Solicitor acting for clients in 'allergic reactions' hair dye cases

Who? Greg Almond, 29, principal of Manchester personal injury firm Almond.

Why is he in the news? He is representing several clients who may have suffered severe allergic reactions as a result of colouring their hair with dye containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD).

Some of Almond’s clients reported an almost immediate sensation of severe burning, along with a swollen face and tongue. Others claimed more gradually developing symptoms, with damage to the hair follicles and hair loss.

The manufacturer of a certain hair dye settled with one of Almond’s clients for a ‘substantial sum’, but without admitting liability.

It is permitted to use PPD in hair dye under EU law, although it was previously banned in several European countries. Almond has now begun an e-petition and met members of parliament in a campaign to persuade the UK government to review PPD use.

Thoughts on the case: ‘The government must act quickly to protect lives. There may already have been a fatality. Tabatha Court, who was not my client, was only 17 years old when she died shortly after colouring her hair with a home dye kit. There has been a post-mortem examination and we are waiting see if there was a PPD connection.

‘In the meantime, many hairdressers are not carrying out tests on small patches of scalp before applying the dye to see if there is an allergic reaction. Also, there should be more prominent warnings on home dye kits.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I wanted to help redress injustices and take on big business.’

Career high: ‘Setting up my own firm.’

Career low: ‘Getting stuck in a rickety old lift the first time I was to appear at Greater Manchester Crown Court.’