Coco Chanel once said, ‘A woman who cuts her hair changes her life.’ An Indian model got her hair cut, and it certainly changed hers, proving Coco Chanel’s words as absolutely accurate. First, it caused the model nearly irreparable mental trauma, and then the compensation of $271,000 (INR 20 million) more than made up for the losses. Here is how the story goes: this model, a regular at the salon (part of a prominent hotel chain in Delhi) gave clear instructions to the newbie cutting her hair. The instructions were particular as the woman used to get jobs from hair product firms because of her long hair.
Not only did the salon ignore her instructions their botched haircut had shattered the woman’s dream of becoming a top model. The hairstylist cut a significant part of her hair, leaving only 4-inch from the top touching her shoulder. The model took the salon to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which awarded her 20 million rupees. The panel’s president, RK Agrawal said, “There is no doubt that the women are very cautious and careful with regard to their hair. They spend a handsome amount on keeping the hair in good condition. They are also emotionally attached to their hair. The complainant was a model for hair products because of her long hair. She has done modeling for VLCC and Pantene.”
NDTV reports the woman complained to the consumer court that she was to appear for an interview a week before she visited the salon. As her usual hairdresser was not available, another person took her on. When she was clearly unhappy with the haircut, the salon offered a complimentary hair treatment to make up for the mistake; however, it ended up making matters worse. According to the BBC, the woman told the court that the treatment was “dubious and it resulted in damage of her hair.”
This isn’t really that big a deal for many people, even though she did lose a few assignments. People all around the world are losing hair, health, and loved ones to a pandemic. Too bad the almighty can’t compensate for the losses families are facing by not being able to work, not being able to fend for children, and let’s not even get started about war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Syria. At least someone got out of a bad day and haircut, thanks to NCDRC.
