Rise in claims of hair salon stroke syndrome

Rinsing at the backwash is a huge part of most salon experiences, however it's proving a risky areas for salons as the amount of insurance claims for hair salon stroke syndrome rise. The syndrome, also known as beauty parlour syndrome can occur when the clients head is tilted too far into a backwash for 10 minutes or more. This can lead to neck extension which restricts the flow of blood to parts of the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke or brain injury in vulnerable patients. If a client suffers loss of vision, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, nausea, vomiting or slurred speech while in your salon, you should immediately seek emergency medical care. But how do you know if a client is vulnerable to this? It's worth noting that ailments aren't always obvious. Looking at the reported cases it suggests that those who are probably most vulnerable to arterial tears caused by pressure on the neck are the over 50s, especially those with cervical arthritis, and those who smoke, who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, artery disease or diabetes. NHF chief executive said: "Unfortunately, many clients could fit this description so our advice is always to use a cushion or pad under the neck to avoid over-extending the neck, to avoid clients spending long or repeated periods of time at the backwash, to check with clients that they’re comfortable, to wash hair at an angle of no more than 20 degrees or offer a front facing wash. It's also worth checking with your insurance adviser on the cover provided by your policy in the unlikely event your salon faces a claim." If you have been accused of causing hair salon stroke syndrome then Rosie Barrington, senior client handler from HJ Direct Insurance has this advice; "Anything that occurs which might lead to a claim must be notified to the therapist's Insurance company immediately. If they are aware of a problem at the time of the treatment they should contact insurers as soon as possible to warn of the possible claim and seek advice." She continued, "With hair salon stroke syndrome the affects would probably not be apparent at the time of the treatment however. Therefore, it is likely they would receive notification of the incident in writing, possibly from their customers solicitor. This correspondence must be sent to Insurers as soon as possible and if any verbal or written response is given by the therapist e.g acknowledgement of receipt of the letter, then it should not include any admission of liability as this could affect the insurers being able to defend the claim as it progresses."