ComplaintsforStraight Ahead Beauty Express

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I was at the ************ with my daughter and was stopped by a man wanting to straighten my hair. I told him I did not have time but he was insistent so I told him it had to be quick. He straightened my hair and tried selling my the straightener, I told him it was way to expensive so he said he was giving my an employee discount. I again said it was too much but he was very pushy so I finally agreed. He then did the same thing with hair extensions. I was very uncomfortable and he would not take no for an answer so I bought those as well and ended up spending $584. Never once was I told these things were non refundable and their was no sign on the kiosk stating this. He quickly had me sign the receipt and stuck it in the bag. Once I got home I read that the receipt and saw the no refunds policy and was upset this was not told to me, I then went to use the straightener the next day and realized it was absolutely not the same product used at the kiosk. A week later I tried to use the extensions and same thing, they were of very poor quality and slid out of my hair and would not stay curled. I have reached out to the number on the receipt with no response. After reading other complaints about this company it is clear that it is a scam and many many people have had the same experience. Let me be clear that NOBODY INFORMED ME OF A NO REFUND POLICY and the receipt was taken away from me before I could look it over. I was not sold the product that was modeled and the extensions are also not as advertised and I need a refund.

  Customer response

  03/11/2024

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  01/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I was stopped at the ************** mall by a worker at beauty express. I told him I was very busy and did not have the time. With which he told me it would take 5 seconds: I declined again and he told me he would get me a business card. I followed him into the business where he proceeded to try to sell me a product. I told him I had to go and he cornered me and used this heatless product on my hair. My hair had just been washed and was still wet and he fried my hair and it sizzled. He continued by saying it was just a steam straightener with no heat. Well tell that to the fried hair and my red skin from the heat. I told him I still wasnt interested in which he told me I would only have to pay $150 . Keep in mind it is the holiday season I dont have that type of money to drop. He made me feel guilty for not being able to afford it. I was with my younger brother who told him he wanted to leave because we had to get a build a bear. The man then said I will give you my employee discount he then proceeded to take his phone out and fake an equation and then cleared it and put the number 89 into the calculator LMAO. Anyway I told him again I was leaving and to just give me a business card. Turns out he didnt even have a business card and told me to look up the website in which they do not have a website either lmao. I left and went to build a bear and when I came back out and passed they were all gone.

  Customer response

  12/27/2023

  In regards to repair I mean repair to my damaged hair. I told the worker multiple times I dont use heat on my hair and then he used heat on my hair. Its now fried in that one area and all split at the ends. He told me no heat was used but burnt my skin with the straightener 

  Customer response

  02/03/2024

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  12/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Less than 4 weeks ago, my family and I went to *****************, in **********, *****. There, a young lady named *****, from this company's kiosk, aggressively pulled my mom into their kiosk to test their flat iron. She convinced my mom to buy a flat iron, claiming it was on special, and charging her a ridiculous amount of money. When I researched the website, as she was getting conned, I saw the price was much different. I ended up paying for the products for her because I just wanted to get out of there. Never, ever, we're we told that there no refund was allowed. The only ticket I signed was the authorization for my credit card on the screen. Nowhere did it said no refunds allowed. After we got home, my mom attempted to use the flat iron, and her hair began getting stuck and ripped by it. My mom works as a surgical technician in hair restoration, so she used it correctly. I tried returning it less than a week after purchase, and were unable to.This company is a complete scam. They keep claiming people signed a no return receipt, but that is a lie. They never inform people. They have nothing claiming that om their kiosks. Nothing. They lie to people about prices too. When I went to return it, she lied to a person saying it cost $99 when I paid over $200. Please stay away from these scammers. They keep repeating the same response in all their responses and all customers claim the same thing. Go to a kiosk and see for yourselves if we are lying. They never tell you no refunds. They lie about their prices. They are aggressive. I agree with all the reviews claiming these sellers are aggressive and liars.

  Customer response

  01/09/2024

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  12/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Date of transaction: 12/19/2023 ******************** Mall Description: I, F 25, went to the mall alone to do some last minute Christmas shopping. I was approached on several occasions during this trip to the mall by this kiosk in particular. I have very curly hair. It was suggested I sit down so they could show me their product. I explained I didnt have time and was not interested. I was corralled into the chair and before I knew it, they started straightening sections of my hair. Like I said, I have curly hair, so this was devastating. I HAD TO BE TO WORK IN 30 MINUTES. The sales person was extremely overbearing, aggressive. I felt threatened. That if I did not purchase the item, it wouldnt be good. I felt that I would not be able to leave without purchasing something. They explained it was a heatless product, it would not damage your hair, and can be used as a straightener. I explained I cannot buy this product, I need to leave. The salesperson proceeds to continue straightening my hair, using different products, and a comb and brush. Are these items sanitized? Huge health risk here! I continued to sit in the salon chair, uncomfortable & extremely upset. I finally explained to the salesperson I would buy the stupid thing JUST so that I could leave! I bought one, after offering an aggressively low number. He went back and forth with me for a while, and we settled. He proceeded to berate and verbally attack me, trying to get me to purchase a second. I did, but for even cheaper WITH three hair products. I NEEDED TO GET OUT!!!!! By the time I got home and looked in the packages, they are a totally different product than what they use at the kiosk. The straightener pulls your hair out and does NOT straighten like they say. It is HOT! There have to be laws against this! I felt scared and completely violated. I will not shop at the University Mall ever again!

  Customer response

  01/08/2024

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  10/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The straightener I was sold is not the same as the one used in the demo. **** told me it would be $120 but charged me $130. I was not told of the no returns policy. I was told I would get a lifetime warranty but no information in the box or online about how to get it. This was a bait and switch scam with very aggressive salespeople who would not let me leave. I asked for her business card but no contact info is on the card.

  Customer response

  10/19/2023

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

  Business response

  10/19/2023

  Hello,
  Unfortunately,we cannot help you because you have contacted the wrong company.
  Our company does not have an employee named *********
  Also,as stated on the business card, you purchased items in ******, *****. Beauty Express is located at specific locations in malls in the **, MAS and **.
  
  We hope you find your designated company and speak directly to them.

• Initial Complaint

  10/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  It happened, a bad day made worse. Getting sucked into a scam, never thought it would happen and regretted it as soon as it was done. I spent 300 on this c*** and as soon as my card went through she said no returns allowed. I didnt even see a sign stating this. DO NOT BUY THESE PRODUCTS. THEY ARE A SCAM. Im kicking myself because I basically could have bought a Dyson set with the money spent.

  Business response

  10/19/2023

  We are very sorry to hear that this is your experience with our product.

  
  Letting you know:
  At the kiosk we work with all products at maximum temperature and use a comb with every pass of the product on customers hair. Of course, if not used that way at home, results may differ.
  We assure you that the tool you purchased is the same as the one as the tool you fell in love with at the kiosk and was demonstrated on you at our location. To verify this, you have the option to bring it back to the store for a side-by-side comparison.

  
  You were informed of a no return policy, and signed the receipts that mention the policy on both ends of the receipts. There are 2 clear signs of the return policy on both sides of the kiosk.

  
  If you need any additional help with how to use your tool, you are more than welcome to return to the cart with the items or call the business number on ********** for extra support.

• Initial Complaint

  09/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  09/13/23 I can go into detail about my experience, but after reading the posted complaints my experience was pretty much the same: Bait & switch, lying, pushy sales employees who will not let you leave and a total piece of garbage product. I specifically bought the Straight Ahead Bionic ********* Glider 2.0 for the sole reason that they continuously re-assured that I could use on wet hair. When I got home, I looked up the product on their website and they specifically said not to use on wet hair. This was the only reason I bought these products. I already own a Chi Straightener that works fine. Paid about $340 for both. Originally bought the **************** at $223 and then they pressured me into the straightener which all of a sudden went from $370 to only $100 plus warranty. I repeatedly told them I needed to leave to get to another store that was closing at 8pm. Didnt make it. They held me at the kiosk for over 30 minutes, and then when I finally said I needed to leave, another sales woman grabbed me and sprayed some product in my hair, without asking mind you. By that time, I was so angry I finally built up the courage to say no. Product is c*** Straightener was sold to me with the ceramic plates scratched and loose. I found it on resale website for $50-80. Other poor souls who were scammed by Straight Ahead Beauty. They finally explained their return policy, or lack there of after I finally grabbed the receipt and tried to sprint to the store I was originally bound for. Was more of a oh by the way. DO NOT walk near these mall kiosks. If youre a very passive person who struggles to tell people to F*ck off they will scam you and make you feel terrible about it immediately after. Im planning on disputing this charge with my credit card. From many other reviews, on this website and others, I know reaching out to Straight Ahead Beauty is a waste of time. I smell a class action lawsuit in the future.

  Business response

  09/18/2023

  The hair straightener that was demonstrated at the time of purchase is the exact same product sold, the only difference is how you are using it. Sadly, we do not offer refunds on personal hair products that were demonstrated before being purchased at the store location.
  You were informed of a no return policy, and signed the receipts that mention the policy on both ends of the receipts. Our sales representatives have a similar sales pitch, and always inform the buyer of the price and of the return policy.
  In addition, at the kiosk there are at least 2 clear signs of the return policy, and it is also said during the sale.
  The ceramic plates on the straighteners are meant to be loose.Also mentioned on the back of the products box, floating pure ceramic plates.This specifically helps the tool not to pull on the hair, as well as gives it the option to curl your hair instead of being a straightener meant for just straightening like most other tools in the market.
  The tools that are sold on other websites and not on the official Straight Ahead Beauty webpage are preowned, used, and un-warrentied items. Just like other high-end products being sold online as fake or secondhand.
  If the customer needs any additional help with how to use her tool, she is more than welcome to return to the cart with the items purchased for us to compare them side by side to the ones used by us at the location or call the business number at **********.

  Thank you for being a valued customer.

• Initial Complaint

  08/30/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchased 2 straighteners from the kiosk in the mall. Sales person was aggressively sweet and very confident when describing the product. Gave me a "great deal" as his mother was a single mom like me, so he gets how tight money can be. Product was explained that it does not use regular heat but infaref heat that will not burn or damage the hair but rather help it to be healthier as it locks in nutrients. Was also told that the bonus of these devises is that they can be used on wet hair to save time by not having to blow dry and how easy that would be for my kids in the morning before school. They them charged an extra $20 for the warranty which actually is already backed by a lifetime warranty with the sale of the product itself. When I got home and read the papers INSIDE the sealed box, it stated it is basically like any other flat iron, will damage hair, uses regular heat and CAN NOT BE USED ON WET HAIR! Only after looking at my receipt did I realize they also offer no returns. This is a complete misrepresentation and scam and is illegal. If I do not recieve a full refund my next step is to go to the Mall director and states Attorney General to file more complaints and make sure they can not do buisness in ******* again.

  Customer response

  09/11/2023

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint. My next step will be contacting the Mall and filing a complaint directly with them, and ********** Attorney General for fraudulent behavior.

  Business response

  09/27/2023

  I am writing on behalf of The Beauty Express company, who has ownership of the kiosk in the ***************, ****************, *******.
  The Beauty Express company concentrates on hair products,styling tools, hair extensions and other hair accessories. We use the best in the market and mix between companies to give our clients the most professional products in the industry. For example, our hair extensions are SHE Beyond the Beauty and the flat irons and hair products are Straight Ahead Beauty.
  We work through kiosks, a small stand in the middle of the mall that allows our representatives to offer the customers in the mall if they would be interested in hearing about our products and trying them out for themselves.
  Within the encounter the client purchased our Bionic Pro Ceramic (a far Infra-red technology straightener).
  The Bionic Pro Ceramic is a Negative ion, Far Infra-Red technology straightener, as seen on the back of the box. Infrared heat is a light wavelength that uses negative ions to create heat and seal in moisture and prevents your hair from getting damaged or frizzy.
  Also available to check for more details online or on the company website straightaheadbeauty.com.
  Also, the company owns kiosks, stores and salons all over the ***, and worldwide.
  Our products give the best and highest professional results for easy use at home.
  If used incorrectly by the user, for example: Different heat setting to the demos temperature or not using a comb while straightening the hair, will lead to unequal results, all due to misusing the tool.
  The complaint states that there was a bait and switch tactic involved between the item demonstrated and the item given to the client.
  The Beauty Express kiosk works with the same products sold to our customers.
  Of course, we would appreciate the chance to show that the complaint is incorrect.A matter that could be simply resolved by *****************************.
  In addition, ***************************** signed all receipts and agreed to the No Refunds Policy. Which is clearly said at sale point, written on signs on the kiosk.
  Even despite the states refund policy rule CP 106.01,that states: unless the seller discloses at the time of sale that no cash refund will be made on the goods or that cash refunds are made at the sole discretion of the seller. Disclosure of such refund policy must be conspicuously placed on a sign located at the point of display, the cash register, or the store entrance
  
  We are sad to hear that ******** had gone through a bad experience.
  At Beauty Express, we put customers satisfaction first, and therefore appreciate them reaching out when a problem occurs. We stand by the quality of our tools, and after receiving hundreds of compliments through our customer service we will be opening a salon for easier access to our products, as requested by our satisfied clients of *******.
  
  We are waiting for ***************************** to return to the kiosk for us to resolve this issue and not let the untrue and disrespectful rumors spread.
  
  
  
  Thank you in advance,
  Beauty Express LLC.
  ***********
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/29/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was at the mall this weekend and I had already passed by the booth that sold hair straighteners. My boyfriend told them I was all set because they wouldnt stop. The second time they lured me in and I was only getting a business card. They have a very pushy pushy salesman style and I felt like I couldnt say no. The lady went from pricing this no heat hair straightener from $375 down to $99 by the time I was getting fed up from saying no. So I took the offer. Little did I know when my boyfriend was paying she marked it up to $140 I was still in the chair with half my hair done so I was unaware. I didnt find this out until the purchase was done. She ended up charging $100 which wasnt what was agreed upon. Come to find out this straighter is not what she used on my hair, it wont curl my hair and my hair doesnt look shiny or frizz free like she had used on me. Such a scam!

  Customer response

  09/08/2023

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

  Business response

  09/26/2023

  We are very sorry to hear that this is your experience with our product.
  Letting you know:
  At the kiosk we work with all products at maximum temperature and use a comb with every pass of the product on customers hair. Of course, if not used that way at home, results may differ.
  We assure you that the tool you purchased is the same as the one we demonstrated at our location. To verify this, you have the option to bring it back to the store for a side-by-side comparison.
  In addition, please look at the back of the products box,where you can clearly see under the last icon to the right that the straightener uses Negative ion, Nano Silver & Far Infrared Technology.Our straighteners are proven to be safer for your hair, and even a quick and easy look online searching Infrared Technology would give you enough information to see for yourself the differences between directed heat, as used in other companies tools, and the infrared used in ours.

  The extra payment was for the life time warranty which we charge extra for if you choose to do so. 

  
  If you need any additional help with how to use your tool, you are more than welcome to return to the cart with the items or call the business number on **********.

• Initial Complaint

  08/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bought on Saturday, August 26. Same complaints as all of the other ones in here. Predatory sales tactics. Piece of c*** hair straightener that pulls hair out and gets way too hot. **** said it was worth $370 on the box, we ended up paying $150 I think? Tried looking up the bar code on ****** Lens and Bing and neither could pull up anything about it. Going tomorrow to try and get refunded but it doesn't look like I'll be having much luck, if the previous complaints are accurate.

  Business response

  09/27/2023

  We are very sorry to hear that this is your experience with our product.
  Letting you know:
  At the kiosk we work with all products at maximum temperature and use a comb with every pass of the product on customers hair. Of course, if not used that way at home, results may differ.
  We assure you that the tool you purchased is the same as the one we demonstrated at our location. To verify this, you have the option to bring it back to the store for a side-by-side comparison.
  In addition, please look at the back of the products box, where you can clearly see under the last icon to the right that the straightener uses Negative ion,Nano Silver & Far Infrared Technology. Our straighteners are proven to be safer for your hair, and even a quick and easy look online searching Infrared Technology would give you enough information to see for yourself the differences between directed heat, as used in other companies tools, and the infrared used in ours.
  You were informed of a no return policy, and signed the receipts that mention the policy on both ends of the receipts. Our sales representatives have a similar sales pitch, and always inform the buyer of the price and of the return policy.  At the kiosk there are at least 2 clear signs of the return policy, and it is also said during the sale.
  If you need any additional help with how to use your tool, you are more than welcome to return to the cart with the items or call the business number on **********.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩