I’ve been a hairdresser for years, dedicated to helping my clients look and feel their best. Recently, a client came in wanting a complex color correction she had seen on TikTok. During our consultation, I was clear that achieving that look would take several sessions and would require patience. I even sent her a detailed message summarizing everything, including a signed agreement to make sure we were on the same page. On the day of the appointment, I worked carefully to preserve her hair’s health while starting the process. When she saw the results, she was disappointed and referenced the TikTok video again, ignoring that the video was a compilation of multiple sessions.
Later that night, she called me in tears, saying I ruined her hair and demanding a refund along with a free follow-up. I had to remind her of our agreement, explaining that this was only the first step toward her goal. She abruptly ended the call, then publicly criticized me and my workplace online. I’ve been getting pressure from mutual friends to refund her due to alleged emotional distress, but I stand by my work and boundaries.
It’s frustrating when clients have unrealistic expectations fueled by social media. I can’t promise instant transformations because my priority is always healthy hair. Fixing hair takes time and care, not miracles in one appointment. This client ignored professional advice and signed an agreement, yet wants to undo that.
I’m committed to my craft and my clients, but I’m not responsible for their emotional issues. Hair may affect confidence, but it’s not a cure-all for personal problems. I have to protect myself and my business by sticking to policies and focusing on what I do best: fixing hair, not problems.
