In a case of a medical emergency caused by a hair colouring and hair botox routine, a renowned hair salon from Chandigarh has to pay compensation to the complainant. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chandigarh, has asked the salon to compensate the person who complained of a medical emergency after undergoing a hair colouring treatment at the salon.
The complainant belongs to SAS Nagar in Chandigarh, had visited the salon in March 2023 to do a hair Botox treatment and hair colouring amounting to Rs 18,000 and the service was done by one of the most experienced stylists at the salon. However, soon after the treatment started, she started feeling dizzy and nauseous, which was followed by stomach ache and vomiting. She complained that even after her condition deteriorated, the staff did not give her any medical aid or take her to the nearest hospital. Her mother, who was also present at the salon, had to take her to CHD City Hospital, where she was admitted for three days and had to pay a bill of Rs 21,907. According to the doctors, this allergic reaction was due to the hair dye used at the salon, which the lady said she had not been tested for before starting the treatment.
In response, the salon said that the woman was already feeling unwell before starting the treatment and had spoken about an allergy to hair dye. She also stated that she takes cetirizine occasionally. Despite this condition, she wanted to go ahead with the treatment.
The salon representatives did not attend the court proceedings and were declared ex parte. The commission charged the salon for negligence for not having a first aid kit or any kind of emergency medical support. It was also admonished for the lackadaisical attitude of the staff towards the client, despite seeing her suffering. In view of this, the commission has asked the salon to refund Rs 17,900 for the treatment and also the medical expenses incurred by the woman. They have also been asked to pay an additional Rs 7,000 as litigation charges and Rs 7,500 for causing mental stress. In the event of the salon not paying the said amount within 45 days, the salon will be charged a 9% annual penalty interest.
