My $20 bang trim kicked off a weekslong junk fee journey
A surprise $8 fee on a $20 haircut sent me investigating hidden charges, drip pricing, and why businesses don't always advertise the full price.
When I first got bangs a couple of years ago, my mother was thrilled. She'd always worried about my large forehead, even though it's partly her own fault. Unfortunately, my trust issues with scissors meant I relied on a professional stylist. Recently, I decided to compare prices before heading to Hair & Co BKLYN, which advertised a bang trim for just $20.
After filling out a form sent via text, I headed to the Brooklyn-based salon and noticed an extra $8 fee on my bill. The stylist claimed it was an "environmental service fee," though I couldn't find any mention of it in my emails or texts. After some digging, I discovered that the fee was part of Green Circle Salons, a sustainability program that monetizes eco-friendliness.
I reached out to Hair & Co, asking where the fee was disclosed and its purpose. They explained that the fee was part of their partnership with Green Circle, though the program was currently paused. The experience left me frustrated and questioning why hidden fees are so prevalent, with Americans spending over $90 billion annually on them.
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