Hair salon chain with Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh and Tampines questioned for unfair trade practices

SINGAPORE – A hair salon chain with three outlets is being investigated for alleged unfair trading practices, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) said.

The statutory board made unannounced visits to HairFun salon branches located in Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh and Tampines on October 2.

From December 1, 2022 to April 22, 34 complaints regarding the outlets’ sales tactics were filed with the Consumers’ Association of Singapore (Case), said Case president Melvin Yong in a Facebook post on October 2.

They include practices such as exploiting elderly customers, charging higher prices without prior agreement and hiding payment amounts during Nets transactions, CCCS and Case said in a joint statement the same day.

Case had invited the chain’s operator to sign a voluntary compliance agreement to end unfair trade practices and refund affected customers, but did not receive a response. The matter was then referred to the CCCS.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the salons previously operated under the name Scissor & Comb. Checks showed Case received similar complaints about the company from 2018 to 2022.

“Business owners and managers cannot be allowed to perpetuate unfair trade practices by changing their business name,” Mr Yong said.

If salons are found to be engaging or have engaged in unfair trade practices, CCCS can seek a court order against them.

The salons were added to Case’s Business Alert List, a list of businesses that have been the subject of complaints.

The public is encouraged to review the list before making a purchasing decision.

To report unfair trade practices by HairFun salons, contact Case on 6277 5100 or file a complaint online.