Hurt in a Salon? Female Lawyers Give Free Advice

The popularity of semi-permanent make-up is based on the natural finish that the treatment achieves, once the colour/pigment/dye has been carefully selected. The results can last for anywhere between 1 and 5 years, though residual dye particles will remain in the skin permanently. Despite the fact that semi-permanent make-up is hypo-allergenic, and that the pigments are derived from natural minerals and glycerine, there have been a number of recent reports of complications related to the treatment. As with all beauty procedures, the quality of service and standards of care at salons are all-important.

Unfortunately, lack of regulation in the beauty industry in the UK means that thousands of women are put at risk every year, by inexperienced and poorly trained beauticians carrying out delicate, invasive beauty treatments, including semi-permanent make-up.

Semi-permanent make-up involves injecting dyes into the top (dermal) layer of the skin using fine needles, a process also known as micropigmentation. The machines used are normally hand-held, and can be purchased easily for a few hundred pounds brand new. The problem is that no specific risk warnings are provided to the buyers and users of the equipment, despite the associated health risks. Hygiene standards are particularly important when dealing with needles in any context. There is an obvious risk of cross-contamination if needles are used on multiple customers, or if they are not properly sterilised in the first place. Dangerous and potentially fatal infections may be transmitted via needles, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, meaning hygiene should always be the top concern of a reputable beauty salon.

Usually the needles used during micropigmentation are disposable, however it is quite possible for pigment residue to accumulate on other areas of the machine. When this residue mixes with blood particles and bodily fluids, the risk of cross contamination and infections spreading among customers increases. It is also essential that beauty salons and other establishments offering semi-permanent make-up procedures carry out skin patch tests on customers to analyse their individual skin sensitivity, and any pre-existing allergies, or contraindications that make the treatment unsuitable. There is also the danger of a beauty therapist botching the procedure, potentially causing skin damage, discolouration and undesired aesthetic results.

As at all commercial premises, the owners, occupiers and staff at beauty salons owe a duty of care to their customers, and must take all reasonable measures to ensure they are not put at risk of injury, illness or infection while on the premises or using their services. We have handled cases recently where semi-permanent make-up procedures have gone disastrously wrong for clients, leaving them irreversible skin damage. It is possible to claim damages for both physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as the cost of corrective medical and cosmetic treatments. Contact our female solicitors today for free, confidential advice or to get started making a claim.