Paying more for a senior stylist

**Recently my mum, sister and I were out of town for a friend’s wedding and got our hair styled. When it came time to pay, I was shocked to discover that mine cost double what theirs did for seemingly the exact same service – mine was well over $100. Upon inquiring what the reason for this was, I was told the more experienced stylist who had done my hair could charge more.

While I can understand this, it hardly seems fair that I was charged double when I had no choice in the matter as we were simply sat in three chairs, unaware and uninformed of any difference between three young hairstylists. Do hairstylists have any obligation to tell all their customers of their position, experience or skill level? Or is it just up to the consumer to ask?**

Because of the huge differences in the cost between different salons, I think the onus is on customers to establish what it’s going to cost them. As you know, different stylists at the same salon can charge very differently depending on seniority and reputation. However, I am sympathetic to your issue. I think it should have been pointed out that one of you would be paying more than the others, something like, “Okay, who wants your hair done by the maestro? It will cost more.”

At least that way you would have been alerted to the issue and maybe agreed to share the overall cost. I suspect the salon has done nothing legally or ethically wrong. But their communications have let you down. Refer this response to them and ask again for a rebate. You may have to put it down to experience, though.

Do you have a consumer question for Kevin? Email [email protected], or post to Weekly Consumer, PO Box 90119, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.