A consumer court in Chennai has ordered a beauty parlour in Arumbakkam to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation to a woman who suffered severe injuries during a supposed herbal ear treatment. The parlour applied a paste claiming it to be natural and safe, but the mixture turned out to be acidic, causing severe burns that led to the loss of both earlobes.

What was the complaint?

The victim, a professional makeup artist, filed a complaint accusing the parlour of negligence and false advertising. Upon investigation, the court found that the salon had misrepresented the treatment as herbal without verifying its composition or safety. The court ruled that the parlour’s lack of care and failure to ensure product safety directly caused the woman’s injuries.

Court’s warning and compensation

In its ruling, the court stressed that beauty establishments must prioritize client safety and verify the substances used in cosmetic procedures. It also warned against misleading customers through untested “herbal” or “organic” claims. The judgment serves as a wake-up call for the beauty and wellness industry to adopt stricter quality controls and transparency in their services.