[Bigiron]

Salon chain HairFun admits to unfair practices targeting elderly customers

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapor...062025_cna

[Bigiron]

Title: Salon chain HairFun admits to unfair practices targeting elderly customers
 
Source: Channel NewsAsia, June 4, 2025
 
Author: Not specified, but attributed to CNA/lh(ac)
 
Article Summary:
 
- Theme: The article reports on the unfair trade practices of the HairFun salon chain targeting elderly customers in Singapore.
- Core Points: The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) investigated HairFun after receiving complaints from the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). Investigations revealed that HairFun engaged in misleading sales tactics, including falsely claiming scalp problems to upsell expensive treatments that customers did not consent to. One instance involved an elderly man being charged nearly S$1,000 for unwanted services. HairFun admitted to the unfair practices, agreed to refund affected customers (approximately S$12,500), and promised to cease such conduct. CCCS emphasized the importance of businesses treating vulnerable consumers with care and ensuring informed consent before sales. CASE welcomed HairFun's commitments and vowed to continue working with CCCS to hold errant businesses accountable.
- Phenomenon: The article highlights the vulnerability of elderly consumers to deceptive sales tactics and the importance of consumer protection agencies in holding businesses accountable. The case serves as a warning to both businesses and consumers regarding the need for transparency and informed consent in transactions.