Shocking pictures show how poor Charlotte’s face swelled up – leaving her with blisters and unable to open her eyes for five days. Now 21, mum-of-one Charlotte is using her traumatic experience to warn others about the dangers of hair dye.

The brave parent said she had been left emotionally scarred by the dying fiasco and added that all home dye users should carry out a simple patch skin test – which would have revealed her allergic reaction.

Charlotte, of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, has received a £2000 payout and the owner of the salon responsible has been told to stump up the £18,000 for her legal bill after initially defending the case.

She took legal action against the store which agreed to pay £30,000 compensation in an out of court settlement. The retired mother-of two plans to use the money to pay for medical bills while she undergoes surgery.

She said: “The fall has really had an effect on my life. I’m now restricted as to what I can do. I’m really glad to get the compensation money.”

Louise Hart, who represented Mrs Plummer, said the issue of damages has been “hotly contested” for three years. She said: “The injury was so severe that Mrs Plummer will need to undergo a shoulder replacement operation. It has taken three years to resolve this matter but we are pleased to have finally agreed an out-of-court settlement with Marks & Spencer. Reports on the rise of a so-called ‘compensation culture’ can distract attention from the fact that many people are injured in accidents that are not their fault”

A spokeswoman for Marks & Spencer described the safety of their customers as a “priority”. She said: “The safety of our customers is a priority for M&S and we are pleased the matter has now been resolved.”