Each Monday in our Cash weblog, we reply questions on your monetary issues or client disputes. This week, a reader requested what rights they’d after a foul haircut.
Reader Tim requested: “I’ve simply moved to Norwich for work and went to a brand new barber. The barber did not hear and lower means an excessive amount of on the sides. I appear to be my teenage son.
“My only option is to shave it all off which, as stupid as it sounds, is causing me stress. I just left without saying anything. What can I do, or could I have done?”
Thanks for the query, Tim – your drawback is a relatable one.
We must always begin with a recognition that hairdressing may be tough when disputes come up as there is not any written contract – so it may be onerous to show what had been requested for and agreed.
The very best recommendation is to be as particular and clear as doable. For those who’re visiting a brand new hairdresser for the primary time, it’s a good suggestion to take pictures of your earlier lower for illustrative functions.
When issues do go incorrect, there are authorized protections in place for all companies we pay for – a haircut is not any totally different.
Numerous the solutions to questions we get for Cash Issues begin with the Shopper Rights Act 2015. This says companies ought to be supplied with “reasonable care and skill or as agreed”.
If they don’t seem to be, the service supplier should put issues proper inside an inexpensive time and at their very own value.
If this is not doable, you must get a full or partial refund inside 14 days of reaching an settlement on this matter with the service supplier.
The Nationwide Hairdressers’ Federation (NHBF) provides some recommendation on how you can go about this: “Complain to the salon, barbershop or independent contractor. The best option is to complain while you are still in the salon or barbershop. Otherwise, go back as soon as possible after your appointment.”
It is necessary you do that earlier than going some place else to get the lower mounted – this might make it troublesome to argue your case as proof could also be required.
The NHBF says: “Ask to speak privately to the person who deals with complaints and explain calmly why you are not happy.
“A good salon, barbershop or unbiased contractor might be eager to place issues proper.”
You should raise a complaint politely and in a calm manner as you’re more likely to be heard.
Citizens Advice advises you start by suggesting a refund figure and explaining why you think it’s reasonable, then take it from there.
At this stage, if you feel compensation is appropriate, for distress or inconvenience, you can raise it.
If you don’t like confrontation, you could put your complaint in writing.
If a resolution cannot be found, your next step might be alternative dispute resolution.
The salon, barbershop or independent contractor is legally obliged to tell you how to find a certified alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service.
You should beware, you’re reliant here on the service provider being willing to take part – and they could drop out at any point.
You mentioned you left the shop without saying anything but that shouldn’t stand in the way of ADR – you have 12 months to apply after the service provider has told you they cannot resolve the complaint (or within eight weeks of your complaint if they just don’t reply).
It’s important to try this avenue before any legal action – courts like to see evidence of this.
If all else fails, you could take your case to the small claims court if it was England, or follow simple procedure in Scotland. Details of the process in Northern Ireland can be found here.
The time limit for legal action is six years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five in Scotland.
This feature is not intended as financial advice – the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:
WhatsApp us hereEmail [email protected] with the subject line “Cash weblog”
