When Kathy Monroe, a nurse practitioner in Florida, wanted to get her hair done, she contacted Tampa-based Mane Attraction, a salon she'd visited before and which advertised itself as the "Home of the $50 Weave".
Monroe told ABC Tampa Bay 28 that she called ahead to make sure the $50 price was correct. But according to Monroe, after she got the service, salon owner Tyronese Bivens told her she owed $130 — more than twice what she expected.
When Monroe disputed the cost, she says Bivens got violent. Monroe recorded their altercation on her cellphone. In the video, Bivens appears to grab Monroe's hair saying, "I don't care. Just sit down and take the sew in out."
Police arrived at the scene and body camera footage shows Bivens talking to an officer, saying, "I got this lady here, got her hair done. She don't want to pay." (1)
"I'm trying to pay her. I'm just not going to let her hijack me for three times what I thought I was going to pay," Monroe responded
Salon client is claiming physical and emotional damages
Monroe eventually paid Bivens $120 while the officers looked on. Later, she posted a video claiming that her hair had been ripped out.
Medical records provided to ABC verified that her doctors said the yanking resulted in permanent hair loss and aggravated a previous spinal injury.
"I'm never going to be the same," Monroe said."Right now, I have to wear wigs or clip-ins,"
Monroe filed a report against Bivens with Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which oversees cosmetology licenses in the state. However, DBPR quickly closed the complaint, stating it was a civil case.
The State Attorney's Office charged Bivens with misdemeanor battery and criminal mischief.
The case is still before the courts. ABC approached Bivens for comment and she called Monroe a liar, but would not appear on camera for an interview.
What to do when you have a dispute with a service provider
Monroe's ordeal is a reminder that getting into disputes with service providers can sometimes go very wrong. Here's how to protect yourself, both before and after the service is completed.
Make sure you understand the full cost of services
Do your best to avoid surprises by making sure you understand the entire cost. Promotional pricing can be misleading and may refer only to the installation of a product, not including the cost of supplies. Make sure to verify you understand the pricing
For example, the root of this dispute may have been the difference between what Mane Attraction salon charges for a Basic Sew In (3) ($50) and a 'Full Sew In' ($130).
Try to resolve it directly, when possible — but don't put yourself in danger
If a price dispute arises, stay calm and refer back to what was agreed upon. But as Monroe's case shows, some disputes can escalate. Don't put yourself at physical risk over a billing disagreement. If a conversation turns hostile, walk away and let the authorities sort it out.
Document all interactions
Save screenshots of advertised prices, confirmation texts and any written quotes. If a dispute turns ugly, consider recording it as Monroe did. Documentation is your best defense, whether you're dealing with a licensing board, small claims court or law enforcement.
Contact the appropriate licensing board or state agency
Most service providers, including hair stylists, contractors, and plumbers, are licensed by a state agency. If you believe a provider acted unethically or illegally, file a formal complaint. In Florida, that's the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Results aren't guaranteed, as Monroe discovered, but a paper trail matters if the case escalates.
No bill dispute is worth your own safety. If a confrontation becomes physical, call 911 immediately.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see ourethics and guidelines.
Danielle is a personal finance writer whose work has appeared in publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love. She’s especially passionate about helping families and kids learn smart money habits early.
The content provided on Moneywise is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither investment, tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities, enter into any loan, mortgage or insurance agreements or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.
You’re in.
Welcome to Moneywise! Keep an eye on your inbox for your first newsletter, free Warren Buffett investing guide, and full commenting access. Welcome to Moneywise! Keep an eye on your inbox for your first newsletter, free Warren Buffett investing guide, and full commenting access.
Money news that matters. Free in your inbox.
Join 250,000+ readers getting the money news that matters. Our free newsletter cuts through the noise. Plus get a free Warren Buffett investing guide.
