresser – is damaged or burnt hair. Different hair styling equipment and tools have high temperatures, such as tongs, hot irons, and hair dryers. If not used properly, they can cause harm. Hair should be protected, and appliances cannot be used extensively on hair, or it will become burnt or damaged. Burnt or damaged hair can easily break and fall out.
Chemical injuries to the scalp
Another common type of injury is a chemical injury to the scalp, and these injuries can occur if tests are not done on the scalp before treatment. These injuries are not limited to burns, either – they can include blisters and even irritation like dermatitis, and hair loss are recurring themes. Additionally, your hairdresser should know that there are different hair types which are not suited to some particular types of treatment, and they should recommend that the hair not go through treatment. Often, a simple visual check will do.
Cuts
As we all know, there are various implements used by hairdressers that they should be trained for and that they should be careful of, such as razors and scissors. Your hairdresser should have training on how to cut and style hair appropriately using these tools, and a lapse in judgement and concentration could result in extensive cuts. In addition, if a cut becomes infected, it could be a thousand times worse.
Over-processing of hair
There is another common issue, and as a result, many clients have suffered from it. It is the over-processing of hair, which happens when more than one product is applied simultaneously. It could even apply to products that were used over a short time. Because of over-processing, hair can become dry, weak, brittle, frizzy, and generally unmanageable.
Hair extensions
There is also the issue of hair extensions, and due to their popularity, many clients are coming in with issues of poor use of hair extensions and even hair extension-related hair loss. It is called ‘traction alopecia,’ where follicles are damaged permanently due to too much root tension. Extensions shouldn’t be too close to one another, and they should be rotated, so the same hair group is not under too much pressure all the time. Along with this, hairdressers should know how to apply them correctly and maintain them.
Every single case is unique, so if you have reason to believe your hairdresser has done something wrong, don’t hesitate to discuss it with an experienced solicitor.