Consumer rights explained: A hair salon charged me an extra €45 for a blow-dry I didn’t want

Q: I recently visited a hair salon for highlights and was charged an extra €45 for a blow-dry I didn’t ask for. The stylist said it’s “standard” to include a blow-dry with colouring. Do I have to pay for something I didn’t request?

Emma, Sligo 

Not necessarily Emma. If a salon is going to charge you for an extra service like a blow-dry, they must make that clear before they do it. In Ireland, hairdressers are legally required under the Charges (Hairdressing) Display Order 1976 to display a full price list for all services, including any taxes. If a blow-dry is automatically included as part of a colouring appointment, that should be clearly stated on the price list or explained to you in advance. The price list must also be visible either from outside the salon or prominently displayed inside.

In addition, under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, businesses have to provide key information before a contract is agreed, including the details of the service such as the provider’s name, their phone number, their address and how much the total cost of the service is. Where the total price cannot be calculated you must be informed on how the price will be calculated, and of any other fees or charges. Unexpected add-on charges that were not explained beforehand could be considered misleading.

In simple terms, if the blow-dry charge was not included in the price for highlights on the price list or no one told you about it beforehand, you are entitled to question it. Start by checking the salon’s price list to see whether the blow-dry is described as part of the colouring service. If it is not, raise the matter with the manager and ask them to explain why the extra €45 was added.

If the salon cannot show that the charge was properly disclosed in advance, you can challenge it. Put your complaint in writing, include your receipt and any photographs of the displayed prices, and ask for a refund of the blow-dry fee.

If the salon refuses to resolve the matter, you could bring a claim through the Small Claims Procedure, which covers consumer disputes up to €2,000. There is a €25 application fee, so for a €45 dispute it would be best to try to work it out with the salon.