Beauty Treatment Claims

When you visit a beauty salon, you expect to receive professional treatment and return home feeling great and with a fresher look. However, when beauty practitioners fail to uphold a high standard of care, unexpected accidents and injuries can occur. These can be caused by faulty equipment, using expired products, allergens or poorly trained staff.

Unfortunately, beauty salon negligence is not uncommon and can lead to various injuries, such as scars, burns, infections, and other types of harm. These can significantly impact your health and self-esteem and lead to long-term consequences and financial losses.

If you’ve suffered an injury due to a beauty treatment gone wrong, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation.

To find out if you have a valid beauty treatment claim, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back. You will receive a free consultation with a legal adviser, with no obligation to proceed.

Find out if you can claim

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Duty of care of beauty salons towards customers
• Am I entitled to make a beauty treatment claim?
• Common types of beauty treatment negligence claims
• What injuries could be caused by botched beauty treatments?
• What evidence do I need to support my beauty treatment claim?
• Can I claim compensation if I was injured while working at a beauty salon?
• Can I still make a personal injury claim if I signed an indemnity form?
• Time limits to start a beauty treatment compensation claim
• How much compensation could I receive for a beauty treatment injury?
• Can I make a beauty treatment claim under a No Win No Fee agreement?

Duty of care of beauty salons towards customers

The beauty industry must follow specific guidelines to protect customers from harm. Beauty salons must take adequate measures to ensure treatments are carried out safely, as dictated by the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2004, the Sales of Goods and Services Act 1982 and under other relevant legislation.

The duties of beauty treatment providers include:

• Ensure all staff members are adequately trained and qualified for the job they do;
• Conduct patch tests for treatments that involve potentially allergenic chemicals;
• Maintain high hygiene standards and ensure all tools and equipment are sterilised or disinfected between customers;
• Ensure all products are safe for use and within expiration dates;
• Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly;
• Provide accurate instructions for treatments requiring specific aftercare;
• Ensure the salon is free from hazards such as wet or uneven floors and cluttered walkways to prevent slips, trips and falls;
• Only use only cosmetic products that comply with safety regulations;
• Keep records of the cosmetic products used on clients and any patch tests conducted to monitor product safety.

If you went to a salon that failed to follow beauty industry regulations and suffered an injury, you may be eligible for compensation.

Am I entitled to make a beauty treatment claim?

The easiest way to find out if you can make a beauty treatment claim for compensation is through a free consultation with a personal injury solicitor. They will assess your case and ask you some questions to determine whether:

• The beauty salon owed you a duty of care legally.
• They breached their legal duty through negligence and caused an accident to occur.
• You suffered an injury as a result of their negligence.

A duty of care and negligence will be determined based on the legislation mentioned above and other UK laws. Once liability is established, your solicitor will help you gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim and will initiate communication with the defendant or their insurer.

Your solicitor will handle all aspects of the b

eauty treatment claims process on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery without the added stress of litigation.

Common types of beauty treatment negligence claims

The most common beauty treatments that we help claimants get compensation for include:

• Botox injections – could cause nerve damage, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties and blurred vision;
• Dermal fillers – can lead to infections, allergic reactions, swelling, itching and tissue death;
• Chemical peels – these can cause severe burns, scarring, skin discolouration and infections;
• Microdermabrasion – negligent dermabrasion treatment can lead to skin irritation, infections, swelling and scarring;
• Laser treatments – inadequate use of lasers can cause burns, blisters, scarring and eye injuries;
• Eyelash extensions – a lack of proper safety measures can lead to eye infections, allergic reactions to glue, irritation or loss of natural eyelashes;
• Waxing – can cause skin burns (including eyebrow wax burns), infections or excessive redness;
• Hair dyeing – using inadequate products or techniques can lead to chemical burns, allergic reactions, hair loss or scalp irritation;
• Body piercing – can lead to infections, allergic reactions, excessive bleeding or nerve damage;
• Permanent makeup – can cause infections, allergic reactions or undesirable results;
• Nail treatments – can lead to fungal infections, cuts or damage to the nail bed;
• Lip injections – can cause bruising, swelling, tissue damage, infections or uneven results;
• Microneedling – if needles are mishandled or unsterilised, you may suffer scarring, infections or skin irritation.

If you suffered an injury while receiving these or any other beauty treatment, do not hesitate to seek legal advice and find out if you can make a beauty salon injury claim.

What injuries could be caused by botched beauty treatments?

Negligence in a beauty salon can lead to various injuries, such as:

• Chemical burns. These can be due to chemicals that are expired or incorrectly handled, such as hair dyes or facial peels, leading to painful burns, scarring, or discolouration.
• Allergic reactions. Failure to conduct a patch test at least 24 hours before treatments can result in severe allergic reactions, causing rashes, swelling, or breathing issues.
• Infections. Poor hygiene practices, such as unsterilised tools or contaminated products, can cause bacterial or fungal infections to the skin, nails, or scalp.
• Scarring. Laser treatments, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels performed incorrectly may lead to permanent scarring.
• Skin rashes. The use of unsuitable products or failure to account for sensitive skin can result in redness, itching, and prolonged irritation.
• Eye injuries. Improper use of treatments like dyes or lash extensions can lead to injuries such as chemical burns, infections, or even loss of vision in severe cases.
• Hair damage or loss. Incorrect application of hair treatments, such as bleaching or dyeing, can damage your hair or even cause it to fall.
• Burns from equipment. Improper use of hot tools, such as curling irons, straighteners, or laser devices, can cause burns or blisters on the skin.
• Nerve damage. Poorly administered injections, such as dermal fillers, can sometimes result in nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling.

If your treatment was negligent and you suffered an injury, an experienced solicitor could help you claim compensation for your pain, suffering and related financial losses.

What evidence do I need to support my beauty treatment claim?

As with all claims, you will need evidence to support your beauty treatment injury claim and ensure you receive compensation. This should prove how you suffered an injury, who was at fault, and how it has affected your life. Examples include:

• Photographic evidence of your injury and pictures of you before undergoing treatment at a beauty salon;
• Copies of medical records from your GP, minor injuries unit, or emergency hospital that treated you will help prove the extent of your injuries and link them to the beauty treatment;
• Written details of the incident, such as the time and date you visited the salon, the treatment you received and its impact on your life;
• A copy of a report filed with the beauty salon and registered in their accident report book;
• Treatment records, such as receipts or booking confirmations, can help confirm your procedure and the products used;
• Expert medical testimony may be needed to confirm your injuries are consistent with negligent treatment;
• Witness statements from anyone who was with you during treatment or saw how it has affected you;
• You also need financial documents to prove any ongoing costs resulting from the incident, such as travel expenses, care costs and loss of earnings.

Once your solicitor has collected sufficient evidence, they will send a letter of claim to the beauty salon, beautician or their insurer. If they admit liability, you can start negotiating your compensation award. If they deny liability, your solicitor will take the necessary steps to take your claim to court.

Can I claim compensation if I was injured while working at a beauty salon?

As well as clients, beauty salons also have a responsibility towards their employees. They must follow the guidelines stated by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and ensure they are kept as safe as possible from injuries by taking the following measures:

• Regularly assess and address risks related to the use of chemicals, equipment, and salon tools to prevent accidents and injuries;
• Keep the salon clean, well-ventilated and adequately maintained;
• Provide adequate training to employees on safe work practices and how to handle the equipment and chemicals;
• Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and eye protection when needed;
• Ensure that all tools and equipment are regularly inspected and safe to use.

By adhering to these duties, beauty salons can significantly reduce the risk of injuries to employees. Employers who fail to comply with the legislation may be liable for any injuries an employee may suffer.

If you were injured while working at a beauty salon due to a breach of your employer’s duty of care, you may be eligible to start an accident claim against your employer. Your legal right is protected by law, and you cannot be dismissed or disciplined for seeking compensation. If this happens, you can make a further claim at an employment tribunal under unfair and constructive dismissal laws.

Can I still make a personal injury claim if I signed an indemnity form?

Yes. Signing an indemnity or consent form does not automatically waive your right to make a personal injury claim if your beauty therapist was negligent or failed in their duty of care. The form simply explains the beauty salon treatment you will receive and makes you aware of its potential risks and complications. Whether you have to sign one or not, your service provider must ensure a reasonable standard of care and protect you from any avoidable harm.

Not being able to claim if you signed a waiver is just a myth. While the consent form may be an essential document in your case, it does not protect the defendant from legal action if they breached their duty of care towards you through any of the following or other types of negligence:

• Lack of proper training
• Poor hygiene standards
• Using unsafe or expired products
• Lack of patch testing
• Using faulty equipment
• Failure to provide aftercare instructions

Time limits to start a beauty treatment compensation claim

The time limit to start your claim is typically three years from the date you received the negligent treatment. Alternatively, the three years could begin when you became aware of your injury, if this did not become apparent immediately.

Under the Limitation Act 1980, your case will be time-barred and no longer valid if you fail to submit your claim within this timeframe. However, a few exceptions apply:

• If you were under 18 at the time of injury, the time will begin to run on your 18th birthday. Before that, a parent or legal guardian can make a child injury claim at any time.
• If you cannot handle a claim due to PTSD, an intellectual disability or another condition, a litigation friend could help you claim without a limitation date.
• If your injury was due to a faulty product, you have three years to start the claims process from when the fault was discovered.

The sooner you seek legal advice, the easier it will be for your solicitor to gather evidence and build a solid case to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

How much compensation could I receive for a beauty treatment injury?

The amount of compensation you could receive in a beauty treatment negligence claim will depend on two types of damages your solicitor will consider:

Special damages aim to recover any financial losses and expenses incurred due to the botched beauty treatment. These could include lost earnings during recovery, costs of care and assistance with daily activities, medical expenses, future loss of income and travel costs to medical appointments. Special damages are based on financial documents like receipts and invoices.

General damages aim to cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the beauty therapist’s negligence. These do not have a specific monetary value attached to them and are based on the guidelines from the Judicial College, according to which you could receive:

• £6,890 to £10,340 for hair damage ranging from minor to more serious;
• £8,110 to £18,020 for dermatitis affecting both hands for an extended period;
• £1,600 to £91,350 for minor to severe facial scarring;
• £2,220 to £21,330 for scars affecting other body parts;
• Up to £98,380 for severe burns.

Can I make a beauty treatment claim under a No Win No Fee agreement?

If your case has merit, your solicitor will help you make a no win no fee beauty treatment claim. You will not have to pay a single penny upfront or if you lose the case. This arrangement provides access to legal representation regardless of your situation and without taking any risks.

Your solicitor will only receive a success fee if they secure compensation for your injuries. This fee is capped at 25% of your settlement and will be agreed upon from the beginning.

For further protection against financial risks, you can also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance. This will cover all the litigation costs if the claim fails, including:

• Court and counsel fees
• Medical reports
• Expert witness fees
• Travel costs
• The defendant’s solicitors

You only pay the cost of the ATE premium if you receive compensation for the resulting injuries from your beauty treatment.

To find out if you are eligible to make a beauty treatment compensation claim on a no win no fee basis, call 0800 470 0474 for a free case assessment or request a call back.

Last edited on 15th Oct 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.