Hair Coloring

Bad hair dye job ends up costing a painful $70

Published: Monday, 09 July 2007 04:04:13
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BONNIE THROCKMORTON

Dear Troubleshooter: Bad-hair-day here. I'm curious what you think about something that happened to me about a month ago. I went to a hair salon for a trim and came out with tears.

I was told walk-ins were fine. So I went in and waited for the person who was going to cut my hair. Because it took longer than I wanted, I asked the lady up front if I could make an appointment to come back. She was the owner and said she would do the trim.

Before I sat in the chair, she told me "You know, you get a little color." I said I wasn't interested. She continued and finally showed me the product. After an additional 10 minutes, I said, "Fine." She put the temporary dye on, rinsed it, trimmed my hair and blow dried it. It looked horrible; I couldn't even run my fingers through it. She knew I wasn't pleased.

I went to pay, and it was $105 for dye that isn't even permanent. I paid but was too in shock and couldn't dispute paying this ridiculous amount for something I didn't even like. The next day when I was calmer, I decided to go back and ask for my money - at least for the $70, the cost of the coloring.

The woman refused. She offered a gift certificate, but I didn't intend to return so that was no good. Our argument got louder and louder and she threatened to call "the law". When I got home, I called and left a message. She returned my call where I apologized for my behavior. I explained how unhappy I was with the service rendered and wanted a refund. She didn't give me a yes or no but said she was with a client and would call me back.

To this day I still haven't received a call back after leaving several messages. I still have no refund only a voice and a lot of girlfriends. So my question is this, do you think I deserve my $70? - Bad-Hair-Day

Though I am a consumer advocate, my goal is - and always has been - fairness in the marketplace. According to your letter, the salon owner repeatedly tried to get you to purchase the temporary hair color; you repeatedly declined, then finally acquiesced. So we'll agree, the decision was yours.

Because you gave in, I suspect you're as angry at yourself as you are the owner. Furthermore, by your own admission, a very unpleasant scene occurred at the salon; so bad, you felt the need to apologize. The owner's behavior was also highly inappropriate.

Having said all that, the salon owner's reputation is on the line every time a client leaves the shop, especially if that client is very unhappy. Remember, you are a walking advertisement for her skills or lack thereof. Given your complete dissatisfaction, in my opinion, a refund for the $70 color charge would have been appropriate.

However, the way the situation degenerated, you'll probably have to chalk this one up as a tough, learning experience.

Source: Jacksonville Daily News