Hair Replacement
Before I get started, I wanted to point out something interesting. If you search for Hair Renewal Studios on "HeyHairSalons" website, you'll notice one of the people who wrote a 5 Star Review there seems to have a name similar to the "Consulting Director" if you look at the team listed on Hair Renewal Studios official website. (At the time of writing.) It could be a coincidence? But I felt it's relevant because my previous review here was flagged and because my inbox was full at the time Hellopeter was unable to complete their customer check and because of it, the review was removed.
Something similar happened on Facebook. I originally wrote a review there and removed it out of good faith when the studio reached out to me telephonically, but when I wanted to return to upload it again at a later stage when problems again arose, I noticed the manager of their facebook page seemingly "blocked me" and I was no longer able to upload a review or even "like" the page. This is quite interesting when you consider that I was accused of being and I quote: "the only person that is reviewing our company in such a bad manner" via email communication on Jan 26th 2019. Regrettably, there was a comment on my previous review here on HelloPeter from another upset customer that I would have loved to keep for this same reason. But I'll let you consider the above and decide for yourself what it could mean. If they have updated their website to remove the person from their team listing or removed the review from HeyHairSalons, I suggest checking a website archival site.( like "wayback machine") Alternatively, I've also saved screenshots for anyone interested.
Now to cover some of the issues I experienced with their "Hair replacement" and services.
I originally purchased the wig/hairpiece from them last year and noticed during my December holiday that glue was leaking out of the front and it was getting loose every time I washed it. (not to mention that it was itchy, but that's not a big deal to me personally)
Keep in mind it was verbally communicated during my consultation that "it's just like your hair". But I did not even feel comfortable "running my fingers through my hair" in this case as suggested by the description on their website. I also don't recall my real hair "itching" quite this much. (Again I'll save a screenshot for anyone interested, just if the product description gets removed or modified by them again) I would not even dare to swim with such a product. This goes without saying that it being "totally undetectable" as claimed by their description on their website,(Having a line of glue around your hairline on your forehead makes it a bit obvious that someone just glued a hairpiece/wig to your scalp.) is not completely true and should come with a massive disclaimer or potential defects or "Terms and conditions". Especially when you consider their or their legal team's views on the matter.
When I returned to have it reglued to my scalp I was told I would need to return bi-weekly instead of monthly. In my original consultation, I was verbally told maintenance would only be monthly, and this was what was verbally agreed on! However, their legal team had the following to say about the matter, and I quote:" With reference to clause 4.1 of the Contract For Supply and Fitting of Hair Replacement Mr Joubert waived all claims against the Salon relating to or arising out of treatment, the services rendered and/or the products. It is like the analogy of the person that bought the Ferrari, but cannot afford the services therefore." (End quote)
I wonder if Ferrari feels the same about the matter? Sticking with the analogy, would a car manufacturer also tell a client that the car only needs to be serviced every 30,000 KM and then after issues with the engine or systems arise tell the client they need to just bring it in every 15,000KM?
I also confronted them about the fact that my scalp is oily and I'm physically active ( and therefore sweat a lot) I felt this could likely be part of the cause and why the product was coming loose, and if they bothered to check it as part of the initial consultation, then this could have all been avoided or I might have likely never bothered if I was given an accurate estimate for maintenance or the costs involved with it. I don't feel doubling the maintenance on a whim is fair! But to this their legal team have the following to say and I again quote:" With reference to clause 2.5 of the Contract For Supply and Fitting of Hair Replacement Mr. Joubert further agreed to the following: “the lifespan of the Product may vary depending on the care thereof by the Client and is not in any way warranted by the Salon."(End Quote) So if you're physically active and love going to the gym, then that just counts as you "not caring for your product", and based on the response I was given. It would be good to again include this in the initial consultation. If the "ideal care" is someone who sits and stares at a wall all day in an airconditioned room, this would be good to know. If that doesn't suit a person's lifestyle though, then the expectation needs to be set that they reserve the "right" to tell you to come in as regularly as they see fit.
Regardless, even after I went to have the wig/hairpiece app**** again, it started to come loose again after the first wash.
I personally feel I was misled during the initial consultation and an accurate expectation of the product or the maintenance thereof was not set. To tell me I would only need to return on a monthly basis for maintenance and then just turn around and say it would need to be bi-weekly and effectively waive all responsibility, is not fair.
How much of the other claims they make would they also "waive responsibility for" if things go wrong?
Anyway, you decide.
I have images of the product, the way it "oozed/leaked glue" out the front and the way it came loose after the first wash ( after being reapp****) for anyone who's interested. Similarly, I also have the above-quoted communication from their legal team saved on my PC.
Personally, I've decided to just shave my head and walk around bald now. I feel more confident walking around with no hair than I do having a "sticky", "itchy" and (if you decide to skip a day washing it so it won't come looser) smelly mess stuck to the top of my head.
I just want my money back and have nothing but regrets.