May 17, 2026
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.
Advertisement
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."
Monroe cries, "I'm not going to be extorted."
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.
Advertisement
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.
Monroe says she still lives with the physical and emotional pain from the altercation and worries other clients might face similar treatment.
"Nobody should go through what I just went through. Nobody," (2) Monroe said.
Must Read
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — are you doing the same?
- Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how
- Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year and begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
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 our ethics and guidelines.
ABC Tampa Bay 28 (1),(2); Square (3)
You May Also Like
- Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast
- Inside a $1B real estate fund offering access to thousands of income-producing rental properties — with flexible minimums starting at $10
- Vanguard’s outlook on U.S. stocks is raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
- Here are 5 easy ways to own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé. You can start with $10 (and no, you don’t have to manage a single thing)
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.
