Eyebrow treatments top list of beauty salon blunders

Big brows might be the must-have look but the trend is also fuelling the majority of beauty treatment mishaps, data has revealed.

More tan a quarter (28%) of claims made against salons by injured customers are due to eyebrow and eyelash tints gone wrong, according to data from insurer Zurich UK.

The craze for microblading, a semi-permanent tattoo that creates the appearance of fuller brows, was also behind a further one in 10 (9%) claims, Zurich found.

Gone are the days of skinny brows, with the hashtag #bigbrows clocking up more than 44 million ⁽¹⁾ views on TikTok alone.

But the trend is not without its hazards, as both tinting and microblading can trigger allergic reactions resulting in redness, swelling and even difficulties breathing.

Zurich is urging salons and their customers to insist on patch tests before treatments, to help detect potential adverse skin reactions and prevent injuries.

Clare Mitchell, Zurich’s Head of Public Liability Claims, said:

“With big, fluffy brows on trend, eyebrow treatments are more popular than ever. While allergic reactions are rare, consumers should be aware of the potential complications and how they can be avoided. A patch test is the best way of checking whether you might be allergic to a product before using it. Even if you’re in a rush, passing on a patch test is not worth the potential consequences.”

As people head to salons for pre-holiday pampering, Zurich highlighted other popular treatments behind the most injury claims.

• Nail treatments, including manicures and pedicures, made up nearly a fifth (17%) of pay outs for injuries ranging from allergic reactions to fungal infections.
• Hair and eyelash extensions were behind 15% of salon claims, including reports of hair loss.
• Although responsible for fewer than one in 10 (7%) injuries, claims for laser hair removal are on the up, as consumers move away from waxing.
• Laser treatments also caused the most serious injuries, with average claims of £6,600.
• Overall, beauty treatment claims amounted to £2,400 on average.

Mitchell added:

“While the vast majority of salons follow good practice, accidents can happen. From harsh chemicals to hot wax, salons are full of potential hazards which can lead to more than just a bad hair day.

“You can reduce the risk of injury by researching the provider and treatment, before making a booking. It’s a good idea to check the salon’s website for customer reviews and ensure practitioners are appropriately trained and insured.

“Accidents in the salon are not just disastrous for customers but can leave businesses in a precarious financial and legal position. If a customer suffers an injury, small firms may not have the funds to cover a large and unexpected bill, which is why it pays to have the right cover in place. It’s also important salons and practitioners comply with policy terms and conditions when they carry out treatments.”

Five tips to stay salon safe this summer

• Always visit a reputable and accredited salon, with qualified practitioners and appropriate insurance cover. It’s important salon owners have the right liability cover in place, to protect clients and their business.
• Avoid cheap treatments which may be too good to be true.
• Do your research by checking online for customer reviews.
• Carry out a patch test in advance of first-time treatments, and repeat regularly in case products change.
• Avoid last-minute treatments before a holiday, when you might be tempted to skip patch testing.

Notes to editors

⁽¹⁾ 44 million views as of Friday 22 July