Many people do not realise that allergic reactions to hair products or hair dyes can be considered a personal injury worthy of monetary compensation. Hair dyes and bleaching products contain a wide range of chemicals; it is not surprising, then, that allergic reactions, skin irritation and other injuries — including hair loss — are more common than you might think.
At Graham Coffey & Co, we represent individuals who have suffered injury due to toxic hair products or other types of hair dressing accidents. Hair dressers, beauty salons and product manufacturers are well aware of the hazards involved in their work — they have the duty to protect consumers from harmful effects of chemical hair treatments and practice safe business habits. When they do not, we offer full-service representation to hold them accountable.
Claim awards range from £1000 to £4500 for even relatively minor hair damage or scalp injury, including something as simple as a bad haircut. If you suffer any hair or scalp-related injury, don't wait — contact us today.
How to Recognise Allergic Reactions to Hair Dye
Permanent hair dyes are often the most problematic. The combination of chemicals used to achieve the right shade and long-lasting colour can be toxic, especially if the product includes paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Unfortunately, the first indication that you have an allergy is when the allergic reaction takes place. Common symptoms include:
- Facial swelling
- Red or puffy eyes
- Itchy scalp
- Loss of hair
- Dry scalp
- Hay fever-like symptoms
The safest way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid permanent colouring altogether, but hair dressers should always test a patch or strand of hair before the full amount of product is applied. Many over-the-counter products will or should also include a patch test sample.
Other Hair Dressing Accidents
With no regulations or formal training required by the industry, poorly trained hair dressers and barbers put individual consumers at risk. Defective equipment, inadequate training and unsafe business practices are the most common causes of injury, such as:
- Serious burns caused by improper use of heated hair equipment (curling irons, flat irons, dryer hoods, hot rollers, etc.)
- Chemical burns
- Lacerations
- Lost or damaged hair
