regulation of the hairdressing industry

For most of us, a trip to the hairdresser is a regular occurrence and can even be a treat; a chance to sit-back, unwind, and sometimes take the plunge and change our image.  Happily, most of us leave the salon relaxed and content with our new look.  But what happens if things go wrong?

The number of compensatory awards for personal injury caused by unqualified or negligent stylists is on the increase.  Surprisingly, of some 130,000 hairdressers in Great Britain, only 10,000 are registered, representing only 7.7% of the profession.  Registration is entirely voluntary.  Compulsory registration for all stylists is of course the ideal in terms of consumer protection but we are far from that goal.

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) is running a national SafetyWatch campaign to heighten awareness and call for the industry to be regulated.

Denise Kitchener, spokeswoman for the campaign has highlighted that anyone can pick up a pair of scissors and call themselves a hairdresser.  “We hear horror stories regularly about women whose lives have been ruined by hairdressers who are not properly qualified”, and further, “Many women never think to ask about their stylist’s qualifications or experience – yet the devastation caused when something goes wrong can literally ruin lives” she said.

As well as the psychological impact of these sorts of cases, it can take years for hair to grow back normally and can require intensive reparative conditioning treatments.  The costs of these treatments can be substantial and damages often run into several thousands of pounds.

Julia Prior, a solicitor at Blake Lapthorn recounts a case that she dealt with recently.

“My client attended a hair salon for a hair conditinoing and straightening treatment.  No strand or skin test was undertaken before the treatment. The manager and assistant manager both left the salon, leaving an assistant to apply the treatment to our client.  The assistant, at the same time, was completing a colour treatment for another customer and was expected to answer a very busy telephone. Our client’s treatment was due to take approximately 4-5 hours, but took almost 6 hours.  At the end of the treatment our client’s hair was dry and brittle, matted and singed.  It broke off in clumps when brushed.  Extremely concerned about the state of her hair, she returned to the salon the following day when the manager advised that her hair could not be treated but only cut out and allowed to re-grow.

Our trichologists report confirmed that the treatment had been negligently applied. The hair was not treatable and would eventually have to be cut out and left to re-grow. Our client’s hair was shoulder length and therefore this was likely to take at least two years.  We were pleased to recover for our client damages for her pain and suffering as well as the cost of regular conditioning treatments totalling over £7000”.

At Blake Lapthorn we are very pleased to have personal injury lawyers who are experienced in successfully dealing with claims arising as a result of negligent hair treatments right from the outset through to instructing experts and securing compensation.  We understand the physical and psychological impact that these cases often have for injured individuals and deal with each case sensitively and positively.

If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article please do contact Julia Prior on 023 8085 7316, who are both members of APIL and specialist solicitors in Blake Lapthorn’ Personal Injury team.