Hair Damage Claims

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    Hair Damage Claims

    24 HOUR ADVICE

    0800 0523 693

    Many people consider a trip to the salon as an enjoyable and relaxing experience. Unfortunately, hair treatments can occasionally go wrong and have serious repercussions on other aspects of a customer’s life. Some of the most common hair processes that can go wrong, and may justify a hairdresser claim, include:

    Over-processing

    Over-processed hair is hair that has been damaged by too much bleach or dye. It can occur when the product used is too strong or is left on your hair for too long. It can also happen when the product is overlapped on to hair which has previously been bleached. These mistakes are very commonly associated with the use of hair straightening and perming procedures. They can all cause serious damage, with hair often becoming so weak and dry that it can eventually snap off. In this case you may have grounds for an injury claim against the hairdresser.

    Protocols a hairdresser should have followed

    To avoid damaging hair, hairdressers need to be aware of their customer’s history of previous colours, the strength of the products they are applying and the length of time they are left to process.

    Allergic reactions

    Many clients experience allergic reactions at the hairdressers. These types of reactions can cause injuries ranging from irritation and burns and in extreme cases, bald patches.

    It is a hairdresser’s duty to look after the safety of their clients, so if you have suffered an allergic reaction at the hands of your hairdresser, you may be able to claim compensation. 

    Be aware of the issues

    Hairdressers need to be aware that the shampoos, colours, and other hair products they use on a daily basis contain chemicals that could cause an allergic reaction when used on some of their clients. 

    To prevent allergic reactions and injuries, all hairdressers should carry out a skin test before applying products to hair.

    Hair extensions

    A claim can also be made against hairdressers for damage caused by extensions. From using the wrong bonds to extensions being fitted too closely together, these mistakes can all cause damage to your hair and scalp.

    Extensions that are not fitted correctly can cause severe headaches, itchiness and in some instances, lead to bald patches if they pull on the natural hair.

    If you have suffered hair damage and don’t know what to do next, get in contact with us. Our initial advice is completely free, and we are always working on a ‘no win no fee’ basis so call now to get free advice 0800 0523 693.

    Call now for free advice 0800 0523 693

    Hair Damage Case Studies

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    The Law On Making A Hair Damage Claim

    Hairdressers have a legal duty to take care for the safety of their clients.

    This is particularly important when using bleaches, colours and other hair products which can be very dangerous if not used properly.

    But suing a hairdresser is a very specialised area of the law.

    So it is essential to instruct an expert solicitor for your hairdresser claim.

    So please just give us a call – 0800 0523693

    Choose Mulderrigs For Your Hair Damage Claim

    Mulderrigs have an excellent track record in recovering compensation for our clients in hairdresser claims.

    We have dealt with over three hundred successful hair damage claims.

    Joanne Smith and her team have many years’ experience in these cases.

    So Jo and the hair experts (trichologists) she works with have been able to help clients with hair damage claims all over the country.

    Please just give us a call – 0800 0523693

    Get Free Advice Now – No Win No Fee

    We have tried to answer some of your basic questions here, you can also read our hair damage case studies.

    But in hair damage claims there is no substitute for having a detailed chat.

    Our initial advice is completely free and we are always happy to work on “no win no fee” terms.

    So please just give us a call – 0800 0523693

    (We have used stock images to protect our clients’ privacy. But all the case studies here are taken from  recent cases at Mulderrigs.)

    Client Testimonials

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The law governing hair claims is very simple – Your hairdresser has a legal duty to take care for your safety.

    If you are reading this page, you have probably learned to your cost that the chemicals used by hairdressers for colouring, bleaching and perming or straightening your hair can be very dangerous, especially if not used properly.

    But suing a hairdresser is a complex business.

    So If you have suffered injury to your scalp or damage to your hair as a result of a hairdresser’s negligence you’ll need an expert solicitor.

    And we may be able to help you.

    If you get in touch we will be able to tell within a few minutes whether or not you have reasonable prospects for making a claim against the hairdresser.

    We will write a detailed letter to the hairdresser or salon providing them with your account of what happened and why you think they are at fault.

    Hair Damage Claims – The Claims Portal

    The government has recently introduced an online “portal” system to simplify and speed up personal injury cases.

    But the portal system is often unsuitable for hair damage claims because of the complexity of the evidence.

    We will be able to advise whether it’s suitable for your case when you get in touch.

    Hair Damage Claims – The Protocol

    Even if the claims portal isn’t suitable for your claim the insurers for the salon will  have to abide by the terms of the Pre-Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims

    This protocol encourages both sides to settle the case without court proceedings if at all possible.

    We will obtain evidence from a trichologist (a hair expert) to tell us whether he can prove that the damage has been caused by your hairdresser.

    And the trichologist will also tell us how long it will take for your hair to return to normal.

    Hair Damage Claims – Court Proceedings

    In cases, where the hairdresser refuses to negotiate sensibly, we are very experienced in the conduct of court proceedings.

    But, even where court proceedings are necessary the vast majority of our cases are settled without a trial.

    When cases go to trial the experience of giving evidence is rarely as difficult as people imagine.

    We have published some very straightforward pointers about giving evidence at court.

    Take some pictures of the damage to your hair and scalp as soon as possible.

    Save a sample of your damaged hair before any more treatment is done.

    Find some pictures of your hair from before the damage was done – (the best pictures from a recent holiday or recent night out are often a good place to start).

    Make a note of the name of the stylist and the name and address of the salon where you had your treatment.

    Try and find out the details of the products that were used.

    Don’t have any more cutting or styling of your hair, and don’t allow anyone to apply any other products until you have had some initial advice.

    Give us a call for some free initial advice!

    We can usually tell you in one short phone call whether you have grounds for a successful hair damage claim.

    And if it is worth going ahead, we will be able to tell you exactly what’s involved.

    As you might expect, the amount of compensation in claims against hairdressers depends on the extent of the damage.

    The biggest consideration is the amount of time it will take for damaged hair to return to its pre-damage length and condition, and in lots of our cases that can take years.

    In our recent hair damage cases the level of settlement has ranged between £2,500 and £9,000.

    If you ask us to deal with your claim against the hairdresser we will discuss the fee arrangements clearly and carefully before asking you to sign our terms and conditions.

    Although other fee arrangements are available, “no win no fee” is usually the best option for clients bringing hair claims.

    There are no “upfront” fees, no hidden charges, and we will never leave you out of pocket.

    Most importantly, if you lose the case you pay nothing at all.

    And we have never had a complaint from a client in relation to fees.

    Most claims against hairdressers are concluded within 12-18 months of the initial call.

    This is because hair damages cases are often defended by the insurers for the hairdresser, and it is often necessary to gather expert trichology evidence about the damage and then bring court proceedings for our clients.

    We won’t get our fees until the case is finished, so we will get on with things as quickly as we can!

    Hairdressing businesses range in size from multi-national salon franchises right down to mobile stylists who operate out of the boot of their car.

    So unfortunately, the absence of insurance is often a real problem in hair claims.

    The only way to find out whether a negligent hairdresser is covered by insurance is to write a letter of claim and see whether an insurer responds.

    Regulation – Lack of regulation is also a recognised problem in the hairdressing industry.

    Even though hairdressers regularly use extremely dangerous chemicals on their clients’ hair, there is no compulsory regulation in the industry, and nothing to stop any unqualified operator from simply setting up shop as a hairdresser.

    Over-processing is a very common source of claims against hairdressers.

    It can occur when:

    -Too many products are applied to hair

    -The strength of the product is too strong for the hair type

    -The product is left on your hair for too long

    Over-processing can happen at just one appointment or over a period of time.

    It can involve the same product applied more than once, or a combination of different products such as bleaches, dyes, perms and straightening agents.

    And over-processing can cause the hair to weaken and snap off and also cause the hair to become very dry, brittle and unmanageable.

    Over-lapping is another very common source of claims against hairdressers.

    This usually occurs when roots are being touched up.

    An experienced hairdresser will make sure they only apply the new colour to your virgin hair (the un-dyed hair that has grown since your last colour), but this can be difficult and if proper care isn’t taken then the bleach or dye can end up being applied to hair that has already been dyed.

    Over-lapping can cause your hair to weaken and snap off and also cause your hair to become very dry, brittle and unmanageable.

    Claims against hairdressers relating to badly fitted extensions are becoming increasingly common.

    We see a lot of these cases, particularly against mobile hairdressers who advertise discount coupons on social media, and who are quite often inexperienced and unqualified.

    An extensions claim against a hairdresser can arise when:-

    the wrong bonds are used and/or
    too many bonds are used and/or
    the extensions are fitted too close together.
    These problems often causes headaches and a painful scalp, but frequently also results in your hair being damaged when the extensions come out.

    In chair damage claims relating to extensions we recommend that photographs are taken before, during and after the removal of the extensions.

    Claims against hairdressers relating to perms and straightening often involve some of the most serious injury and damage.

    There are lots of different perming treatments, but they all rely on very strong chemicals, so tests should always be carried out before a perm is applied.

    Where tests aren’t carried out or the wrong perming solution is used it can easily cause damage to your hair, and burns, blistering or inflammation of your scalp..

    Perms are specifically not recommended for use on certain hair types and certain hair colours.

    Straightening/relaxing procedures

    The process for chemically straightening hair is complex and proper tests should be performed before the procedure is undertaken.

    Failure to carry out the proper tests can cause your hair to weaken and snap off.

    Often the skin is also irritated by straightening products, causing a painful scalp.

    The procedure should not be repeated at short intervals because this can easily cause further damage to hair which has already had chemicals applied.

    The only way for salons to check whether you are going to have a reaction to a product is to carry out proper tests in advance.

    Depending on the treatment you are having, your hairdresser may need to perform a skin test (usually 48 hours or so before the treatment) to make sure that you won’t have an allergic reaction.

    In other cases, the hairdresser may need to test some strands of your hair to make sure that the treatment won’t do any damage.

    If your salon fails to carry out the correct tests and you suffer an allergic reaction and/or damage to your hair we may be able to help you claim against the hairdresser for the injury and/or damage.

    Mulderrigs have been representing clients in claims against hairdressers for many years, and have dealt with over 100 successful cases in the last three years alone.

    We work closely with barristers, trichologists and other experts throughout the country, who have specialist knowledge of hair damage claims.

    Our client feedback in hair damage claims is amazing – In our most recent survey 97% of our clients described our service as good or excellent.

    We promise to speak to you in plain English.

    Our company has held the Law Society’s LEXCEL quality mark since 2002.