Last Updates 27th May 2025. In this hair damage case study, we look at a case where a woman sought compensation from a hairdresser. The claimant suffered several injuries to her scalp and damage to their hair after visiting her usual hairdresser. The injuries included alopecia and contact dermatitis. Solicitors acting on her behalf were able to demonstrate that her injuries were the result of the hairdresser using the wrong hair dye products several years prior. Solicitors were able to secure a total of £8,300 in compensation for hair damage.
At Legal Expert, we work with a panel of specialist legal solicitors from across the country. Our solicitors have helped claimants with cases of damage to hair and hairdressing compensation claims to recover the damages that they deserve. Can you sue a hairdresser for ruining your hair? Read the hair damage case study below to find out more about the circumstances around this case, and how solicitors working on the case were able to secure damages for the claimant. Contact us now to learn how compensation is calculated.
The Circumstances Of The Hair Damage And Loss
In this case study, we are looking at a claim made against a hairdresser by a former client. The claimant had visited the hair salon (who will be referred to as the defendant) to have her hair lightened. The client had a history of skin and hair irritation with certain products, and requested the use of all-natural products with no harsh chemicals on her scalp. As a precautionary step (and one which should always be performed) a patch test was carried out. This applies a small amount of the product to be used on a small section of the hair and scalp. The purpose of the patch test is to test for any adverse reaction to the product. The test was carried out, and there was no adverse reaction to the claimant’s skin or hair.
Several days later the claimant visited the hair salon for the full treatment as booked. However, the hairdresser did not use the same products which had been tested on the claimant’s hair and scalp. Initially, the claimant noticed that their new hair colour was not as expected. It was alleged that the damaged hair and scalp were then caused by the hair salon trying to rectify this by reapplying the hair products to achieve the desired ‘look’ for the claimant. The salon were alleged to have used an excessive amount of hair products, which had not been patch tested on the claimant.
Very soon after the treatments were applied, the claimant began to notice their damaged hair as well as some scalp damage. The claimant’s damaged hair was very noticeable. She also suffered skin symptoms over her ears (where the products had come into contact with the skin) and her cheeks. As a first step, the claimant went to her local A&E department, where she was prescribed a course of skin treatment as well as painkillers.
Details Of The Injury
The damage to hair and skin became apparent very soon after the hair treatments were applied to the claimant. The claimant noticed that there was significant damage to her hair due to the excessive use of hair care products, which hadn’t been tested on her. She did not know how to repair severely chemically damaged hair, and over time, developed further symptoms, including alopecia areata. Several bald patches also developed where there was severe hairfall.
In addition to the immediate treatment she sought at her local A&E department, the claimant also visited a dermatologist over the longer term. She was diagnosed with a severe case of dermatitis caused by chemicals in the hair treatment products. The alopecia was also caused by the dermatitis. The hair loss and overall damage to the hair the claimant suffered forced her to wear a wig to hide the damage and bald patches.
As well as the physical injuries, the claimant also suffered psychological symptoms. The claimant developed symptoms of anxiety as well as depression and became short-tempered at times as a result of the damage to hair. The claimant saw a mental health practitioner and was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder. She was prescribed treatment for this concurrently with her physical injuries. The claims against hairdresser included both sets of injuries, physical and psychological.
The claimant’s hair did start to grow back after about a year of treatment, and within three years, it had returned to its previous condition. There are a variety of ways to repair severely chemically damaged hair. The best treatment for you will depend on the condition of your hair and the way the damage occurred. Talking to your GP or chemist about scalp damage is a good way to find out how to repair damaged hair fast.
The Damage To Hair Compensation Allegation
The main allegation of the hair damage claims was negligent treatment and hair salon negligence on the part of the hairdresser who had applied the wrong product in the wrong quantity for the claimants hair. It was also alleged that the claimant had suffered the conditions of alopecia and dermatitis as a direct result of the treatment applied. It was also alleged that the damage to the claimants mental health was also directly caused by the damage to her hair.
The Compensation Award
Hairdressing compensation claims, as any other can sometimes be quicker and easier to resolve than others. In this case there was no need to take small claims court hairdresser action as the hairdresser did admit their liability for the negligent actions of the hairdresser. The two parties were able to come to a settlement out of court and a total of £8,300 compensation was agreed upon. Of this, £1,500 was awarded for future medical costs. £300 was awarded for miscellaneous costs and interest. The bulk of the award (£6,500) was awarded for the claimants pain and suffering, as well as her loss of amenity.
Examples Of Hair Damage Compensation Claims
In addition to the above case study, there are many examples of damage to hair, which could lead to compensation claims. Chemical hair treatments like perming, straightening and colouring can damage the hair if not done properly. It’s possible that the hairdresser isn’t trained adequately, doesn’t follow the recommended precautions or doesn’t have the proper equipment. Here are some examples of the hair injuries which could occur:
- Allergic reactions: A client could be allergic to hair dyes, shampoo or conditioner. The allergic reaction might occur on the hair, ears, head or neck. Hair salons and stylists are supposed to conduct a patch test when using a product on the client for the first time. If a failure to take such a precaution results in an allergic reaction, there may be a hair damage claim.
- Scalp Burns: This could occur due to a failure to conduct a patch test, as explained above. Hairdressers could also be liable for burning the scalp if they fail to use heating equipment like curling irons and straighteners carefully.
- Hair Loss: This could occur due to chemical burns as a result of improper application of hair products. The incorrect attachment of hair extensions could also result in hair loss. If the hair extensions are placed too tightly, the constant pulling strains the hair follicles, stretching the hair to a point that it falls. This can cause permanent damage to the hair follicles, such as traction alopecia and even impair the regrowth of hair.
You may speak to our advisors to determine whether you can sue your hairdresser for hair damage. Call now to avail of a free consultation with our advisory team.
No Win No Fee Solicitors
At Legal Expert, we are able to offer claimants who work with us a comprehensive, no win no fee service. No win no fee solicitors work through what is called a ‘contingency or conditional fee agreement’. These are also known as a CFA. They are a type of legal contract used by solicitors. It will set out what work the solicitors are expected to do for the claimant. The CFA contract also sets out when and how the solicitors will be paid, and under what circumstances. They allow a claimant to hire a solicitor to start working with a claimant, without charging upfront fees or costs. They are highly beneficial for claimants as they don’t take on any financial risk. If the solicitor you hire is unable to secure you damages, you won’t have to pay anything.
CFA’s help people across the country to claim any compensation or damages that they are owed. If the solicitors you hire are not successful, they charge no fee. By using our comprehensive, no win no fee solicitors, services, there is no threat of small print. Your CFA agreement will set out the conditions of payment to your solicitors.
How Legal Expert Can Help You
With a wide range of guides, articles and case study examples, Legal Expert is the UK’s number one website on making successful personal injury compensation claims. Our case study resources help to illustrate the role an expert legal solicitor can play in helping to recover compensation owed.
Get in contact with Legal Expert today by calling our team on 0800 073 8804 or by emailing us at info@legalexpert.co.uk. You can start your claims process by using our online form.
Useful Links
Hairdresser Injury Compensation Claims
Find out how to make a successful hairdresser or hair salon compensation claim with our comprehensive guide.
NHS Hair Dye Reactions
Find out information and advice on hair dye reactions and how to treat your scalp or hair after these with this helpful guide from the NHS.
