Traction alopecia
compensation claims

If traction alopecia has set you back, we'll help you move forward

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by the pull from tight hair extensions, wigs, or weaves.

If you have been affected by this condition, we can help. If your injuries were caused by someone else's actions or negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. You can make a compensation claim with the help and support of a personal injury solicitor.

Introduction

Hair extensions are increasingly popular and they pose little risk when fitted by a trained professional. The hairdressing industry is unregulated, however, and poorly fitted hair extensions could lead to injury. In particular, the solvent and chemical bonding agents used in the procedure could lead to skin problems and even serious allergic reactions.

If you have suffered an injury as a result of hair extensions, or any other beauty procedure, a compensation claim may be possible.

Am I eligible for hair extension traction alopecia compensation?

You should be entitled to hair extension traction alopecia compensation if your injury resulted from the negligence or actions of another person or organisation, or from an accident that was not your fault.

Use our injury claim calculator to find out if you can claim. Or you can call 0800 376 1001 to speak to a specialist advisor. Find out in minutes if you have a claim.

What happens if I share some of the blame?

Figuring out who is legally at fault for an accident can sometimes be complex and nuanced.

According to our recent 2023 Personal Injury Claimant Survey, 13.99% of respondents thought that their actions could have contributed, either in part or wholly, to their injuries.

When fault on both sides caused a claimant's injuries, this is called 'contributory negligence'. In these situations, compensation may still be payable on the basis of a split liability agreement.

Read more:

Can I claim if I feel I was partly responsible for my accident?

How long after a hair extension traction alopecia do I have to claim compensation?

In most cases, you have up to 3 years from the date of your accident or injury to start a claim.

For an injured child, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until they are 21 to start a claim.

How much compensation can I claim for hair extension traction alopecia?

The amount of money you could claim for your injury will depend on:

• the seriousness of your injury, and
• any financial losses or costs you have incurred.

At the start of your claim, your solicitor will consider the many ways your injuries have affected your life. Your solicitor will take these considerations into account to calculate the correct compensation award.

General damages

General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA).

Awards for general damages are set by the Judicial College and published in their guidelines for personal injury awards.

How is compensation calculated if I have multiple injuries?

Special damages

Special damages are awarded to compensate you for any costs or losses you've incurred or might incur as a result of your accident. These costs might include lost wages, bonuses, benefits and other perks, damage to clothing, or any other out of pocket expenses.

Special damages may also be awarded for medical treatments or procedures that you might need to treat your traction alopecia, including removal of hair extensions, topical medications, corticosteroid injections and hair transplantation.

Read more:

A complete list of recoverable losses in a personal injury claim

What are hair extensions?

Hair extensions involve the use of synthetic or human hair to thicken or lengthen existing hairstyles. They are applied either by plaiting the extensions into the real hair, bonding with a glue and fixing with a heated clamp, or they may be woven into existing hair by braiding close to the scalp.

What can go wrong?

Hair extensions may be badly fitted, especially where the bonding technique is used.

If an extension is not applied to enough natural hair, or the natural hair is too thin or weak to support it, the weight of the extension will pull the natural hair until it either breaks or is removed.

Where too many extensions are fitted, the increased weight of hair means it is constantly pulled down. This may cause extra stress on the scalp and supporting hair follicles.

If extensions are too tightly woven they may cause damage to the natural hair when they are removed. They may also cause rubbing and irritation to the scalp.

What are the long-term implications?

Constant pulling of the natural hair by hair extensions may lead to permanent damage of the hair follicles. When this occurs the natural hair cannot grow back and bald patches may appear on the scalp. This condition is known as traction alopecia.

How can this be prevented?

Applying hair extensions requires specialist skills; stylists offering this service should be properly trained and qualified.

A thorough assessment of the client's hair must be carried out to identify the correct products, hair attachments and methods of attaching the hair for that individual. This includes checking the strength of the client's hair prior to applying extensions, to assess whether the hair can hold the extensions without breaking.

The stylist should ensure the client fully understands how to look after the extensions and when to return to the salon.

Extensions should not remain in the hair for longer than three months, and should always be removed by a trained professional to avoid hair breakage.

A stylist should inform a client if signs of hair loss occur, and should not continue to apply extensions.

Public liability claims

Hair extension traction alopecia claims are usually public place, or occupiers' liability, claims made against a hairdresser. Click on the icons below to learn more:

Public
places

Other
accidents

FAQs

How long does an injury claim take?

What are my chances of winning my claim?

Will my claim go to court?

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How long do I have to make an injury claim?

What if a child was injured?

How we can help you with your injury claim

Your solicitor will fight for the best possible compensation settlement for you, and the highly-experienced panel of solicitors have an excellent track record of winning injury claims.

• FREE
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• Find out
  if you can claim
• No obligation
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Handled with the utmost professionalism... extremely kind, courteous and empathetic.

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Author:
Chris Salmon, Director

About the author

Chris Salmon is a co-founder and Director of Quittance Legal Services. Chris has played key roles in the shaping and scaling of a number of legal services brands and is a regular commentator in the legal press.