A Manchester beauty entrepreneur has launched a high-stakes legal battle against cosmetics behemoth L'Oréal, alleging their professional hair colour products caused significant harm to her clients' hair and scalps.
Marta Tumpach, owner of the successful Lash and Brow Bar in Manchester, claims she was forced to close her hair colouring services after multiple clients experienced severe reactions to L'Oréal's Dia Richesse and Dia Light products. The alleged incidents occurred between 2016 and 2019, with some clients reportedly suffering chemical burns, extreme hair breakage, and substantial hair loss.
The Turning Point That Sparked Legal Action
The situation reached a critical moment when a regular client, who had previously used the same colour formula without issue, experienced what Tumpach describes as "the worst reaction I've ever seen." The client's scalp reportedly developed severe burns and blisters, with her hair breaking off dramatically during the colouring process.
"I was absolutely horrified," Tumpach stated. "This was a loyal client who'd had the same colour many times before. To see her scalp burning and hair breaking off was devastating - both for her and for my professional reputation."
From Business Boom to Courtroom Drama
Before the alleged incidents, Tumpach's salon had built an excellent reputation, with hair colouring becoming a significant part of her business. However, after multiple complaints and what she describes as inadequate responses from L'Oréal, she made the difficult decision to cease all hair colouring services.
The legal claim, filed at Manchester's Civil Justice Centre, seeks substantial compensation for business losses, damage to reputation, and the emotional distress caused to both Tumpach and her affected clients.
L'Oréal's Response and Industry Implications
While L'Oréal maintains their products are safe when used correctly, this case raises important questions about product testing and consumer safety in the beauty industry. The outcome could potentially set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Beauty industry experts are watching the case closely, as it highlights the complex relationship between major cosmetics corporations and the independent salons that use their products.
The case continues to develop, with both sides preparing their arguments for what promises to be a closely-watched legal showdown in the beauty world.
