Can I sue a salon for giving me bald spots? Do I have a case?...Pics attached.

Do I have a case?

  • Yes

    Votes: 85 51.5%

  • No

    Votes: 24 14.5%

  • Maybe

    Votes: 56 33.9%
  • Total voters
    165
A woman won a case similar to this on Judge Mathis. Mathis even brought in a prof. stylist for advice. You can sue and you can win. Don't mess with a LHCF sista we have a chronicle of pics of our hair! She has b4 and afters it showed the DAMAGE!!
 
hair4romheaven said:
A woman won a case similar to this on Judge Mathis. Mathis even brought in a prof. stylist for advice. You can sue and you can win. Don't mess with a LHCF sista we have a chronicle of pics of our hair! She has b4 and afters it showed the DAMAGE!!
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Thanks, I'll look it up. Once I did decide to sue, I started searching the internet for similar cases and I found a Judge Judy case where she ruled in the lady's favor as well. She had the exact same thing happen to her in the exact same spot!
 
Definitely sue!! I'm so sorry this happened; you have such a great attitude and I hope your hair grows back healthily.

As a hair professional, it is not only one's JOB but his/her OBLIGATION to know the consequences of braiding that tightly.

I once had a weave so tight that I started cutting the net in order to loosen it. Some areas where my hair was braided too tightly, I cut the hair. (I was desperate for relief but even more afraid of permanent follicle damage.)

Needless to say, I stopped going to that stylist and when I found a new one I let her know that I would rather get it done more frequently than go bald and (in so many words) since Im paying for it, she works for me which means she does what I want her to do, nothing more nothing less.

Hadn't had a tight weave since.

I wish you the best in your efforts....
 
Thanks for the update and good luck in court. I hate unprofessional stylist or people who don't want to give money back after doing piss poor jobs. I hope it all works out for you AK.
 
sorry to hear about what happened. she sounds like she doesn`t really care for her customers...some stylist she is. good luck &i hope you win!
 
ak46 said:
I went into a salon a couple months ago for a sew-in weave. They promised healthy hair growth since my actual hair would be in cornrows and that the weave could last up to 3 months.

Okay, so they ended up braiding the cornrows too tight. I took my hair down a couple days ago and my hair came out in chunks! Now I have little bald spots all over my head and one big one in the middle of my head. The bald spot is completely smooth, feels lumpy and scared, and has a reddish/pinkish color to it.

I called the salon and spoke to the owner about it and also went in so they can see it. I asked them for a refund since I spent over $300 for healthy hair growth but got bald spots. I told them I wanted to see a dermatologist about it because it looks like permanent damage to me and that is why I want my money back. They did not give me one.

Can I sue them for damaging my scalp? For my refund and my dermatologist treatments?

Pics are attached.

UPDATE: Just an update on how this is going so far...long I know, but a lot has happened. Since leaving the salon on 4/20 I immediately made a dermatologist appointment for as soon as they could see me. I went to the dermatologist two days later and it was a good visit. He told me that I didn't have Alopecia, the hair loss was due to too much tension and that he has seen this before, mainly with African American women. He said the hair should grow back since it was the first time this has happened to me and that I'm still young, it just might take a really long time.

The salon owner had told me to contact her after seeing the dermatologist, so I did immediately after...but they told me she was too busy and took down my name and number and said she would call back in an hour or so. I tried calling again the next day, same thing, they told me they lost the paper with my name and number on it...so I decided to just go in at the end of the day if I didn't get a call back. I went in to the salon and this visit was much better than the last. She told me that she had given a message to the receptionist to call me and tell me about scalp treatment. She told me she wanted to help me grow my hair back and scalp treatment was the best they could offer me. But I told her I was unsure if I wanted to come back to the salon and that I would have to get back to her after seeking some advice.

I also kept asking her what the scalp treatment was specifically because I notice that was not anything they offered at their salon based on their service menu and I really didn't want to be a test dummy and make things worst. I told her I wanted it written down so I can consult with the dermatologist and get back to her....she wouldn't do that. When she finally answered the question, she told me it was going to be some topical things and that she was going to be putting me under a scalp massager and using peppermint and rosemary oils. She told me it was more expensive than what any dermatologist could offer me and that they would be doing it for free. I asked her what the topical treatments were and she showed me a new jar of ORS Fertilizing Temple Balm...I said I've used that before and asked her what else. She then showed me the ORS Scalp Scrub and told me that it was very special and something they sold only to professionals...I thought this was questionable. I told her I will think about it and get back to her.

Okay so I knew I had seen the ORS Scalp Scrub at the BSS many time before but I went to one just to check if it was the same product she was offering....and it was there, for $9.99 next to the ORS Fertilizing Temple Balm. I called to talk to her, she was to busy to talk...left my name and number. I called again since I received no calls back, same thing again. So I sent her an email to 3 different email addresses her salon provides for customers, never got a response. I explained in the letter that I own both essential oils she mentioned, I own a scalp massager, and I've used the temple balm before....and that all these things together did not even add up to the cost of my first dermatologist visit. I got not response so I decided to proceed and file a complaint to the BBB and the CA Cosmetology Board. The BBB contacted them twice and they've yet still to respond to the BBB or me. The CA Cosmetology Board suggested I report it to the BBB and take it to small claims.

After over 10 phone calls, 2 visits, and 3 emails and still not even one call or email back....I decided to go ahead and take it to small claims. I just don't think it's too professional for them to keep avoiding and ignoring me.

I figured I have nothing to loose...I already lost my money and my hair!
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All of my hair feel out as well when I went to a salon. Sorry about this. What city is the salon in, so I will not go?
 
natural2008 said:
All of my hair feel out as well when I went to a salon. Sorry about this. What city is the salon in, so I will not go?
Click to expand...

Its located in Elk Grove, CA. I've been wanting to write internet reviews about the poor service I received but I'm a little unsure if that's a good idea or not. I'm gonna seek some legal counsel about if I should start writing now or wait until after the court trial and I'll make sure to update.
 
Thanks for the update. I'm glad you're documenting all the times you've tried to contact her, the first thing she will try to say is " I didn't know there was a problem". Also it's good you have photos of your hair for years before you went to her so she can't claim your hair was unhealthy or weak. She's gonna regret ignoring you! :yep:
 
ak46 said:
I knew it was tight as she was doing it and I told her...now they're saying I didn't tell her. Everyone in that salon knew my hair was tight...I had to take 4 Tylenols. I actually had to leave the salon to go buy some and one of the workers there gave me some too. I kept the weave in for about 2 months, and I didn't really do anything but spray my hair with a moisturizer since they used a net. I plan to go see a dermatologist real soon.
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I haven't read all of the responses so I don't know if any one ask or not, but why didn't you take the weave out right away? If it makes it to court, you were suppose to try to mitigate your losses ie take the weave out right away instead of leaving it in. Just food for thought. You may have to explain why you didn't take it out and I don't think you spending $300 in the eyes of the law would be a good answer.
 
There was an episode of People's court where somthing similar happened. The woman got everything she asked for. I think you can sue although I don't know how to go about it. I'm so sorry this happened to you.
 
Sorry this happened. I used to wear cornrow extensions and I did have an experience where I lost a chunk of hair. I don't really use topical products on my scalp so it didn't occur to me to try any - so I didn't do anything other than my normal hair routine and the hair grew back fine and I don't recall it taking a long time. So for what it's worth your hair may grow back in no time and you have nothing to worry about. I think permanent loss would happen because of applying too much tension over time rather than just one incident.

For anyone reading this who's getting any type of braid or cornrowed - if it's too tight - speak up immediately don't sit there in silence. The braider can't really tell when s/he's applying too much tension unless you say something.
 
My Friend said:
I'm not a lawyer but it seems this statement gives............ permission.

Years ago I would allow braiders to do that me as well.:yep: I would leave with China Doll Eyes :spinning:
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True, but it can also be argued that she was reassured by the stylist that this pain did not indicate a problem and that it would turn out just fine which is what I am assuming the stylist did allude to or say.
 
My Friend said:
Take them to court.
Click to expand...

:yep: Indeed. For the full amount PLUS pain and suffering AND any extra it is going to cost you in treatments to rectify this situation. You may not get the pain and suffering but put it in there anyway...you definitely due the costs spent for the weave PLUS the derm visit PLUS any subsequent treatment costs.

I have to say, I think you've done great with keeping track of all of the events and with seeing a derm and also giving them a chance to recitfy the situation. It will help your case.
 
ak46 said:
It did loosen up after a few days & if i had known my hair was falling out i really would have went back sooner. But when i told them it was too tight they told me it would get better in time. And they advertise u can keep the weave in for up to 3 months. I just took it out in 2.
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GOOD. I think you have a great case. Be sure to also sue for court costs. And, in small claims, you don't necessarily need an atty. But, if you want to get one, fine. If you know someone personally who is an atty, get their advice on how to proceed. Or, call Legal Aid and just chat with someone about your case. I believe all of your documentation, plus the fact that you have PROOF that you've been taking care of your hair for years, plus the fact that they advertise the weave can be worn 3 mos, plus your attempts to mitigate the damage by contacting them first and then consulting a dermatologist, plus their reassurances to you = = = $$$$$CHA CHING$$$$$!!!!!!:yep:
 
Oh, and I just wanted to say that I had a weave back in 05....and the same thing, only no bald spots....but my hair ITCHED horribly and I never have a dry/itchy scalp. It was awful. Three days in, I was taking 3 showers a day to wet my scalp for relief from the itching....the braids were sooo tight. I took it down on day 5 (after returning from a trip) and my hair THINNED. If I'd left the weave in, I'm pretty sure I would have had this type of scalp damage too. I'm so sorry this happened to you. :bighug:
 
I am so sorry this happened to you, and I pray your hair grows back fast and healthy. I hope everything works out with whatever you decide to do.
 
ThickHair said:
I haven't read all of the responses so I don't know if any one ask or not, but why didn't you take the weave out right away? If it makes it to court, you were suppose to try to mitigate your losses ie take the weave out right away instead of leaving it in. Just food for thought. You may have to explain why you didn't take it out and I don't think you spending $300 in the eyes of the law would be a good answer.
Click to expand...

Some people have asked before...I really wished I had taken it out right away. Instead I took the Tylenol and waited for the pain to go away. They told me it was going to get better, and it did in time. I just didn't know my hair was falling out under the net...and that was the reason why it felt better, there was no more tension because there was no more hair.

I just watched this episode of judge judy where the same exact thing happened to this lady and the judge asked her the same thing, so I'm prepared to face that. The difference with her's and mine is that she had no net so when her hair fell out, she saw it immediately. This was my first time getting a weave at the salon and I just figured...they're professionals, they do this all day, everyday. And if they say it's going to get better, it will, and that the braids being tight in the beginning is normal.

I definitely learned my lesson, the hard way. I will never let any stylist put me through that much pain and just sit their and take it because of their word....now I remember why I don't go to salons.
 
Tiye said:
Sorry this happened. I used to wear cornrow extensions and I did have an experience where I lost a chunk of hair. I don't really use topical products on my scalp so it didn't occur to me to try any - so I didn't do anything other than my normal hair routine and the hair grew back fine and I don't recall it taking a long time. So for what it's worth your hair may grow back in no time and you have nothing to worry about. I think permanent loss would happen because of applying too much tension over time rather than just one incident.

For anyone reading this who's getting any type of braid or cornrowed - if it's too tight - speak up immediately don't sit there in silence. The braider can't really tell when s/he's applying too much tension unless you say something.
Click to expand...

This is exactly what the dermatologist said....This is just the first and definitely the last incident of this happening to me.
 
I'm way late on this and I haven't read all of the responses, but you probably do have a case. You should contact either a personal injury attorney or one that specializes in consumer rights. I don't know about CA, but TX has statutes that cover this type of consumer rights issue.
 
Wow, I'm so sorry about that. I'm no legal pro but I definitely think you have case. That's serious damage and they basically admitted fault by offering you a scalp treatment free. You've been more than patient contacting them constantly and doing everything you can to keep it from going there. I say go for it.
 
Dang girl :blush:! Looks like you def have a case. Make sure you record any phone conversations you had with the shop owner, price comparisons between the shop's "treatment" and what you see in the BSS, and any and all emails between you, her, the BBB, whomever! Make sure you have written statements from both your derm and a specialist, the guy who sold you Tylenol, etc. Also, info about what the net is supposed to do for your hair (protect it). You will have to prove that the stylist's technique did the exact opposite.
And ORS is an 'exclusive' treatment 'reserved only for stylists' now??? That's news to pretty much everyone here, since you can get it at Wal-Mart.:lachen:
Take her butt to court!
 
SUE!

Even if its for the principle of it....SUE!

Then let everybody know who NOT to go to!
Get those pics developed and tell the world! I have cut my own hair by accident after taking down a weave install but it grew back....WHOLE BALD SPOTS with scabbing and scarring!?!?!? :nono:OH HEEYYYYAAAALLLL NO!:nono:

Edited to add:

And if and when it does grow back sue anyways for the pain and suffering (Punitive damages) in addition to the refund and the fee to see the dermatologist....because you don't know what could have happened.....Pain because you told old girl it was too tight and you had to get aspirin during the process......The fear of possible permanant damage, and aggravation of their unprofessionalism...You may be questioned about why you let it continue if she was braiding so tight....but you can contend that braids are usually tight to an extent, and that the braider should have loosened her grip a little, and that she LIED about not knowing the braids were too tight
 
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