Hair colouring treatments are a popular way to enhance or transform personal style. From subtle highlights to bold changes, these procedures are widely offered by salons and beauty professionals. While many clients achieve their desired results, poorly performed hair colouring treatments can lead to serious injuries and long-term consequences.

When hair colouring is carried out by untrained or negligent practitioners, the risks of injury increase significantly. Burns, allergic reactions, hair loss, and scalp damage are just some of the potential outcomes. If you or someone you know has suffered harm due to a botched hair colouring procedure, Ison Harrison Solicitors can help you seek compensation and accountability.

Common Injuries from Hair Colouring Treatments

Although hair colouring is generally safe when done by trained professionals, negligence can result in significant harm. Some common injuries include:

Chemical Burns

Improper application of hair dye or bleach can cause burns to the scalp, ears, or surrounding areas. These burns may result from the dye being left on for too long, improper mixing of chemicals, or using products not suitable for certain skin types. The burns can lead to severe pain, blistering, and scarring, which may be both physically and emotionally distressing. In some cases, medical intervention is required to treat the burns and minimise long-term damage, such as skin grafting or scar revision procedures.

Allergic Reactions

Hair dyes often contain chemicals such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which are known allergens. Allergic reactions to these substances can range from mild to severe. Symptoms might include redness, swelling, itching, and hives, typically occurring on the scalp, face, or neck. In severe cases, individuals may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention. Patch testing before treatment is a crucial step to identify potential allergies, and failure to perform this test can be considered negligence on the part of the practitioner.

Hair Damage and Loss

Overprocessing occurs when hair is subjected to excessive bleaching, dyeing, or heat treatments without adequate time for recovery. This can weaken the hair shaft, causing it to become brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. In extreme cases, entire sections of hair may fall out, leading to thinning or bald spots. Recovery from such damage often requires costly treatments, including hair masks, protein therapies, or even hair restoration procedures. In some cases, the damage may be permanent, leaving clients emotionally distressed and requiring cosmetic solutions like wigs or extensions.

Scalp Damage

Excessive use of harsh chemicals, such as high-strength bleaching agents, or failure to perform necessary patch tests can lead to significant scalp irritation. Symptoms include redness, soreness, flaking, and in severe cases, chemical burns. These burns can compromise the skin’s protective barrier, increasing the risk of infections and long-term sensitivity. Chronic scalp damage can make it difficult for clients to undergo future hair treatments and may lead to conditions like dermatitis or scarring alopecia, which permanently inhibits hair growth.

Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Results

Mistakes in the application process, such as uneven dye distribution, incorrect colour mixing, or inadequate blending techniques, can lead to patchy, uneven, or undesired results. These aesthetic failures can be particularly distressing for clients, as hair is a highly visible and personal feature. Clients may need to undergo corrective procedures, which can be both expensive and time-consuming, to rectify the mistakes. Additionally, the emotional impact of having a botched appearance can affect self-esteem and confidence, often requiring professional support to rebuild.

How Ison Harrison Solicitors Can Help You

At Ison Harrison Solicitors, we understand the distress and frustration caused by negligent hair colouring treatments. Our experienced legal team is here to support you in securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can assist:

  1. Expertise in Beauty Treatment Claims

We specialise in handling cases involving cosmetic negligence, including hair colouring claims. Our team will investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument to hold the responsible party accountable.

  1. Compensation for Damages and Corrective Treatment

We aim to recover compensation for:

  • Medical Costs Related to Burns or Allergic Reactions Injuries such as chemical burns or allergic reactions often require immediate medical treatment, including hospital visits, medications, or ongoing care from dermatologists or specialists. These costs can quickly add up, and we work to ensure these financial burdens are covered.
  • Corrective Hair or Scalp Treatments Correcting damage caused by negligence may involve extensive treatments, such as hair repair therapies, scalp healing treatments, or even hair transplant procedures in severe cases. We seek to recover the full cost of these corrective measures, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket.
  • Emotional Distress Caused by Injuries or Unsatisfactory Results The physical damage caused by a botched hair colouring treatment is often accompanied by emotional harm, including embarrassment, loss of confidence, and anxiety. We aim to secure compensation that recognises the emotional toll of such experiences, helping you rebuild your confidence and move forward.
  • Loss of Income Due to Recovery Time Recovery from injuries may require time off work, resulting in lost wages or missed opportunities. We work to recover compensation for any income lost during your recovery, ensuring you are not financially disadvantaged due to someone else’s negligence.
  1. No-Win, No-Fee Representation

To make justice accessible to everyone, we offer a no-win, no-fee service. This arrangement ensures that you can pursue your claim without the worry of upfront legal fees or financial risk.

You will only be required to pay our fees if your claim is successful, giving you peace of mind and financial security during what may already be a challenging time.

Our no-win, no-fee service is designed to provide equal access to justice, ensuring that the cost of legal representation does not deter anyone from seeking the compensation they rightfully deserve. This approach reflects our commitment to supporting clients through every stage of their claim, removing unnecessary barriers and allowing you to focus on recovery.

  1. Thorough Case Assessment and Evidence Gathering

Our approach includes:

  • Reviewing medical reports and treatment records
  • Collecting photographic evidence of injuries or damage
  • Examining salon practices and practitioner qualifications
  • Engaging expert witnesses, if necessary

Why Choose Ison Harrison Solicitors for Your Hair Colouring Claim?

Ison Harrison Solicitors has a proven track record in handling cosmetic negligence claims. We combine legal expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring you receive the best possible representation. Key reasons to choose us include:

  • Extensive experience with beauty treatment injury claims
  • Dedication to client care and understanding your unique circumstances
  • Recognition as a Lexcel-accredited legal practice for excellence

Contact Us Today to Start Your Claim

If you’ve been injured or suffered harm due to a negligent hair colouring procedure, contact Ison Harrison Solicitors today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case and guide you through the next steps. Let us help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve so you can move forward with confidence.

Please call 0113 284 5000 or email pi@isonharrison.co.uk for further information and free initial advice.