Lawson-West Add to Call for Government to Get Tough on Unqualified Hairdressers

Given a choice, most women would aim for Britney Spears’s coloured extensions rather than her shaved scalp. Most women would also spend days, perhaps months, planning a new hairstyle or agonise for hours for the right shade of dye.

But none would think to ask if their stylist had suitable qualifications and experience for the required treatment. Yet the chemicals involving in dyeing or treating hair can burn, melt hair, scar the surrounding area or leave bald patches. Often the only solution is to cut off the hair and let it re-grow, a process that can take months or years for longer hair.

Ashley Hunt, Personal Injury Partner, advises, “Before you go, ask if your stylist is registered with the Hairdressing Council and ask friends or colleagues for recommendations. A good hairdresser will take time to reassure you how well-qualified they are. It if does go wrong, don’t cut it off. It may be the last thing you want to do, but take photographs as these can be used as evidence. If you are suffering any pain, go straight to your doctor for help.”

Recently one of Lawson-West’s clients had wanted her shoulder-length hair permed. Two days later, chunks of hair were left on her pillow. Her hair had been burnt. She began avoiding going out and received substantial compensation

Lawson-West solicitors are adding to calls for hairdressers to be regulated by supporting the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers’ (APIL) campaign which is supported by the Hairdressing Council. At the moment, the only way hairdressers can show that they are qualified is to register with the Hairdressing Council. The problem is that registration isn’t compulsory and only around 8% are currently registered.


Contrast this with Britney’s hairdresser who, like all USA hairdressers, has to renew her licence every year. Lawson-West believes it’s time for the UK Government to look at regulating all UK hairdressers to protect people from the painful, damaging effects of the chemicals used in hair dyes and other treatments.