We are living in a world where appearance is increasingly important. As such, the beauty industry is booming with millions of pounds spent annually on hair treatments, dermal fillers, facials, laser hair removal, waxing and semi-permanent make-up. People want to look good and are prepared to pay for the privilege of having aesthetic treatments alongside a little pampering.
However, much of this industry is sadly unregulated, and many of the treatments currently available come with their own risks and hazards. Beauty salons use hot wax products and chemicals for peels which, if used incorrectly, can cause burns and permanent scarring. Similarly, hairdressers use chemicals to strip back and re-colour hair and salons use sharp tools for popular treatments such as dermaplaning.
But what if your treatment goes horribly wrong? You could be left with serious damage to your hair or skin, which could affect your appearance physically, leaving scars or burns which may require long term treatment, and even surgery. There is also the psychological aspect of having a treatment go wrong, which may lead to an injured person suffering from a loss of confidence and even depression.
How to avoid this type of situation occurring.
- Do your research. Check out the qualifications of your chosen therapist, and look for recommendations from those who have had a good and professional experience with them, with good results.
- Make sure that you are offered a patch test for any treatment which involves chemicals being applied to your hair or skin. Ideally this should take place at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Check with your chosen therapist to see if they have adequate insurance cover prior to your treatment. A professional who is insured should not mind you asking this question.
- Make sure that your therapist is aware of any pre-existing conditions, such as allergies or skin conditions which could affect how the chemicals react with your skin.
- If possible, try to book appointments in writing, and ask questions in advance. Get receipts for any treatments that you pay for.
If the worst happens, where do you stand from a legal point of view?
- You do have the right to seek compensation if you are injured as a result of a beauty or hair treatment gone wrong, however much will depend on whether the therapist has proper public liability insurance and whether the problem is a recognised risk of the treatment, which you have been properly warned about.
- You should gather as much evidence as you can, such as any written communications with the therapist and also take good clear photographs of any scarring, hair loss, or burns.
- It is a good idea to continue to take photographs as your injury progresses, to chart how this is healing.
- Seek appropriate medical treatment either from hospital or your GP as soon as possible after the incident.
- Report any injury to the practising salon or therapist and try to follow this up in writing. Send photographs to them if possible.
- Keep receipts for anything that you have had to pay out for as a result of the accident, such as treatment costs, parking costs at a hospital, over the counter-medications etc.
- Seek legal advice from a firm of solicitors who are experienced in this type of claim.
If you have been affected by a beauty or hair treatment gone wrong, contact us today on 0161 696 6235 to speak to our expert solicitors, who can advise you on your options and support you through the claims process.
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