In a landmark decision, the Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) has ordered a hair salon to pay ₹1 lakh in compensation, along with ₹25,000 in costs, to a woman who suffered severe hair damage due to a botched treatment. The complainant, Jasleen Kaur, a devout Sikh, was forced to cut her hair, which went against her religious beliefs, after a disastrous hair spa session at the luxury salon Naoki in Jubilee Hills.
Kaur’s ordeal began when she visited the salon for a hair spa treatment on June 11, 2023. Despite assurances from the staff, her hair became severely tangled during the treatment. The salon staff attributed the issue to her long, thick hair and invited her back for a complimentary luxury experience. However, during her second visit on July 13, 2023, the situation worsened. The products used caused her hair to mat and tangle to the point where detangling was impossible. Despite the staff’s efforts, they eventually suggested cutting her hair, which Kaur refused due to her religious beliefs.
After three hours of distress, Kaur consulted a dermatologist who confirmed that the damage was likely due to the chemicals used during the treatment and recommended cutting the matted hair. Devastated, Kaur had to cut her hair at another salon. Although Naoki refunded her payment, they provided no further explanation for the incident.
The DCDRC found sufficient evidence of negligence and deficiency in service by the salon and its owner. The commission noted that the salon deviated from the standard protocol and used inappropriate products, leading to the severe damage. The ruling emphasized the importance of adhering to professional standards in the beauty industry and held the salon accountable for the distress caused to Kaur.
This case highlights the critical need for salons to maintain high standards of service and the legal recourse available to consumers in cases of negligence. Kaur’s victory serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer rights and the role of regulatory bodies in upholding these rights.
