Teenager sues L'Oreal after hair dye left her with 'severe burns and ears swollen to 3 times their normal size'

Crystal Atkinson, 19, claims that her L'Oreal hair dye gave her burns that were so severe the pain has prevented her from picking up her baby and even leaving the house.

The distraught mother-of-one had the Garnier Nutrisse chestnut brown hair dye applied by a mobile hairdresser - days later she was writhing in agony as a painful rash spread across her body and burns appeared on her face neck and scalp.

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Miss Atkinson, of Darwen, Lancashire, said: "I have chemical burns on both sides of my face, between my neck and half my scalp, behind my ears and a rash all over my body.

"I haven't been able to go out or hold my baby because my skin is peeling off and there's pus leaking out of my face.

"The pain is unbearable and it looks disgusting.

"My Christmas and New Year has been totally ruined by this.

"This product needs banning from the shelves so nobody else has to go though what I have.

"I went to one hairdresser and she said that in her 40 year experience she's never seen anything like it."

Miss Atkinson claimed she had the allergic response even though there was no reaction to the skin allergy test she carried out 48 hours before using the product.

She has now hired a solicitor and is seeking compensation for the mental anguish and emotional distress it has caused.

She has been to see her doctor and been given a course of antibiotics after being diagnosed with chemical burns.

Hairdresser Debbie Simpson, who applied the dye and has been working for five years, said: "It's shaken me up.

"I certainly won't buy a box colour again. It's made me frightened of doing my job. I don't know how this could have happened."

Nick Molyneux, associate partner at Farleys Solicitors, hired by Miss Atkinson, confirmed he was representing the young mother.

He said: "After initial discussions, Farleys has been instructed to act on Miss Atkinson's behalf.

"We are currently in the process of formulating our client's case and are not making any further comment at this time, so as not to prejudice her position."

A L'Oreal spokesperson said they had contacted Miss Atkinson to offer support and medical help.

"Allergies to hair colorants are extremely rare but can occur for a very small number of people," she added.

"That's why it's vital that people using hair colorants are informed of the risks and know the importance of carrying out a skin allergy test 48 hours before using the colorant."

The spokeperson explained that information on how to use hair dyes safely had been placed on a special website.

"This website offers a source of clear and simple advice about colouring hair and has practical video guides on completing the skin test correctly.

"It also provides a dedicated phone line and email address for consumers to ask further questions.

"L'Oreal is totally committed to ensuring that our products are safe and can be used with absolute confidence."