Insights from the Experts at The Hair Society

You didn’t open a hair salon because you dreamed of workers’ comp claims, client lawsuits, and risk management guides. You did it for the love of hair, the thrill of transformation, and maybe a little gossip in between. But the reality? Salon life comes with hazards that can take your business from glam to grim in an instant.

At The Hair Society, we’ve seen it all—burns, slips, rogue scissors, and yes, those devilish little hair splinters that lodge themselves under your skin like they’ve got a vendetta. So we’ve rounded up the most common injuries and insurance claims salon owners face, with our pro tips on how to prevent them. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll thank us later.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

The Accidental Floor Routine No One Signed Up For

The Injury

Wet floors, rogue hair clippings, spilled shampoo bottles… your salon floor can become an ice rink faster than you can say “keratin treatment.” And let’s face it, most of us aren’t Olympic skaters.

Common Insurance Claims

  • General Liability: Client down? Get ready for potential claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and new shoes.
  • Workers’ Compensation: An employee slips, and it’s your premiums that take a nosedive.

Pro Tips (Trust Us on These):

✅ Clean as You Go: Hair on the floor isn’t a fashion statement. Sweep and mop throughout the day.
✅ Non-Slip Mats: Invest in quality mats—think of them as stylish rugs with superpowers.
✅ Cable Management: Blow dryer cords are not hurdles in a track meet. Keep them secured and tucked away.
✅ Mandatory Non-Slip Footwear: Sorry, but Crocs and flip-flops don’t make the cut.

2. Cuts and Puncture Wounds

“It’s just a scratch,” said every stylist before realizing they needed stitches.

The Injury

You work with shears, razors, and clippers all day. You’re basically a highly skilled ninja with scissors. But even ninjas slip up—usually when the salon’s playlist gets too good.

Common Insurance Claims

  • Workers’ Comp: Employee cuts a finger? Time off, medical bills, and paperwork no one likes to fill out.
  • Professional Liability: Accidentally snip a client? Welcome to the wonderful world of claims.

Pro Tips (You Can’t Afford to Skip These):

✅ Sharp Tools = Safe Tools: Dull blades catch and slip. Keep them sharp, like your style.
✅ Two Hands on Deck: Focus when cutting. Save the chatting for later—unless it’s about how fabulous they look.
✅ First Aid Station Ready: Band-Aids, antiseptic, the works—because improvising with tissue paper isn’t a vibe.

3. Hair Splinters

You thought paper cuts hurt? Meet your new nemesis: The Hair Splinter.

The Injury

Those tiny, freshly cut hair fragments aren’t just innocent little trimmings. They are weaponized shards that will burrow into your fingers, hands, and anywhere else they can. They sting, they get infected, and they make you question your career choices for a hot minute.

Common Insurance Claims

  • Workers’ Compensation: Hair splinters that lead to infections (hello, antibiotics and time off) can become a bigger deal than you think.

Pro Tips (Your Skin Will Thank You):

✅ Gloves Aren’t Just for Color: Rock those fingerless gloves when cutting short hair or doing clipper work.
✅ Exfoliate Regularly: Keep skin smooth to prevent fragments from sticking. No, we’re not kidding.
✅ Tweezers on Hand: Splinter? Remove it ASAP. Don’t let it settle in like an unwanted houseguest.
✅ Keep Cuts Moisturized: Dry skin = more entry points. A little lotion goes a long way.

4. Burns from Hot Tools

When “too hot to handle” gets way too literal.

The Injury

Curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, and even wax pots—salons are a burn hazard waiting to happen. Whether it’s an employee’s wrist or a client’s ear, things heat up quick.

Common Insurance Claims

  • Professional Liability: Burn a client? That can result in a hefty claim (and possibly a one-star review).
  • Workers’ Comp: Employees who get burned may need time off for recovery—and that’s your responsibility.

Pro Tips (So You’re Not Putting Out Fires):

✅ Temperature Control: Use the lowest heat setting that gets the job done.
✅ Tool Holders: Don’t rest hot irons on towels or counters. Invest in heat-resistant stands.
✅ Protective Gear: Heat-resistant gloves are chic, practical, and your best defense.
✅ Heads Up!: Warn your clients when you’re working close. A little communication saves a lot of drama.

5. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

Your hands are your money-makers. Treat them like royalty.

The Injury

Carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and lower back pain—these are the battle scars of a career behind the chair. Repetitive motions and long hours take their toll.

Common Insurance Claims

  • Workers’ Comp: Chronic conditions mean medical care and potential time away from work. Not to mention, higher premiums.

Pro Tips (For Longevity in the Biz):

✅ Ergonomic Everything: Chairs, shears, and blow dryers that are designed to keep your body happy.
✅ Micro-Breaks Matter: Stretch your hands, shoulders, and neck every hour. Yes, every hour.
✅ Rotate Your Duties: Don’t stand in one place all day. Switch it up!
✅ Massage & Physical Therapy: These aren’t luxuries—they’re necessary maintenance.

6. Chemical Exposure & Allergic Reactions

This isn’t Breaking Bad, but it’s still a chemistry lab.

The Injury

Hair dye, bleach, perms, and keratin treatments all contain potent chemicals. They can irritate skin, trigger allergic reactions, and cause respiratory issues if you’re not careful.

Common Insurance Claims

  • Professional Liability: If a client reacts badly and you didn’t follow protocols, you’re in hot water.
  • Workers’ Comp: Employees who develop contact dermatitis or respiratory problems can file claims.

Pro Tips (Your Nose and Skin Will Love You):

✅ Patch Tests Are a Must: Don’t skip them, even if your client “has never had a problem before.”
✅ Ventilate Like a Pro: Air circulation is everything. Fans, open windows, air purifiers—get them all.
✅ Protective Gear: Gloves, masks, and aprons are your armor.
✅ Proper Storage: Chemicals go in locked cabinets, away from food, drinks, and client belongings.

7. Eye Injuries

No, you’re not in a wind tunnel. It just feels that way.

The Injury

From stray hair particles to flying dye droplets, the eyes are constantly under attack in a salon environment. One wrong move with the blow dryer or a splash of bleach and it’s game over.

Common Insurance Claims

  • Professional Liability: If a client gets an eye injury, you’re looking at potential claims.
  • Workers’ Comp: Employees aren’t immune. A chemical splash could sideline them for days.

Pro Tips (Because Eyepatches Aren’t a Trend… Yet):

✅ Protective Eyewear: When mixing chemicals or using high-speed dryers, goggles are a smart move.
✅ Aim with Care: Spray products away from faces. Clients like volume, not eye drops.
✅ Eye Wash Stations: Accessible and ready to use at a moment’s notice.

8. Client Property Damage or Loss

The $2,000 handbag you just splashed bleach on isn’t going to clean itself.

The Issue

Lost jewelry, stained designer bags, cracked phone screens—you name it, we’ve seen it. Accidents happen, but they can be costly.

Common Insurance Claims

  • General Liability: If a client’s property gets damaged while in your salon, expect a claim.

Pro Tips (Save Yourself the Headache):

✅ Secure Storage Options: Provide cubbies, lockers, or safe places for personal belongings.
✅ Clear the Decks: No dye bowls near handbags. No scissors near cell phones.
✅ Post Disclaimers: Make your policy on personal property clear, but stay helpful and courteous when things go sideways.

The Hair Society’s Takeaway: Safety is Sexy (and Smart)

Building a successful salon is about more than style—it’s about safety. When you minimize risks and stay proactive, you protect your team, your clients, and your business. And hey, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of paperwork.

At The Hair Society, we’re here to help you create a salon that’s not just stunning but safe. We offer coaching, training, and resources designed specifically for salon owners who want to work smarter, not harder.

Want to bulletproof your business?
Join The Hair Society and get access to expert guidance, safety protocols, and risk management strategies that’ll make your salon safer—and more successful—than ever.