MANY people are familiar with that sinking feeling that comes with glancing in the hairdresser’s mirror and hating what you see.
Air hostess Donna Smith has won £9,000 damages after her haircut left her locks in such terrible shape she had to cut crop them and buy a wig.
So what can you do if it happens to you? The answer is quite a lot.
Citizen’s Advice explains that if you’ve paid a company for a service and the right level of care isn’t taken you can either ask for money off or for them to do it again.
This stands if it’s a haircut you’re unhappy with.
The steps to take
To comply with the law, you have to give the firm a chance to make good on the cut if they can.
However, if that would take them too long, it’s an impossible request or will doesn’t fit into your routine then you can ask for a discount.
One important thing to note is that if you told them you were happy with the style at first but then complain, you have no legal rights so it’s always best to speak up.
What to say
The law to quote is the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
That states that services have to be provided with “care and skill”, so state why your haircut isn’t up to scratch.
After that, ask them for a restyle or discount.
Agree a time to have your hair fixed, or start discussing what a reasonable reduction on what you were charged might be.
If that doesn’t work
You might need to use an alternative dispute resolution scheme to try to come to an agreement.
It could be that the salon is already in one, so always ask as the first port of call.
These are good because they can help settle issues without the need for court intervention.
If the hairdresser isn’t a member of one you can choose one on your own and ask for help.
It’s worth doing as it’s seen as a plus if things do end up in court.
Then it’s time to talk compensation. You can claim if the haircut had to be fixed by someone else or you can just ask the salon to pay some.
Check how you paid
Credit cards have a level of cover with them, so if you used one to pay get in touch with your provider.
You can do something called a chargeback claim, which should help you recoup some cash.
Also remember
The easiest course of action if you’ve had a bad haircut is to tell your stylist right there and then and tell them you don’t think it’s fair you pay until you’re happy.
Explain how what you’ve been given is different to what you requested and ask for it to be fixed.
If you don’t trust the stylist, ask for someone else to have a go.
Evidence
You’ll always have to prove that the service you received was below par, so document it.
That means taking photos of exactly what the problem is – take shots of your hair from all angles.
They are especially important if you need to prove your case in court.
Speak up
The best way to guard against a bad do is to be very clear about what you want.
Take photos of your desired end result with you and if you’re worried about what your stylist is doing make sure you let them know.
Hairdressers need guidance to make you happy, so offer it.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking everything safe just because you’re at home either.
One pregnant woman suffered an allergic reaction she claims from hair dye which was so severe she feared she’d stop breathing.
