What to do when you get bad hair extensions

Question and Answer session with Hair Resources Editor

Dear Editor: I recently had work done at a hair extension salon and I look just awful. I got professional opinions from other experts and they said I should at the very least get some of my money back and I was overcharged for half a head of hair (I look like I have a mullet).

The stylist has refused to do anything about my dissatisfaction and has claimed that since I am not a hair expert I have no right to tell her how much I should have paid and no right to go to other professionals for their opinions. I did not read your guide and get a guarantee before hand :(

Hair Resources Editor Response:
Unfortunately all methods of hair extensions have the potential to cause damage. The expertise of the stylist can make or break your hair during the attachment or removal process. Another major factor is if you are starting with thin or damaged hair. There are methods that are actually designed for damaged hair and they are much gentler on the hair. Synthetic hair may be a better option since it weighs about 1/3 the weight of human hair and puts less stress on the roots.

As to whether you should get your money back or not, that is a very gray area. Many stylists require you to sign a waiver that if anything goes wrong they are not responsible. You would need to prove that the salon/stylist was negligent in attaching/removing the extensions. In the end, the salon has the right to charge whatever they want for their services and hair and you have the option to not pay for it.

The time to investigate whether the salon was charging you fairly was before you got hair extensions. In our Ebook, Hair Extensions Exposed, we recommend that clients schedule 2-4 hair extensions consultations at different salons offering different methods so that you can compare costs, methods, etc.

The real focus right now should be any damage that has occured to your hair. Has the salon offered to remedy your situation in any way, and did you sign any sort of disclaimer? Your options right now are to file a lawsuit and/or a complaint with the cosmetology board in your state or resolving the issue with your stylist.