Help - haird salon from hell

williacg

I visited my local hair salon for a perm, where a stylist I had not used before carried out the perm, however, the following day, all the curls had fallen out. I telephoned the shop and spoke with the stylist, and agreed to call in to actually show her, which I did, and it was agreed that I would call in again, and she would re-do the perm at a later date. A few weeks later, I called in, and she carried out the procedure, but whilst I was there, she was extremely rude, and somewhat aggressive in her manner, and I decided then and there that I would contact the manager to complain about her manner and tone. The following day, I was most annoyed to discover that the curls had fallen out yet again. Since this time, I have called the shop repeatedly, asking to either speak with the manager, or have left my number for him to call me back - I am still waiting. Can anyone offer any advice on what my next step should be, and, if there exists an independent hair institution that I could contact? I'd be most grateful for any advice.

Thanks for any help.

realised

Although I may not be much help, my next step would be to write a letter to the salon explaining everything. Send it recorded delivery also stating what you would like to be done to resolve the issue (e.g refund? vouchers towards a future hair cut?).

Also state that you would like a reply within 14 days.

Hair salons are a strange one when it comes to regulations. There is an independent hair institution (although I can't remember for the life of me what it's called!) But I also know that it's not compulsory for a hair salon to be a member which is why it doesn't have as much power as other regulators. It may be worth asking the salon if they are a member of any independent regulators. Someone i'm sure will come along with more info!

williacg

Many thanks Realised, you've more or less mirrored what I was initially thinking regarding my next step, I've been trawling the web trying to find details of a sort of hair salon ombudsmen, but to no avail, as it seems that the industry is unpoliced. At least I now know what my next step should be. Many thanks once again.

All advice is greatly appreciated.

williacg

There's one thing I failed to mention; As i said, I found the stylist to be somewhat aggressive, and I was quite intimidated by her, I am therefore somewhat worried about writing, as I do not want her to have access to my home address, re: any repurcussions, which she undoubtedly would have - any thoughts?

realised

May I ask, is the hair salon part of a big chain or was it an idependent one?

If a big chain, it may have a head office/ specific complaints address. If not, I would address the letter as private and confidential for the eyes of the salon manager/owner's eyes only.

Don't worry about repercussions at this stage. If anything should happen or you feel any more threatened, do not hestitate to contact the local police.

McKneff

Yes, if you mark your envelope F.A.O. THE MANAGER, ADDRESSEE ONLY
no one else should see it

OlliesDad

Is this the regulatory body?

williacg

The salon is an independent one, and yes, I will take all your advice, and address the letter as suggested.

Thank you all so much for your help, you've put my mind at rest somewhat, as I must admit, I was quite worried about the situation, and because I was so intimidated, was contemplating forgetting the matter, which I am loath to do, as the current cost of a perm is not cheap, and more a luxury, and it would leave a bad taste in my mouth to have wasted that amount of money.

You guys are great!

realised

I really can't remember the name of the regulatory body. I remember watching a programme on it (I think it may have been the one show?)

Good luck and keep us posted on the outcome Williacg

williacg

Thanks Realised, have started to pen my letter already, and will keep you all updated of progress.

Fingers crossed.

From Straight haired Williacg

williacg

Dear All,

Realised, McKneff and OlliesDad in particular. I just wanted to take the time to thank you all for your kind assistance, as having taken your advice, I have since received a telephone call from the Manager, who was firstly quite upset to find out how members of his staff perform in his absence, and was in fact quite grateful that I had taken the time to write to him, I suppose it did help that the letter was quite friendly and professional, but most importantly matter of fact and not offensive or overly personal. He has arranged for a full refund, and will keep me up to date on progress.

The power of the pen most defintely has a lot to be said for it.

Thanks again.:j