Table of Contents
Allegations Against Benny Harlem
As noted in the introduction, celebrity hairstylist Benny Harlem has faced a number of serious allegations related to his business practices over the years. This section will examine some of the key accusations in more detail:
Failure to Deliver Paid Products
One of the most common complaints against Harlem featured in the 2021 documentary is that he accepted payment from customers for hair growth products and supplements but never actually shipped or delivered the items. Customers reported paying hundreds of dollars for various bundles and packages on Harlem’s website but never receiving anything in return. Some said they tried contacting him for months to get refunds with no response.
No-Show Appointments
A recurring theme is Harlem booking hair appointments with clients at his salon but then not showing up or having inadequate staffing to accommodate all customers. Multiple individuals discussed traveling long distances, taking time off work and paying non-refundable deposits only to be left stranded without notice on their appointment dates.
Damaged and Botched Hair Treatments
Some former clients also alleged that when Harlem did provide hair services, the results were often unsatisfactory or caused damage. For example, severe breakage or hair loss after expensive treatments that were promoted as revolutionary new techniques. There were claims the problems persisted despite attempts to get them addressed.
Inflated or Unsupported Service Charges
The lawsuit against Harlem centers on accusations that he routinely charged customers inflated prices for services without actually performing substantial work. In some cases, it’s alleged individuals paid hundreds or even thousands of dollars for packages including multiple haircuts and treatments but received minimal care that didn’t align with the costs.
Harlem’s Response to Allegations
Unsurprisingly, Benny Harlem paints a very different narrative about the allegations than unhappy customers and the documentary presentation. He denies any intentional wrongdoing and attributes complaints to normal business issues or being targeted unfairly:
Claims of Products Not Delivered
Harlem acknowledges some order fulfillment delays but says they were due to vendor shipping delays outside of his control or staff capacity limitations during the pandemic. He maintains full refunds were provided for any orders not received.
No-Show Appointments
These are attributed to technical glitches in Harlem’s booking software, sending notification messages to the wrong client inboxes. He insists compensation or rescheduling was always promptly arranged.
Damaged or Botched Services
Harlem argues the minority of clients with unsatisfactory results is inevitable in any service industry. He used unnamed models to showcase techniques safely before clients and says follow-up treatments corrected any initial issues.
Inflated Service Charges
All services are claimed to have been provided as described to clients in person and in contracts signed. Packages are justified as necessary investments for achieving hair goals through a comprehensive multi-session process.
Proceed With Caution
As can be seen from this overview of allegations against Benny Harlem and his defenses, there are two starkly different narratives at play without a clear resolution. While not convicted of crimes, the dissatisfied customer accounts demonstrate risk that should give consumers pause before engaging with his business. Some cautionary lessons include:
- Research any influencer or celebrity endorsement thoroughly beyond just social profiles
- Get specifics on order fulfillment, cancellation policies and dispute resolution procedures in writing upfront
- Understand all potential services to be rendered for quoted pricing before signing agreements or paying deposits
- Consider alternatives from established local salons for lower risk hair treatments or consultations
With ongoing lawsuits, more details may emerge to help assess the validity of claims on both sides. But the doubts created suggest avoiding Harlem’s services unless genuinely the only option available. Independent verification of reviews and protections are important when dealing with any company embroiled in unresolved legal issues or complaints.
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