As a hairstylist, you know the drill – anytime you’re working with people, there’s always a chance that something unexpected, unlikely, or unfortunate could happen.

Does this have any bearing on the kind of stylist you are? Absolutely not! There’s an inherent risk that goes hand-in-hand with being a hands-on kind of worker. In short, bad things sometimes happen to good stylists.

Whether you’re styling in a salon or running a mobile hairdressing business, unfortunate events can sometimes lead to bigger things – like claims or even legal action.

As a top-notch provider of hairstylist insurance (Hi! We’re Elite Beauty Society!), we’ve seen plenty of situations unfold—from professional mishaps to slips and falls. While liability claims might not be the first thing you think of when starting your hairstyling journey, it’s crucial to be aware of the common insurance claims in the beauty industry.

Common Hairstylist Liability Claims

We’ve been in the insurance game for a long time. That means when it comes to claims, we’ve pretty much seen it all. From the most outrageous to the most common, we have a pretty firm foundation on what’s what in the world of claims.

Before we dive into the most common ones to know about, let’s address the elephant in the room: What are claims?

These happen when a hairstylist is blamed for a mistake that causes someone to get hurt. In insurance talk, they’re known as malpractice or errors and omissions claims—basically, job related mistakes that end in injury.

Since hair stylists work so closely with their clients, there’s always a bit of risk involved. With the hands-on nature of the job, it’s crucial for stylists to stay alert and cautious to avoid accidents.

But hey, even the best of the best can occasionally miss a step or have an off day.

Color Mishaps & Chemical Blunders

Color treatments are a staple in the hair world. When everything goes right, clients walk out rocking gorgeous shades. But when it goes sideways, yikes! Even the most careful stylists can mix up a formula or apply it wrong, leaving the client with a not-so-fabulous look or even damaged hair. And guess who’s on the hook for fixing it? Yep, the stylist.

Snipping Mistakes or Styling Letdowns

A client’s happiness often depends on whether their hair dreams come true. If a stylist misinterprets what they want or makes a cutting mistake, it can quickly turn into a frustrating "What did you do to my hair?!" moment. Nobody wants that, but sometimes it happens, and the stylist might have to make amends.

Burns From Hot Tools

Hairstyling involves a variety of heat-based tools, from curling irons to straighteners. While these are essential for many styles, one wrong move can result in burns. Whether it’s a slip with a flat iron or an overly hot curler, a client could suffer painful burns, especially on sensitive areas like the face. In such cases, the stylist might be on the hook for medical bills, recovery costs, and more.

Hair Damage or Loss

Despite using quality products and techniques, sometimes a client’s hair reacts unpredictably. Chemical treatments, heat, or certain products can lead to damage or even hair loss. This type of outcome can be distressing and, in severe cases, irreversible, leaving the client upset and the stylist liable.

Cuts & Scrapes

Even the most skilled stylists can have an off moment, and a small slip with the scissors can result in a nick or cut. (Things happen!) Since stylists work so close to the face, any injury can be serious and may require medical care, putting the stylist in a tricky situation.

The General Side of Liability: General Liability Risks All Stylists Face

Professional mishaps aren’t the only thing that can lead to liability claims for hairstylists—far from it! General liability claims cover those everyday risks that could pop up in just about any business, not just salons. Often referred to as slip-and-fall claims, these incidents are pretty common across the board.

Slip ‘n’ Fall Injuries Onsite

Hair salons can get slippery—think water splashes from the wash station or hair clippings that haven’t been swept up yet. If a client takes a tumble and gets hurt, they might hold you responsible for their medical expenses, whether it’s a sprained ankle or something more serious like a broken bone. These kinds of accidents can add up quickly in costs, going beyond just the doctor’s bills.

Allergic Reactions

Clients might have unexpected reactions to a product, cleaning agent, or even an air freshener in your salon. These could range from mild skin irritation to more severe issues like difficulty breathing or sinus irritation, depending on how sensitive the client is.

Chemical Burns

Using products like bleach or dye requires precision. If applied incorrectly, they can cause chemical burns on the scalp, neck, or face, leading to discomfort, hair loss, or even permanent scarring. That’s why handling these powerful products with care is a must. Even so, accidents and unfortunate events can happen!

Breathing Issues

Aerosol products like hairspray can sometimes trigger breathing difficulties or asphyxiation in sensitive clients. This isn’t something a client can always warn you about ahead of time – they may not know about the issue before it happens. It’s a common issue in salons, and if a client reacts badly to your favorite spray, it can quickly become a major liability.

Staying vigilant and ready for these potential issues can help keep both you and your clients safe!

Advertising & Non-Physical Personal Claims to Know About

Let’s dive into some of the non-physical liability claims we've encountered over the years. Advertising injury claims deal with intangible harm, like false advertising, copyright infringement, or misleading endorsements.

Picture this: You promote a hair growth serum, hyping it up as a miracle cure that will transform everyone’s hair. You claim it will noticeably thicken hair and bring back that luscious volume. But here’s the catch—this so-called miracle product doesn’t deliver. Customers, feeling duped by the false promises, could hold you accountable for deceptive advertising.

False advertising isn’t the only type of advertising liability out there, but it’s definitely one of the most common issues we’ve seen.

Another type of claim to be aware of? Personal injury. This isn’t about physical harm, though. This kind of claim is all about emotional or reputational damage. 

Personal injury claims can stem from things like psychological distress or harm to someone’s reputation, such as libel, slander, or false accusations.

Let’s run through a hypothetical to really drive this point home.

Monica runs the social media for her super successful salon. She’s worried about her rival salon across town. She decides to add a little drama to the online world and accuse that rival salon of something awful – mishandling chemicals! That’s a big deal (and totally false). If the rival salon wants, they could go after Monica for slander or libel because those accusations could hurt their business!

Your Hairstylist Risk? Consider it Covered with Elite Beauty Society

It’s true – a lot can happen in the world of hairstyling, no matter how talented or careful you are. The good news? You don’t have to flip about risk. That’s why we’re here.

Elite Beauty Society has your back with comprehensive liability insurance tailored just for hair care pros. Our plans are designed to cover a variety of scenarios, giving you peace of mind as you work your magic.

We’re here to make sure you shine! Whether you’re a cosmetologist, esthetician, nail tech, barber, makeup artist, or any other beauty pro, we’re all about helping you thrive. At Elite Beauty Society, we’re passionate about supporting the unique needs of our beauty community, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of your journey.

EBS started with one goal: protecting cosmetologists with professional liability coverage. Over the years, we’ve expanded into so much more—offering tools, tips, and resources to empower beauty professionals at every stage of their careers.

Through it all, we’ve got your back. We’re here to celebrate your wins and provide support during challenges because we believe in the amazing work you do.