| With dozens of Hair Extension application techniques | | | | alopecia |
| available on the market, it is imperative you know | | | | Remember to talk to your potential hair extension |
| which technique is the most appropriate for your hair | | | | technician at length, your consultation should last a |
| and what to do when things go wrong. Pictures of | | | | minimum of 30 minutes. Ensure the technician is |
| celebrities with bald patches and severe hair trauma | | | | experienced and/or qualified to carry out the service |
| are not uncommon. When you visit a hair salon you | | | | you require. Ask for details of past clients, if the |
| put your hair in the hands of a professional and | | | | technician has done good work in the past, his or her |
| expect to receive a quality service for an agreed | | | | clients will be happy to speak to you. Ask if the |
| amount. | | | | extensions require professional maintenance and if so, |
| So what are your rights when you suffer hair loss | | | | enquire about the scheduled intervals and associated |
| directly resulting from a hair extension service? | | | | costs. Ask about the risks associated with the hair |
| THE LAW | | | | extensions so you can make an informed choice. |
| It is not against the law for an untrained person to | | | | Always get a written quote so there are no surprises |
| provide hairdressing services, but, the Supply of | | | | after the hair extensions have been applied. |
| Goods and Services Act 1982 does offer some | | | | PROTECT YOURSELF WITH EVIDENCE |
| protection. Among other things, this law says that | | | | Whether you are required to sign paperwork or not |
| hairdressers, like other service providers, must work | | | | it is imperative that you keep your own records. |
| with reasonable skill and care. The law also | | | | Take 4 pictures of your natural hair that clearly |
| stipulates that any professional carrying out services | | | | shows you from the back, front, right and left. Print |
| to the public MUST have liability insurance. Hair Loss | | | | these out and ask the hair technician to sign and date |
| as a result of a hair extension service would be | | | | the pictures, an official stamp will be helpful if |
| classed as ‘Injury' and you are likely to be able | | | | available. This will leave you with proof of your |
| to pursue this kind of claim on a ‘No Win No Fee' | | | | natural hair directly before the service. When your |
| basis. If you have not suffered actual hair loss but | | | | hair extensions are removed ensure you repeat the |
| believe you have received a substandard service you | | | | process. |
| can take the salon or hair extensions technician to | | | | IN COURT |
| small claims court. This would involve filling out an | | | | Understandably, very few judges would have any |
| official form which briefly lays out the details of your | | | | real knowledge about the hair extension service and |
| claim. | | | | will be reluctant to make a judgement if your case is |
| DISCLAIMERS | | | | unclear. Ensure you protect yourself as afore |
| A disclaimer is a defensive measure, essentially a | | | | mentioned with photographic evidence and |
| denial of your right to claim costs from the salon | | | | paperwork to support your claim, otherwise you may |
| should you experience any problems with your hair | | | | find you have wasted time and money. |
| extensions. Because you have a right to have the | | | | Whilst this information is designed to protect you |
| service you paid for carried out with reasonable skill | | | | against poorly applied hair extensions it is important |
| and care, this may render the disclaimer invalid, so | | | | that you take very good care of your new hair |
| even if you have signed a disclaimer you may still be | | | | extensions style so you avoid inflicting damage to |
| able to claim against a salon. In any case you should | | | | your natural hair yourself. |
| avoid signing a disclaimer. Many salons request you | | | | - Pay very close attention to the aftercare advice |
| sign this legal document as hair extensions are a | | | | you are given and get these instructions in writing. |
| potentially problematic service and any problems that | | | | - Follow your advised professional maintenance |
| are thrown up can be quite costly to rectify. | | | | schedule. |
| THE HAIR EXTENSION CONSULTATION | | | | - Ensure your hair extensions are removed by a |
| This is the first step in deciding whether you would | | | | professional, preferably by the same technician that |
| like a hair extension service and allows the technician | | | | applied the extensions. |
| to check you are suitable for the service. The | | | | - Avoid undue pressure on your hair and scalp by |
| technician should check for ‘Contra- Indicators' | | | | brushing hair extensions carefully. |
| which can include; | | | | - Only use products and styling tools recommended |
| Pregnancy | | | | by your hair extension technician. |
| Infestations of the scalp | | | | Hair Extensions can be a fun way to change your |
| Medication that can cause hair loss | | | | look but always remember to take time and research |
| Broken skin or Irritation of the scalp | | | | the service before taking the plunge. |
| Unexplained hair loss including diffuse hair loss and | | | | |
