A man who suffered a stroke following a hair salon appointment has been awarded £90,000 in compensation.

Dave Tyler collapsed and was taken to hospital two days after having his hair cut in Brighton in 2011.

A consultant neurologist suspected a little-known condition known as “beauty parlour syndrome” and asked him if he’d had his hair cut recently.

It emerged that the stroke was caused by a blood clot forming in his artery after his head was pushed back to enable the stylist to wash his hair.

Mr Tyler told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s been a catastrophic life-changing injury. It’s an injury to an internal artery and you’re not aware of it at the time.

“What they could have done differently was be aware that this is something which is possible and ensure that the correct equipment is being used. The neck is a delicate part of the body.

“Hairdressers have available to them a padded cushion which you are supposed to use and a lot of them don’t. It’s a pain to use and it gets in the way, so they end up not bothering.”

The 45-year-old sound engineer, who spent time in intensive care following the stroke, was given the compensation in an out-of-court settlement with the Headmasters salon.

Rebecca Montague, a personal injury lawyer at Macks Solicitors’ Redcar office who often deals with negligence claims against hairdressers, said she has great sympathy with Mr Tyler.

“This poor man has been through a truly awful ordeal,” she said.

“Unfortunately the hairdressing industry remains largely unregulated and many members of the public and sometimes even those working in salons are unaware of the potential hazards.

“Hairdressers can work without formal qualifications or professional training, using extremely strong chemicals and dangerous methods and practices.”