Going to the hairdresser is usually meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. You expect to leave with a fresh style, healthier-looking hair, and more confidence. But sometimes, things don’t go to plan. If a stylist makes a mistake or uses products or tools carelessly, you could leave the salon with something far worse than a bad haircut — a painful burnt scalp.
If this has happened to you, you may be wondering: Can I claim for a burnt scalp injury against a hairdresser? The simple answer is yes, in certain situations you can. This article explains everything you need to know, including how scalp burns can happen, the legal basis for a claim, the compensation you could receive, and the steps to take if you are considering starting a claim.
Understanding Burnt Scalp Injuries At Hairdressers
A burnt scalp is more than just discomfort. It can lead to blisters, swelling, infections, scarring, and even long-term hair loss. On top of the physical pain, you may also feel embarrassed, anxious, or distressed about your appearance. Some people even develop psychological issues such as loss of confidence or post-traumatic stress after a serious salon injury.
Hairdressing procedures involve chemicals and heated styling tools, both of which can cause burns if not handled correctly. You trust your stylist to use reasonable care and skill. When they don’t, and you are injured as a result, that is when a potential claim arises.
How Can A Hairdresser Burn Your Scalp?
There are several ways you could suffer a burnt scalp injury during a visit to a hairdresser:
- Chemical burns from bleach or dye – Leaving bleach or dye on for too long, using a mixture that is too strong, or failing to carry out a patch test can result in painful chemical burns.
- Heat burns from styling tools – Straighteners, curling irons, or tongs that touch your scalp directly or are used carelessly can cause serious burns.
- Hairdryers – A hairdryer held too close or left in one spot for too long can scorch your scalp.
- Hot water – If your stylist uses water that is excessively hot while washing or rinsing your hair, it could burn your scalp.
- Faulty equipment – Old or damaged styling tools can overheat, leading to injuries.
Even a “minor” mistake can result in weeks of pain, the need for medical treatment, and the cost of repairing the damage.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Burnt Scalp
If you feel pain, tingling, or burning while a stylist is treating your hair, it’s important to speak up straight away. Some common signs that your scalp has been burnt include:
- Redness and swelling
- Blisters or peeling skin
- Itchiness or soreness that doesn’t go away
- Patches of hair falling out
- Scalp feeling very hot or painful to touch
In more serious cases, you may also experience:
- White, charred, or leathery skin
- Severe blistering
- Infection (pus, oozing, or a bad smell)
- Headaches or sickness due to chemical reactions
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately. Even if you think the burn is small, it could get worse if untreated.
Different Types Of Burns
According to NHS guidance, burns are categorised based on their severity:
- Superficial epidermal burn (first-degree) – Red, swollen, and painful skin affecting only the top layer.
- Superficial dermal burn (second-degree) – Both the outer and underlying layer of skin are damaged, often with blisters.
- Deep dermal or partial-thickness burn – Affects deeper layers, causing blotchy red skin, swelling, and severe pain.
- Full-thickness burn (third-degree) – All layers of skin and tissue are damaged. These burns may not hurt as much initially because nerve endings are destroyed, but they are very serious.
Knowing the category of your burn is important because it influences the treatment you’ll need and the level of compensation you might be entitled to.
Do Hairdressers Owe You A Duty Of Care?
Yes. By law, hairdressers and salons owe you a duty of care. This means they must take reasonable steps to ensure you are safe while they provide their services. Two important pieces of legislation are relevant here:
- Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 – Requires anyone in control of a premises (such as a salon) to ensure visitors are reasonably safe.
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 – States that services provided by a trader (like a hairdresser) must be carried out with “reasonable care and skill.”
If a salon breaches this duty of care and you suffer an injury such as a burnt scalp, you may have grounds for a compensation claim.
Can You Claim If You Signed A Waiver?
Many salons ask clients to sign waivers before treatments. These waivers usually highlight the risks of chemical or heat-based treatments. However, signing a waiver does not prevent you from making a claim if the injury was caused by negligence.
For example, if bleach was left on far longer than safe guidelines recommend, or a stylist failed to do a patch test, a waiver cannot excuse this negligence. In other words, salons cannot contract out of their legal duty of care.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
The amount of compensation you might receive depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of the burn (superficial vs full-thickness).
- Whether you needed surgery or long-term treatment.
- The psychological impact (e.g., loss of confidence, anxiety).
- Any permanent scarring or hair loss.
- Financial losses linked to the injury.
Compensation is usually divided into two categories:
- General damages – For pain, suffering, scarring, and psychological impact.
- Special damages – For financial losses such as loss of income, cost of wigs or transplants, medical bills, or counselling.
The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) provide estimates for personal injury claims in England and Wales. Here are some examples relevant to scalp burns and scarring:
- Very severe facial scarring – £36,340 to £118,790
- Less severe scarring – £21,920 to £59,090
- Significant scarring – £11,120 to £36,720
- Noticeable scar or several superficial scars – £2,890 to £9,560
- Serious damage to hair or scalp – £8,960 to £13,450
- Less serious hair/scalp damage – £4,820 to £8,960
Remember, these are only guideline amounts. The actual figure will depend on your unique situation.
Can You Claim For Financial Losses Too?
Yes. If you have lost money because of your injury, you can include this in your claim under special damages. Examples include:
- Lost income if you had to take time off work.
- Medical expenses such as private treatment, prescriptions, or counselling.
- Cosmetic expenses such as wigs, hair extensions, or corrective surgery.
- Travel costs for hospital appointments.
- Care costs if someone had to help you at home.
To prove these losses, keep receipts, invoices, payslips, or any other supporting documents.
What Evidence Do You Need To Support A Claim?
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of a successful claim. Helpful evidence might include:
- Medical records showing the extent of your burns.
- Photographs of your injuries and how they developed over time.
- The packaging of the hair dye or bleach used.
- Details of any faulty equipment.
- Witness statements from others who saw what happened.
- A copy of the salon’s accident report (most salons are required to keep one).
- Financial evidence such as receipts and wage slips.
What Is The Time Limit For Making A Claim?
In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. This is set out under the Limitation Act 1980. However, there are some exceptions:
- Children – If the victim is under 18, the three-year time limit does not start until their 18th birthday. They then have until they turn 21 to make a claim.
- Lack of mental capacity – If the injured person cannot manage their own legal affairs, the time limit is paused until they regain capacity (if they ever do).
Because time limits can be complicated, it is always wise to get advice as soon as possible after the injury.
What To Do If You Suffer A Burnt Scalp At A Hairdresser
If you believe you have suffered a burnt scalp injury due to negligence, here are some steps you can take:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Your health comes first. A doctor’s report will also serve as valuable evidence.
- Take photographs – Capture the injury and any tools or products involved.
- Report the incident – Make sure the salon records it in their accident book.
- Gather receipts and records – Keep all documents relating to expenses and losses.
- Consider legal advice – A solicitor specialising in personal injury can guide you through the process.
Why These Claims Matter
Some people feel embarrassed about making a claim against a hairdresser. But remember, you are not being “difficult” — you are simply exercising your legal rights. A burnt scalp is a serious injury that can affect your health, confidence, and finances.
By making a claim, you can:
- Recover the money you have lost.
- Get compensation for the pain and distress you have experienced.
- Encourage salons to follow proper safety practices, helping to protect future customers.
Conclusion
So, can you claim for a burnt scalp injury against a hairdresser? Yes — if you can show that your stylist owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused you harm as a result. Whether the injury was due to bleach, dye, hot tools, or even hot water, you have the right to seek compensation for your suffering and financial losses.
Burnt scalp injuries should never be dismissed as “just part of the process.” You trusted your hairdresser to provide a safe and professional service. If they failed, you may be entitled to compensation. By understanding your rights and the process involved, you can make an informed decision about pursuing a claim.