Your Guide to Making a Compensation Claim for Injury Caused by a Hairdresser: Questions & Answers

Getting a professional haircut or colour treatment should be an enjoyable experience, but sometimes accidents happen. Whether it’s a chemical burn from a bleaching treatment or a serious scalp injury from scissors, you may find yourself wondering if you can claim compensation. In this blog post, we answer your most common questions regarding personal injury claims after being injured by a hairdresser.

Can I Make a Compensation Claim Against a Hairdresser for Injury?

Yes, you can claim compensation if you’ve suffered an injury due to a hairdresser’s negligence. Hairdressers, like all professionals, are required to perform their duties with reasonable care. If they fail to meet this standard, and you are injured as a result, you could have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Some of the common injuries that might lead to compensation claims include:

  • Chemical burns from hair dye or bleach.
  • Scalp injuries due to sharp tools.
  • Burns from hot styling tools (straighteners, curling irons).
  • Allergic reactions to products used during the treatment.
  • Infections from cuts or nicks.
  • Psychological harm caused by scarring or emotional distress following the injury.

 

What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries Caused by Hairdressers?

There are several types of injuries you may sustain during a hairdressing appointment that could lead to a compensation claim:

Chemical Burns

One of the most common claims, particularly when hair dye or bleach is involved. If a hairdresser leaves bleach on for too long or applies a product incorrectly, it can cause painful chemical burns, often leading to permanent scarring.

Scalp and Skin Injuries

Cuts, nicks, or abrasions from scissors or razors are common, especially if the hairdresser is inexperienced or careless. These injuries can become infected, causing further health problems.

Burns from Styling Tools

Straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers are often used during treatments, and if a hairdresser is careless or the equipment is faulty, burns can result.

Allergic Reactions

Hair dye, bleach, or other chemicals used in hair treatments can sometimes trigger allergic reactions. If the hairdresser fails to conduct an allergy test, and you suffer an adverse reaction, you may be entitled to compensation.

Infections

If your scalp is cut or damaged during the treatment and it becomes infected, you might have a claim for compensation, especially if the infection was caused by negligence on the hairdresser’s part, such as using unclean equipment.

What Do I Need to Prove to Win a Hairdressing Injury Claim?

To make a successful compensation claim, you’ll need to prove that the injury was caused by the hairdresser’s negligence. You’ll need to show that:

  • The injury was avoidable: The hairdresser’s actions or omissions directly led to your injury. For example, using the wrong technique, leaving hair dye on too long, or using faulty equipment.
  • The hairdresser failed to exercise reasonable care: You must demonstrate that the hairdresser did not follow industry-standard practices or took unnecessary risks.
  • You suffered harm: This could include physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of earnings, or scarring.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim for Injury Caused by a Hairdresser?

In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to make a personal injury claim. However, the time limit can vary in some circumstances:

  • If you were under 18 at the time of the injury, the clock doesn’t start until you are, giving you until your 21st birthday to begin your claim.
  • If the injury is not immediately obvious (such as chemical burns or allergic reactions), the three-year period may begin from the date you first discovered the injury.

It’s always a good idea to start the claim process as soon as possible to ensure that you have enough time to gather evidence and receive medical assessments.

How Much Compensation Could I Receive for a Hairdressing Injury?

The amount of compensation you could receive depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injury, the cost of medical treatment, and any emotional or psychological distress caused by the injury.

We work on ‘no win, no fee’ terms which means that there is no financial risk if you lose your case. We cannot give specific advice about how much compensation you could be entitled to without reviewing your individual case, but the guideline for compensation (excluding expenses) ranges from £4,820.00 to a maximum of £13,450.00. Once you add in other expenses such as treatment, extensions etc the compensation can be significantly higher. We work with the UK’s leading Trichologists to assess the damage to your hair and maximise your compensation. You can read one of our case studies here in which our client recovered £10,000.00, which is fairly typical.

What Are the Most Common Types of Claims Against Hairdressers?

Here are the most frequent types of claims that clients make against hairdressers:

Chemical Burns from Bleach or Hair Dye

Chemical burns from hair colouring or bleaching treatments are common, especially if the hairdresser applies the chemicals incorrectly or leaves them on for too long. This can cause significant pain, blistering, and lasting scars. Claims for chemical burns typically require medical records that show the severity of the burn and the treatment you received.

Damage to Hair (e.g., Over-Processing, Incorrect Treatments)

In some cases, hairdressers use products or treatments that cause permanent hair damage. This includes:

  • Bleach damage or balayage gone wrong.
  • Over-processing, which weakens the hair and leads to hair loss or breakage.

In such cases, you may be able to claim compensation for the emotional distress caused by hair loss or the cost of remedying the damage.

Scalp Injuries or Burns from Styling Tools

Burns from hot styling tools, such as straighteners, curling irons, or hairdryers, can cause serious injuries. If a hairdresser does not take proper care when using these tools, or if the equipment is faulty, they could be held liable for any injuries sustained.

How Do I Start My Compensation Claim?

To begin your claim for a hairdressing injury, follow these steps:

  1. Seek Medical Help: Immediately after your injury, get the necessary medical treatment from your GP or A&E if required. Any input from your doctor can serve as important evidence later in your claim.
  2. Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, save any receipts for medical treatment, and keep a record of any communications with the salon. Witness statements can also be useful but we will help you with that during your claim.
  3. Contact LLB Solicitors: We will help you evaluate your case, determine if you have grounds for a claim, and guide you through the legal process. We offer no-win, no-fee arrangements, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win the case. That means you can contact us for initial advice without any charge. If you go on to win your case, we will retain 25% (including VAT) of your compensation towards our fees.

 

What If I’m Not Sure If I Have a Valid Claim?

If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim for injury caused by a hairdresser, it’s worth seeking advice from one of our qualified personal injury solicitors. They will be able to assess the facts of your case and let you know whether you have a strong claim. There is no charge for contacting us so you can get expert advice without any commitment.

Conclusion

While trips to the hairdresser are typically relaxing, accidents can happen, leading to serious injuries. If you’ve been injured as a result of a hairdresser’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether it’s a chemical burn, scalp injury, or damage to your hair, it’s important to understand your rights and seek professional legal help if necessary.

By acting promptly, gathering evidence, and working with one of our specialist solicitors, you can ensure your claim is handled effectively and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

You can read more about making a hairdressing compensation claim here or visit www.hairdressingclaims.co.uk for a fresh perspective.

If you have suffered a personal injury, please contact our specialist solicitors today for a free no obligation discussion.

You can call us on 0161 989 9400 or complete the contact us form and one of our solicitors will get back to you.

LLB Solicitors 13/11/2025