Bootleg hair products at Beauty Supply Stores!

[SoforReal]

Yes, this is what some of us have been saying for some time now. When I didn't know better (WAY before I even thought of becoming a stylist, by the way) I used to purchase most of my hair products from the Asians. I remember purchasing a boxed relaxer only to find when I opened it that the the cream had dried out. I so rarely shop them now and when I see Mizani, Paul Mitchell, etc on the shelves I absolutely refuse to purchase from there.

I don't necessarily trust the online beauty supply stores either.

I second that!

 

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

WOW, ive spent alot of money in Asian BSS"S. Past tense, I have stopped this idiocy lol and just dont use too many expensive prods or buy elsewhere

 

[SoforReal]

That's the same with OPI nail polish. I know here in Jacksonville the places that are licensed to sell it are JCPenney and Trade Secret. I'm sure a lot of the salons probably purchase from the distributors of OPI and sell from their salons and some don't but I definitely would not purchase any bottles of the polish that has Asian writing on the back of them. I've seen a lot of these floating around.

It's funny that you mentioned this. I went to get my manicure at an asian place in midtown today. As I was looking over the "essie" brand colors, I was like I don't remember these colors looking these shades. As soon as she finished my nails I could tell they poured cheapie nail polish into the bottles. My nails have already started chipping

 

[miabee1]

Wow, I really can not believe this, but I'm not surprised.
There have been many times when I purchased watery products, greases etc. but I would have never thought it could have been bootleg! From now on I'm going to pay more attention when I shop at BSS. I think BSS in downtown Silver Sping, Maryland(across form City Place Mall) is good for this, and they always follow you while you are shopping. I hate that sh**. I always purchased watery/foul products from there. DC area ladies beware!

 

[Babydall818]

THat is soooo sad, but man, I don't doubt it...I bet they do it here.. with all the soldiers ...they just started trippin at the one I go to usually- saying $10 minimum purchase to use your debit card... and that some

 

[Daisimae]

...they just started trippin at the one I go to usually- saying $10 minimum purchase to use your debit card... and that some

You might want to point out to them that that "rule" is against Visa/MC regulations. They could lose their merchant account for that.

 

[Babydall818]

REALLY!!! Where can I get that info - in writing or the like?

 

[CurleeDST]

Right, I thought they said $10 minimum b/c they get charged if the purchase is less than a certain dollar amount.

 

[Nita81]

Man I'm irritated reading this thread....these Asian BSS got A LOT of nerve! They follow you around to make sure YOU don't steal BOOTLEG products....when in essense they are stealing from YOUR wallet charging way more for their chemical mixes in the name brand packaging....gtfohwtb and smdh!

 

[Daisimae]

REALLY!!! Where can I get that info - in writing or the like?

Here are some links:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13806200/

http://www.consumerist.com/consumer...edit-card-purchases-is-a-violation-168646.php

http://homepages.nyu.edu/~mfv215/cc.html

http://www.gofso.com/Premium/LE/06_le_ic/fg/fg-merchants.html

Right, I thought they said $10 minimum b/c they get charged if the purchase is less than a certain dollar amount.

The fees are the same for every purchase depending on who has your merchant account. Mine is 0.35 per transaction plus 2% of the purchase price or something like that. I don't use my account any more. I used to sell candles. I can tell you that the $1 or $2 orders do kill you in fees, but, the person who spends $150 because they can use their CC/DC make up for them. That is why the rule is there. The card issuers want people to choose to use their card. People are more likely to buy when they can use their cards and they generally spend more. That's why merchants like them. If you want to accept cards for large purchases/benefits. You also have to accept them for smaller purchases too, regardless of fees. Those are the rules.

 

[CurleeDST]

i do not patronize them unless i have to in a pinch. those elevated platforms they stand on behind the counter irritate me and many times the packaging is dusty and it is too junky in there.

Man I'm irritated reading this thread....these Asian BSS got A LOT of nerve! They follow you around to make sure YOU don't steal BOOTLEG products....when in essense they are stealing from YOUR wallet charging way more for their chemical mixes in the name brand packaging....gtfohwtb and smdh!

 

[CurleeDST]

This is excellent! if i encounter this i am going to pull out my cell phone and call the credit card company and report them.

Here are some links:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13806200/

http://www.consumerist.com/consumer...edit-card-purchases-is-a-violation-168646.php

http://homepages.nyu.edu/~mfv215/cc.html

http://www.gofso.com/Premium/LE/06_le_ic/fg/fg-merchants.html



The fees are the same for every purchase depending on who has your merchant account. Mine is 0.35 per transaction plus 2% of the purchase price or something like that. I don't use my account any more. I used to sell candles. I can tell you that the $1 or $2 orders do kill you in fees, but, the person who spends $150 because they can use their CC/DC make up for them. That is why the rule is there. The card issuers want people to choose to use their card. People are more likely to buy when they can use their cards and they generally spend more. That's why merchants like them. If you want to accept cards for large purchases/benefits. You also have to accept them for smaller purchases too, regardless of fees. Those are the rules.

 

[Nita81]

This is excellent! if i encounter this i am going to pull out my cell phone and call the credit card company and report them.

Take a pic of their reaction too! Lol. That will teach them!

 

[CurleeDST]

Yup, I will snap the shot w/ the same phone I am making the call!

I don't play that. I know they have policies where they do not take back product but check this - I have returned shampoo and conditioner I purchased a month prior (but never used) to an Asian BSS and I returned some moldy looking Barry Fletcher product b/c well - it had GREEN mold on top and I know the product isn't supposed to look like that!

N'er time did they give me any grief about it! Maybe I went in there with the attitude wishing they would! LOL

Take a pic of their reaction too! Lol. That will teach them!

 

[ElegantExotic]

I've seen the Revlon relaxers with a different type of text on it than what I am used to. I thought it may be new, but it may just be bootleg. Next time I will purchase one and send it to the company for them to test it.

Instead of throwing the products you suspect out, send them to the manufacturers. That's the only way that this will stop.

It's not only unethical, but dangerous. Someone could end up seriously hurt or disfigured, which is far waorse than just loosing a few dollars or your hair.

Either way, that is so trifling, and I will not be buying anymore products from them besides things like clips, pins, combs, etc.

 

[Nsslovely]

Well ladies this should definitely be an eye opener. Fortunately I work for Homeland Security and our Customs Enforcement agents are always raiding and busting the shipments of fake products. I've known about this for a while now. It started long ago with Paul Mitchell, when his products were the most popular brand on the market. Like someone mentioned earlier stick with Trade Secrets, Ulta or Sallys.

I have a friend that worked for Sally's and they discared returned items, even dryers, flat irons, curling irons etc. they held them for period of time in the back stock area. Every so often all returned items would be counted and to the dumpster they went

Never trust a store that doesn't allow returns for money back but only exchanges. This is a sure sign of greedy owners without the customers' best interest at heart. Any business owner would want to keep a happy customer base by allowing returns. The Asian BSSs monopolize our markets and some people feel that their only option is to shop there. Especially in our inner city's or the "hood" , there is no Ulta or Trade Secrets, maybe a Sally's but look at the price difference, some opt for the Asian BSS because the prices are cheaper than Sally's; nevermind the quality of the products and whether they're authentic or not.

 

[GoldenBreeze]

Well ladies this should definitely be an eye opener. Fortunately I work for Homeland Security and our Customs Enforcement agents are always raiding and busting the shipments of fake products. I've known about this for a while now. It started long ago with Paul Mitchell, when his products were the most popular brand on the market. Like someone mentioned earlier stick with Trade Secrets, Ulta or Sallys.

I have a friend that worked for Sally's and they discared returned items, even dryers, flat irons, curling irons etc. they held them for period of time in the back stock area. Every so often all returned items would be counted and to the dumpster they went

Never trust a store that doesn't allow returns for money back but only exchanges. This is a sure sign of greedy owners without the customers' best interest at heart. Any business owner would want to keep a happy customer base by allowing returns. The Asian BSSs monopolize our markets and some people feel that their only option is to shop there. Especially in our inner city's or the "hood" , there is no Ulta or Trade Secrets, maybe a Sally's but look at the price difference, some opt for the Asian BSS because the prices are cheaper than Sally's; nevermind the quality of the products and whether they're authentic or not.

I think Pure Beauty can be added to that list. They have an actual salon area and I do see clients getting their hair cared for in the salon area. I have to admit that the Biolage I bought from PB was a much better quality than what I bought from Rite Aid. What a shame.

 

[SoforReal]

Man I'm irritated reading this thread....these Asian BSS got A LOT of nerve! They follow you around to make sure YOU don't steal BOOTLEG products....when in essense they are stealing from YOUR wallet charging way more for their chemical mixes in the name brand packaging....gtfohwtb and smdh!

LMAO so true!!!

 

[Artemis]

Either way, that is so trifling, and I will not be buying anymore products from them besides things like clips, pins, combs, etc.

Basically, that's all the business they will get from me as well!

 

[Daisimae]

I just took a look at my products. The only thing I'm "dependent" on a BSS for is my ORS Replenishing Bottle, (I LOVE this stuff). I was also planning to buy the large bottle of Olive Oil Lotion when I ran out. I know how both of these products look, smell and feel on my hair. I will probably only have to buy them about twice a year. I should be able to spot fakes. I buy hard good at the BSS too: rollers, pins, wig stands etc. My hairpieces and wigs come from Especially Yours.

Everything else I use can be found Sallys, Trade Secret or probably Ulta too. I can't wait to see what the last two stores are like.

 

[Artemis]

Yes, this is what some of us have been saying for some time now. When I didn't know better (WAY before I even thought of becoming a stylist, by the way) I used to purchase most of my hair products from the Asians. I remember purchasing a boxed relaxer only to find when I opened it that the the cream had dried out. I so rarely shop them now and when I see Mizani, Paul Mitchell, etc on the shelves I absolutely refuse to purchase from there.

I don't necessarily trust the online beauty supply stores either.

I know you have the stylist hookup, but just curious: Where can someone buy a salon-based relaxer if not the dreaded Asian BSS or an online BSS (like Discount Beauty, Paynes, Texas BSS, Irby's, etc.)? By "salon-based" I mean like Mizani (or Affirm) for example, which is not sold at Sallys.

TIA

 

[CurleeDST]

I would say visit the product site and see their list of salons and retailers who they say are authorized to carry their products.

I think Pure Beauty can be added to that list. They have an actual salon area and I do see clients getting their hair cared for in the salon area. I have to admit that the Biolage I bought from PB was a much better quality than what I bought from Rite Aid. What a shame.

 

[CurleeDST]

here in Maryland we have cosmo prof stores which are technically for licensed professionals but they sell every professional chemical you can dream of.

 

[GoldenBreeze]

I would say visit the product site and see their list of salons and retailers who they say are authorized to carry their products.

Agreed, that is how I found PB. There are a couple in my area, but there is no Ulta. There is a Sallys a couple of towns away from me, but nothing close.

 

[hairmaster]

I know you have the stylist hookup, but just curious: Where can someone buy a salon-based relaxer if not the dreaded Asian BSS or an online BSS (like Discount Beauty, Paynes, Texas BSS, Irby's, etc.)? By "salon-based" I mean like Mizani (or Affirm) for example, which is not sold at Sallys.

TIA

This is the only way we have to make a living, If you can buy it at a store and do it yourself then I can't make a living to support myself

 

[Daisimae]

This is the only way we have to make a living, If you can buy it at a store and do it yourself then I can't make a living to support myself

I understand where you are coming from 100%. But, I'll tell you, if I don't have the money for salon prices, a stylist will not be making money off me anyway. This is the whole reason why I stopped going to my stylist over a year ago. I was an "every two weeks. TU every six weeks" client. Money got tight. I could not see spending $70 at a salon for a TU when I could get a kit out of the store for $7 and have someone put it in for me.

After finding LHCF, I realize I can do better on my own. I have my hair conditioned correctly, without having to pay $5 - $20 for a one-time treatment that uses $0.25 worth of product. A lot of salon or near-salon quality products are already sold in regular, reputable stores. If I had to, I'd just make do with those. If I hadn't found LHCF, I'd still have a jacked up head because we have other priorities than the salon right now.

There will always be people who will go to salons exclusively. I'm sure stylists will be able to make a good living of of them. Right now, I can't be one of them.

I hope I didn't offend you. This is just how I see things.

 

[esoterica]

There is only one BSS that I go to in London and I have never had that type of problem. Their stuff flies off the shelf so fast they have no need to tamper with the products. Smaller independent places with only one customer in sight would worry me though. I think the less business a BSS does the more likely they are to tamper with products. This makes me wonder about eBay.

 

[Artemis]

I understand where you are coming from 100%. But, I'll tell you, if I don't have the money for salon prices, a stylist will not be making money off me anyway. This is the whole reason why I stopped going to my stylist over a year ago. I was an "every two weeks. TU every six weeks" client. Money got tight. I could not see spending $70 at a salon for a TU when I could get a kit out of the store for $7 and have someone put it in for me.

After finding LHCF, I realize I can do better on my own. I have my hair conditioned correctly, without having to pay $5 - $20 for a one-time treatment that uses $0.25 worth of product. A lot of salon or near-salon quality products are already sold in regular, reputable stores. If I had to, I'd just make do with those. If I hadn't found LHCF, I'd still have a jacked up head because we have other priorities than the salon right now.

There will always be people who will go to salons exclusively. I'm sure stylists will be able to make a good living of of them. Right now, I can't be one of them.

I hope I didn't offend you. This is just how I see things.

I agree wholeheartedly w/the bolded. I just cannot justify the prices. Going to a stylist on a regular basis is like paying my cell phone bill! The anxiety of walking into a salon that comes with that...horrible . I decided I'd take my chances in my own home, and those chances have been in my favor. (Also w/my job's demands, I just cannot be sitting in a salon forever and a day waiting on someone to do what I can do in 25 min...but I digress) Besides, the $$ I save as a DIY-er can go towards my Pibbs purchase in Dec

 

[SoforReal]

I was just thinking about this the other day. A few years ago I bought an Affirm Relaxer from an Asian BSS. I always heard how great their relaxers were but never tried it. So I applied the relaxer to my new growth and it did NOT take. Not even a little bit! I brushed it off and thought well maybe I applied it wrong. So the next time I had a professional apply it. Same results!! I ended up throwing it away thinking that maybe I needed a stronger relaxer. I now realize that I had a bootleg relaxer. Thank God it didn't take my hair out!!!

 

[YoungWavey]

I was just thinking about this the other day. A few years ago I bought an Affirm Relaxer from an Asian BSS. I always heard how great their relaxers were but never tried it. So I applied the relaxer to my new growth and it did NOT take. Not even a little bit! I brushed it off and thought well maybe I applied it wrong. So the next time I had a professional apply it. Same results!! I ended up throwing it away thinking that maybe I needed a stronger relaxer. I now realize that I had a bootleg relaxer. Thank God it didn't take my hair out!!!

Did the prefessional even notice it was a bootleg relaxer? I would think he or she would know the difference in the texture or smell. But thats just my and I'm happy you still have the hair on your head too.