Compensation for Allergic Reaction to Hair Dye

After having my usual hair dye applied at my local salon, I developed a nasty rash across my scalp and my friend says I can possibly make a compensation for an allergic reaction to a hair dye claim. Is this possible?

Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor

Editor in Chief

Eoin P. Campbell

Regardless of the fact that you had the same hair dye applied at the same salon you usually attend, it is possible to claim for compensation for an allergic reaction to a hair dye if your injury was sustained due to the negligence of the beauty salon in question. Allergic reactions can develop in between treatments and beauty salon employees are required to carry out a patch test before treating a client with the hair dye in case of an allergic reaction – even if the client has had the same treatment previously. If the beauty salon failed to perform this test at least 48 hours before your treatment, they may be liable for your injuries and can be named as the respondent in your claim submission to the Injuries Board Ireland.

There are several procedures you are recommended to undertake prior to filing your compensation for an allergic reaction to hair dye claim. You should first take two photographs of your injury, one close up shot to show your injury’s severity and another from a slight distance to show how visible it is. You should then visit your GP who can arrange for an allergy test to determine if your injury was, in fact, caused by an allergic reaction to the hair dye.

The next step is to have your injury recorded in the salon’s “Accident Report Book” which they are required to maintain under health and safety legislation and make sure to retain your own copy.

There is a possibility that the beauty salon will try to offer compensation for an allergic reaction to hair dye though it should be noted that their offer may not adequately reflect the amount of compensation you are eligible for. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a solicitor at the first practical opportunity.

Most solicitors offer free initial consultation where they can answer any questions you may have and assess your claim to determine whether or not you have a claim worth pursuing. No two cases are exactly the same and all are evaluated based on their own individual merits.