Botched hair job: Salon to refund charges, pay fine

Time of India

18-07-2025

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Chandigarh: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chandigarh, has ordered a prominent salon chain to refund and compensate a Mohali-based woman after a routine hair colouring session turned into a medical emergency.
The 36-year-old complainant, a resident of SAS Nagar, visited the salon in March 2023 for a hair colouring and Botox treatment, costing her nearly Rs 18,000. According to the complaint, the service was provided by a stylist presented as the salon's most skilled professional.
Shortly after the procedure began, the woman reportedly began feeling nauseous and complained of dizziness, followed by heavy vomiting and abdominal pain.
Despite her worsening condition, the salon staff allegedly refused to provide medical assistance or arrange transportation to a hospital. Her mother, who was present, had to rush her to CHD City Hospital in Chandigarh, where she remained admitted for three days.
The medical diagnosis linked the incident to an allergic reaction to hair dye, something the woman claims she was not properly tested or warned about beforehand.
The total medical expenses came to Rs 21,907.
In its defence, the salon claimed that the woman had initially reported feeling unwell and had mentioned a known allergy to hair dye, even stating that she took cetirizine intermittently. The salon alleged that she chose to proceed despite being advised otherwise. However, two of the salon's representatives failed to appear during the proceedings and were declared ex parte, while a third did not file a defence and had their right to contest struck off.
The commission found the salon negligent in its duty of care, particularly noting the absence of a first aid kit or emergency medical support at the premises. It also criticised the indifferent attitude of the salon staff when the woman was visibly suffering from a reaction. The commission held the salon deficient in providing services.
The salon has now been directed to jointly and severally refund Rs 17,900 for the cost of the treatments, reimburse Rs 21,907 towards her medical expenses, pay Rs 7,500 for mental agony and harassment and pay Rs 7,000 as litigation costs. Failure to comply within 45 days will attract a penal interest of 9% per annum on the compensation and refund amounts.