Can a Client Sue a Beauty Salon? How to Protect Yourself From Claims

Quick answer: Yes, a client can sue a beauty salon or hairdresser if they believe a treatment caused them harm or was not carried out with reasonable care and skill. You cannot stop someone from making a claim, but clear records, informed consent and the right insurance mean you can defend one.

This guide is based on UK law. The same principles apply in most countries, but time limits and rules vary.

When it happened to me

I run a tight ship, and I have spent decades in the industry and years as an educator. Even so, a former client once made two claims against my salon, for incidents almost three years apart.

The first was for eye redness after a lash extension appointment. As anyone who does lashes knows, this can happen for several reasons. My lash tech followed every step, and she stopped the moment the client said she was uncomfortable.

The second was for a graze after an eyebrow wax more than two years earlier. The client had never mentioned it and kept coming to the salon. She admitted she had been using retinol, but said we should have asked her to complete a new consultation form at every visit. Our consultation form asks about retinol, our waxing pre-care mentions it, and our consent form says clients must tell us about any changes.

Our insurer fully backed us. When I asked the solicitor defending us what more I could have done, his answer stayed with me: you cannot stop people from attempting to sue you. What you can do is make sure you can defend yourself.

What my insurer asked for

• Copies of all my qualifications, to check each treatment was covered
• Receipts and safety data sheets for the products used
• Risk assessments for the treatments
• Proof of patch tests and the steps we take to reduce risk
• Copies of all consultation, consent and aftercare paperwork
• My accident book

How to protect yourself from claims

• Consultation forms for every client. Nobody has a treatment in my salon until they have completed and signed one. It covers medical history, medication, allergies and skincare, and states that clients must tell us about any changes.
• Informed consent. List what could happen after each treatment, from redness to bruising, and have the client sign it. If a client bruises after a first wax just before a holiday and was never told it could happen, they could argue you ruined their holiday.
• Signed aftercare. Make sure you can prove you gave aftercare advice.
• Patch tests. Record the date, the product and the result.
• Terms and conditions. Share them before the first treatment.
• A risk assessment. See our guide to beauty salon risk assessments.
• The right insurance. Choose the best cover you can, not the cheapest. Send your insurer copies of every qualification and get written confirmation that each treatment is covered.

Our treatment guides set out what clients can expect, the aftercare and the possible reactions for each treatment, including lash extensions, lash lifts and waxing. They are a useful starting point when you write your own consent and aftercare forms.

How long do clients have to make a claim?

In England and Wales, a client usually has three years from the date of an injury to start a personal injury claim, or from when they first knew about it. For clients under 18, the three years usually starts on their 18th birthday. A claim about poor service can be brought for up to six years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or five in Scotland. Keep your records for at least as long as a client could make a claim, and check how long your insurer asks you to keep them.

What clients are entitled to

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, clients are entitled to a service carried out with reasonable care and skill. If something goes wrong, they can usually ask you to put it right first, or for a reduction in price. Handling a complaint calmly and quickly often stops it from going any further.

What to do if a client says they will sue

• Stay calm and do not admit fault.
• Write down what happened while it is fresh, including dates, products and who carried out the treatment.
• Gather the client's records, consultation forms, patch tests and aftercare.
• Contact your insurer straight away and follow their advice.

And please, take your advice from qualified people, not from social media.

FAQs

Can you sue a beauty salon?

Yes, if you believe a treatment caused you harm or was not carried out with reasonable care and skill.

Can I sue my hairdresser for damaging my hair?

You can make a claim, but first give the salon the chance to put it right. Clients are entitled to a service carried out with reasonable care and skill.

How long does a client have to make a claim?

In England and Wales, usually three years from an injury, or from when they knew about it.

How do I protect myself from client claims?

Use consultation forms, patch tests, signed informed consent and aftercare, keep good records and hold the right insurance.

Does my insurance cover every treatment?

Not always. Send your insurer copies of every qualification and get written confirmation of what is covered.