We all want lustrous, healthy-looking hair. Unfortunately, sometimes, our hair can be damaged by external factors beyond our control, ranging from harsh chemicals to excessive heat. Other times, our hair can be damaged by the people we trust to take care of it—our hairdressers. So, if you’ve been left with dry, brittle hair, split ends, or even bald patches after a salon visit, you may wonder if you have any legal recourse. Here are ten potential grounds for suing your hairdresser.

Negligence

If you’re asking, “Can I sue my hairdresser for negligence?” the answer is yes. If a hairdresser is negligent in the course of their work, they can be held liable for any resulting damage. Negligence can include anything from using the wrong products on your hair type to failing to rinse out bleach or dye adequately.

Breach of contract

You are entering into a contract when you purchase a service from a hairdresser. This contract outlines the duties of both parties. For example, the hairdresser must provide a quality service, and your obligation to pay for said service. If your hairdresser breaches this contract by, for instance, overcharging you or not providing the services agreed upon, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Defamatio

It’s important to know that if your hairdresser says something bad about you in front of others, this could be considered defamation. For instance, if they tell other people that you have lice or an STI, which both qualify as false statements under law, these may be grounds for a lawsuit.

False imprisonment

In some extreme cases, hairdressers have been known to trap clients in their chairs by tying them up with straps or refusing to let them leave until they pay for a service. This is known as false imprisonment and a serious civil rights violation.

Intentional infliction of emotional distress

If your hairdresser says or does something so outrageous that it causes you severe emotional distress, you may be able to sue for intentional infliction of emotional distress. For instance, if your hairdresser publicly shames or threatens you with violence, this could be considered deliberate infliction of emotional distress.

Product liability

If a hairdressing product injures you, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of that product for damages. For instance, if you suffer an allergic reaction to a hair dye or hair straightener, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of that product.

Violation of privacy

Your hairdresser should always respect your privacy. If they violate your privacy by, for instance, taking pictures of you without your consent or sharing private information about you with others, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Product liability

If you are injured by a hairdressing product that is defective or dangerous, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the product.

Final thoughts

If a customer is unhappy with their service at the hands of an employee, they should speak to someone with experience in lawsuits and legal matters. Personal injury attorneys will help guide you through your options for filing suit against an offending salon owner. Be sure to consult with one before giving any consent.