Hair Salon Client Severely Burned By Novice Cosmetologist

Case Overview

This case involves a 26-year-old woman with no significant past medical history who suffered severe chemical burns to her scalp due to relaxing hair chemicals. The woman had never done chemical hair treatment to her hair before this occasion. She went to a reputable hair salon to receive the treatment 5 weeks before her wedding. The stylist in question had recently completed a cosmetology program and had only performed this particular treatment twice. Halfway through the treatment, the bride experienced significant pain on the left side of her scalp. It was discovered that the chemicals had caused a severe scalp burn. Following the incident, the bride was unable to grow hair back in the burn location. An expert in cosmetology was sought to discuss how to successfully avoid chemical burns when applying hair products.

Questions to the Cosmetics expert and their responses

Please describe your experience with hair perming products.

I began my career in cosmetology in 1980 and have successfully performed thousands of perms. I am also responsible for testing up-and-coming stylists at an occupational competency testing institute.

What are the protocols to avoid chemical burns from hair perming products?

When creating the permanent waves, one must wisely follow protocol. We apply specific cream and cotton around the hairline and replace it as often as necessary if it becomes soiled. For skin that is soiled, we use cold water on a towel to blot -- never rub -- the skin and then replace with fresh cream/cotton. I use a heavy variety of paper towel and replace after each application of the service. There can be up to 4 separate applications in the perms I have used, but 2 is standard.

Was the client questioned about previous experiences?

With regard to this particular case, I have a few questions. Was the scalp examined? Was there a health change? (Pregnancy can be problematic.) Was there a medication change? (Heart medication can complicate perms.) Was the client informed during the preliminary process about possible tingling or burning? Was the client questioned about the type of hair color on her head if any?

About the expert

This expert has over 40 years of experience in the field of cosmetology, specializing in the hair and salon industry. She completed her cosmetology training at the Bucks County Vo-Technical School and is a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Pennsylvania. This expert started her career as a shampoo girl at Madeline Csondor's Hair Salon and Vinny's Hair Salon. She then worked as a stylist at Shirl Gilberts Hair Salon and Eileen's Hair Salon and later served as a stylist and manager of the Family Hair Studio before owning her own studio, CynD's Hair Salon in Pennsylvania. Currently, she serves as an independent cosmetology consultant in Pennsylvania.