Specialist evidence on hair and scalp injury
When a case turns on what happened to someone’s hair or scalp, the court needs evidence from someone who examines hair and scalps every working day. I provide independent trichological opinion on the cause, extent and likely outcome of hair loss, hair damage and scalp injury.
I work with solicitors on hairdressing and salon claims, personal injury and product liability cases. My reports explain the trichological findings in plain English, set out the reasons for my opinion, and are clear about the limits of the evidence.
I accept instructions only through a solicitor, acting for either party. If you’re a claimant considering a case, you’re welcome to arrange a brief phone call with me first, so I can say whether I agree you have a case before a solicitor instructs me.
At a glance
- Consultant trichologist, registered with the Institute of Trichologists (no. 10060), a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority
- Member of The Academy of Experts (no. 4101)
- Over 25 years in clinical trichology, trained at the Philip Kingsley clinic and with Glenn Lyons
- Reports prepared in line with CPR Part 35 and its Practice Direction
- Fully insured for trichological and expert witness work
- Featured in Your Expert Witness magazine
Cases I can help with
Typical instructions involve one or more of the following. If your case concerns hair or scalp findings and you’re unsure whether it falls within my expertise, ask me before instructing.
Hairdressing and salon negligence
Breakage, over-processing and scalp burns after bleaching, colouring, relaxers, perms or straightening treatments.
Chemical burns and scalp injury
Scalp burns, blistering and scarring, and whether the hair is likely to grow back in the affected area.
Hair dye reactions
The effects on the hair and scalp after a reaction to hair dye, and the likely course of recovery.
Hair extensions and traction damage
Traction alopecia, breakage and hair loss linked to extensions, weaves, braids or tight styling.
Personal injury
Hair loss or scalp scarring after an accident, burn or trauma, and the long-term outlook.
Product liability
Whether a shampoo, treatment or home-use product is likely to have caused the hair or scalp damage claimed.
How instruction works
From first enquiry to final report.
1
Initial enquiry
Send a short outline of the case. I’ll check for conflicts, confirm whether it falls within my expertise, and agree the scope, timescale and fees before anything is instructed.
2
Instruction and documents
A letter of instruction with the questions you want answered, plus relevant records: medical notes, photographs, salon records and product details.
3
Examination
I examine the hair and scalp in my clinic in Forest Row, East Sussex, and record photographs where relevant. In some cases a remote consultation is possible, where the photographic evidence is acceptable.
4
Report
A clear, reasoned report in line with CPR Part 35, with a statement of truth. I answer written questions on the report, and attend joint meetings or court as required.
What my reports cover
- Relevant history from the records and the person examined
- Examination findings, with photographs where relevant
- The type of hair loss or damage, and its most likely cause
- Whether the findings are consistent with the events described
- Whether the damage is temporary or permanent, and the likely time for regrowth
- Recommended treatment and management going forward
Independent and impartial
An expert’s overriding duty is to help the court on matters within their expertise, not to exclusively support the party paying for the report. I give the same opinion whoever instructs me.
I stay within the limits of trichology. Where a question needs a doctor, a dermatologist or a hairdressing practice expert, I say so, and I’m clear about any gaps or uncertainty in the evidence.
About the expert: Shuna Hammocks
I’m a consultant trichologist with more than 25 years of clinical experience. I trained at the Philip Kingsley clinic in London from 1999, working in its laboratory and then as a consulting trichologist, and have run my own Sussex practice since 2011.
Alongside my clinical work I have lectured to hairdressing students, which gives me a practical understanding of salon processes and where they go wrong, and I have worked with cosmetic scientists. I see children and adults, and hold a current DBS check.
Questions from solicitors
If yours isn’t here, get in touch and I’ll come back to you.
Do you prepare CPR Part 35 reports?
Yes. Reports are prepared in line with CPR Part 35 and its Practice Direction, and include a statement of truth and a declaration of my duty to the court.
Who do you accept instructions from?
Only from solicitors, acting for either party. If you’re a claimant thinking about a case, you’re welcome to arrange a brief phone call with me first, so I can say whether I agree you have a case.
How quickly can you produce a report?
My typical turnaround is 28 days. I’ll confirm the timescale for your case before you instruct me.
Do you need to examine the claimant in person?
An in-person examination at my clinic in Forest Row, East Sussex, gives the most reliable evidence. Remote assessment is suitable in some cases, where the photographic evidence is acceptable.
Can you comment on whether the hairdresser was negligent?
I comment on the hair and scalp findings and their most likely cause. Whether a salon procedure fell below an acceptable standard may also need a hairdressing practice expert, and I’ll tell you if I think that’s the case.
Are you insured?
Yes, I’m fully insured for trichological and expert witness work.
Instructing a trichologist expert witness
Send a brief outline of the case and the questions you need answered. I’ll confirm whether I can help, and the scope, timescale and fees, before you instruct me.
Send your enquiry through the contact form with “Expert witness enquiry” as the subject. I’ll reply by email.