Burnt scalp from hair relaxer

[charlenejohnson]

Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice. I had a relaxer put on my hair yesterday and it was tingling and I begged them to wash it off as it was really uncomfortable. When they were washing it off it was really sore in places. Today I have got lots of patches of itchy scabby sections on my head and in the front hair line it is really red and painful. I don't know what to do and I am getting really upset as it is sore. I have had relaxers done before and never had this problem! Really worried as it also appears the hair has been burnt and broken off at the root in places!

 

[JoJo1980]

Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice. I had a relaxer put on my hair yesterday and it was tingling and I begged them to wash it off as it was really uncomfortable. When they were washing it off it was really sore in places. Today I have got lots of patches of itchy scabby sections on my head and in the front hair line it is really red and painful. I don't know what to do and I am getting really upset as it is sore. I have had relaxers done before and never had this problem! Really worried as it also appears the hair has been burnt and broken off at the root in places!

Im no relaxer expert, dont like them personally, but it was my understanding that they wernt actually sypposed to touch the scalp....???
Get back to the salon you had it done in. Pronto!!! xxx

 

[charlenejohnson]

Thanks for the reply. Just got to pluck up the courage to go back in and complain, I really hate confrontation. I just hope that this isn't going to cause an ongoing scalp complaint and that my scalp just heals quickly and the hair recovers, as my hair takes ages to grow Devastated isn't the word! I just wish I had never had it done.

 

[charlenejohnson]

uploaded pictures of my hair following relaxer treatment. These are just a handful of pictures, there are many more which I had my partner take, as I can't see the back and top of my head. It looks like hair has been burnt away completely in areas. Do you think this will require medical treatment, or it there something I can do to treat it? Many thanks

 

[brittone05]

Did you have this done at a salon hun? I would certainly speak to a doctor, inform the salon ( show them pics ) and would consider seeking legal advice as I am pretty sur you shouldn't be burnt like that xxx

 

[charlenejohnson]

Hiya, yes I did have this done at a salon on Friday. The burning feeling isn't so bad today, but the scalp is still weeping in areas and very very itchy! I am a hair professional and know it shouldn't be like this. I hadn't really thought about the legal side of things, just desperate to see if there is something I can do, or a medical professional can prescribe to get this sorted. The salon has an email address and I was thinking of emailing and attaching all the photos and then seeing the doctor on Monday morning. The salon opens on Tuesday so it gives them a bit of time to get back to me about the situation before I then go and see them.

 

[brittone05]

I would certailny document your burns hun as thoroughly as possible - forward the pics via email so you have a record of them being shown to the salon. See your doc and consider seeing a solicitor - this is a salon, they are supposed to be professionals and shouldn't have burnt you like this.

I am not a hair pro and have never used relaxers but the burns are clearly not what should happen to you.

Keep us up t date hun xxx

 

[charlenejohnson]

Just to update.....I saw the doctor and he has prescribed a cream to apply daily, as well as put me on a course of antibiotics to help with the infection that has already established itself! My doctor was horrified and has also strongly suggested legal action. I am in the industry and really don't like the whole compensation culture that seems to be rife at the moment, but on the other hand I have been told I am now going to be needing frequent appointments with the trichologist and it is likely that there will be ongoing issues. My hair has always been my pride and joy and of course is on display when I see clients. I am already trying to find ways to hide my hair line where the more obvious burns are. I have contacted the salon this morning and so far no response, which simply makes me furious!

 

[FlawlessBeauty]

Oh that looks horrible. You poor thing.

I can understand that you might not feel comfortable taking this to a solicitor, but you are obviously not making this up and will need ongoing treatment. I also think that it should definitely be brought to the owner's attention. The salon can't get away with this and someone else could have the treatment after you and receive even worse burning or other reactions. Something has gone very wrong.

I would insist on speaking to the owner, possibly in person. For them to not even have contacted you is unbelievable. I'd feel annoyed that they hadn't even apologised.

Did you ask your hairdresser about this before you left the salon?

Possibly head bands and make-up might hide it whilst you are at work, but i'd check first if they are ok to be covered xx

(Just wanted to add, that for some reason your first post didn't show when i wrote this and i now see that you did tell the hairdresser)

 

[Crystal colleen]

I'm horrified by what has happened to you.I think you should defiantly seek legal advice as this is a major situation that you have endured.I just can't believe it.

I would defo go and see the salon in person and show them what has happened it's disgusting that they have not replied to your emails so unprofessional.

I really hope that you get this resolved and your scalp and hair make a progressive recovery.xxx

 

[BBH Salon]

Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice. I had a relaxer put on my hair yesterday and it was tingling and I begged them to wash it off as it was really uncomfortable. When they were washing it off it was really sore in places. Today I have got lots of patches of itchy scabby sections on my head and in the front hair line it is really red and painful. I don't know what to do and I am getting really upset as it is sore. I have had relaxers done before and never had this problem! Really worried as it also appears the hair has been burnt and broken off at the root in places!

WOW! OMG OMG OMG! Sorry but what was that person thinking?

Ok essay here haha:

Relaxers are specialist services that MUST be done by educated and trained professionals. It contains a chemical called Sodium Thioglycolate, and Ammonium Hydroxide, they are put in, relaxers, hair removal creams, OVEN CLEANER, TOILET BLEACH and the stuff they clear BLOOD up with on roads from a car crash. It’s dangerous stuff, and WILL burn you.

First thing, relaxers should NEVER touch the scalp and the hairline should be left to last as it relaxes very quickly. The chemical should be applied quickly and efficiently, and then rinsed as soon as 10-15 minutes has passed, NO LONGER.

She has left it on way too long and thus made you burn and damage your hair, please seek legal action or who knows who else she can do this to? It only takes one person to change a situation.

The hair follicle will be dead now, and you will need plenty of treatments and maybe surgery to correct the damage, chemical burns don’t just burn the scalp, they burn under the skin. I feel so sorry for you, I honestly do. I paid to take a course on relaxing as this is something I feel I needed educating on. College's these days don’t teach this service and its up to the hair-stylist to pay for furthered education on this. Please feel free to PM me if you need any more advice.

 

[lucelasticx]

The hair follicle will be dead now, and you will need plenty of treatments and maybe surgery to correct the damage, [/FONT][/COLOR]

I appreciate you are trying to give good advise but i dont see how you can know that the hair follicle will be dead!
Are you qualified to state this , are you a trichologist or a dermatologist , have you seen this scalp in person and studied it.
My thinking is NO so with utmost respect this advice could make a bad situation worse by making the OP majorly stress ( which can cause hair loss of it's own) .

My advise would be for the OP to go back to the DR's and ask to see a dermatologist and in the mean time find a reputatable trichologist in their area and see them immediately . Not only will these appointments ensure you are doing everything within your power to heal , it also helps document your injuries with specialists which will help if you decide to proceed down the legal route.

 

[BBH Salon]

I appreciate you are trying to give good advise but i dont see how you can know that the hair follicle will be dead!
Are you qualified to state this , are you a trichologist or a dermatologist , have you seen this scalp in person and studied it.
My thinking is NO so with utmost respect this advice could make a bad situation worse by making the OP majorly stress ( which can cause hair loss of it's own) .

My advise would be for the OP to go back to the DR's and ask to see a dermatologist and in the mean time find a reputatable trichologist in their area and see them immediately . Not only will these appointments ensure you are doing everything within your power to heal , it also helps document your injuries with specialists which will help if you decide to proceed down the legal route.

Ok so maybe I was a bit too over the top, but I felt so sorry for this woman, it was a real pity to see this happen when I know people out there train to do this thing. Im currently training to become a trichologist, so if the lady goes onto the National Institute of trichologist and types in her post-code she will find a registered member of the Institute. Again I apologize if I caused any distress.

 

[Maverick001]

Hi Charlene,

I work for Maverick TV, the company behind Embarrassing Bodies & How To Look Good Naked. We are currently making a new programme looking for people who have had beauty treatments that have gone wrong. In the programme we have some of the country’s leading specialists on hand to help fix any treatment that had gone wrong, whilst at the same time being on hand to advise as well.

We're looking for people who have suffered a recent bad hair cut and colour job and would like it correcting and would love to speak to you and get you into see our hair expert and get you sorted.

You can contact me on the following number 0207 874 6645 or email me at [email protected] or [email protected]


Kind Regards,

Simon.

 

[charlenejohnson]

Many thanks to everyone for their advice. I contacted my doctor and in turn a trichologist who I am now seeing. The damage isn't permanent however the healing time will be lengthy and I will require specialist products and treatments to repair the damage to my scalp. Being in the industry it's my job to look good and I feel that this salon should be held to account. I have given them the opportunity to put forward a proposal with regards to covering all the costs associated with a trichologist and I eagerly await their response. To be fair I think an apology would be a start.

Maverick- With the utmost respect intended I feel there is enough scaremongering by the media with relation to the hair and beauty industry. I would therefore not be interested in participating.

 

[chichi17]

Many thanks to everyone for their advice. I contacted my doctor and in turn a trichologist who I am now seeing. The damage isn't permanent however the healing time will be lengthy and I will require specialist products and treatments to repair the damage to my scalp. Being in the industry it's my job to look good and I feel that this salon should be held to account. I have given them the opportunity to put forward a proposal with regards to covering all the costs associated with a trichologist and I eagerly await their response. To be fair I think an apology would be a start.

I know somebody who had the exact same thing happen to them!
Apparently, they're supposed to coat your scalp in vaseline before doing it and it does look like they've kept it on too long.
She had to go to the doctors for antibiotics and was told not to wash her hair for a week. I'm so glad the damage isn't permanent though!