Wong Cheuk-lam says he was so upset when his scalp turned red, while having his hair dyed dark blue, that he could not sleep, meet other people or conduct make-up classes as part of his work.
Now the marketing manager is suing the Natural Hair Treatment Centre in Yau Ma Tei for $120,000, claiming it negligently caused chemical damage to his scalp.
The plaintiff's barrister told the District Court the salon was negligent because it applied an incorrectly diluted bleach solution to Mr Wong's hair and failed to take precautions against the risks of applying such chemicals.
The barrister said salon staff also failed to test the product on a small area of skin or take proper action when Mr Wong complained of pain.
Mr Wong, 32, said he had his hair dyed brown at the salon on November 17, 2002, paying $200 for the dye, which was then applied free of charge.
Unhappy with the colour, he returned two days later to have his hair re-dyed dark blue.