The beauty industry has seen a meteoric rise in recent years. With more and more people searching for ways to improve their looks, many are willing to go to drastic lengths to achieve a certain image, and very few are thinking of the potential risks that are involved in many beauty treatments.
Save for the Sunbed Regulation Act 2010, the beauty industry remains largely unregulated, which is worrying considering the fact that the revenue generated annually in this industry amounts to billions. Salons, beauty parlours and nail bars provide a service to the public; therefore there is a standard of care expected from them as public service providers. A survey carried out by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), in 2009, found that many hair salons have fallen short in their duty of care to many customers.
The general public are largely unaware of the 'ugly face' of beauty. Many remain oblivious to the price that they could ultimately pay for botox 'on a budget' and suchlike. It is important that consumers are adequately informed of the dangers associated with various beauty treatments which could result in permanent scarring and/or cosmetic damage which cannot be glossed over.
The variety of beauty treatments on offer is enormous. They range from laser hair removal treatments to hair extensions/implants and from semi-permanent make up to botox injections and fillers. Many beauty treatments require the application of some sort chemical, many of which can cause serious irritation or skin allergies, or of heat treatments, which can cause burns and permanent scarring. There have been recent reports in the press about the dangers of acrylic nails, which could end up costing you your cuticles. It has been found that many budget salons use a chemical called methyl methacrylate to apply tips and acrylic nails. This chemical is extremely powerful, and can cause permanent nail damage. In fact, it is considered so dangerous that it has been banned in the United States of America. Given that women in the UK spend around £450.00 per year on their nails, the risks of the use of this chemical ought to be highlighted.
There are many other risks involved in certain beauty treatments and it is important that consumers are aware of these risks before undergoing such treatment in order to avoid suffering irreversible damage. For this reason, consumers should always ask their treatment provider for full details of the risks involved before proceeding with any kind of beauty treatment.
If you or any one else you know, has suffered an injury during a beauty treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for this. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information on 01616 966 229.
By personal injury team member, Grace Nquot
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