Stylist Code of Conduct & Healthy Hair Practices

Every stylist on Sheahaircare agrees to this Code as a condition of listing on the platform. It exists to keep customers safe, to protect the health of their hair and scalp, and to uphold the trust that the Sheahaircare community is built on. Stylists acknowledge this Code during onboarding, and breaches may lead to warnings, suspension or removal from the platform.

1. Honest identity and representation

• Provide accurate business and personal details, and keep your profile current.
• Hold any qualifications, registrations or permits that South African law requires for the services you offer.
• Represent your skills, experience and pricing truthfully. Do not post misleading before-and-after images or solicit fake reviews.

2. Hygiene and workstation safety

• Keep your workstation, basins and seating clean and sanitary.
• Clean and disinfect combs, brushes, clips, shears and other tools between every client.
• Use clean towels and capes for each client, and dispose of single-use items (such as razor blades and applicators) safely after one use.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and wash or sanitise your hands before each service.

3. Healthy hair practices

These standards protect clients from avoidable hair and scalp damage:

• Patch test before applying relaxers, colours, bleach or any chemical that can cause an allergic or chemical reaction, and respect the manufacturer's instructions and processing times.
• Protect the scalp and hairline. Avoid excessive tension in braids, weaves, cornrows and ponytails, which can cause traction alopecia. Loosen styles that are visibly too tight, and never install on a damaged or inflamed scalp.
• Use heat responsibly. Apply heat protection and appropriate temperatures to avoid heat damage and breakage.
• Assess hair and scalp health honestly. If a client's hair or scalp is not in a condition to undergo a requested service safely, advise against it and offer a safer alternative — even if it means a smaller booking.
• Use safe, fit-for-purpose products. Do not use banned, expired or unsafe products, and follow product directions.

4. Client safety and consent

• Ask about allergies, sensitivities, medication and prior reactions before chemical services.
• Explain the service, the expected outcome and any risks, and obtain the client's informed consent before proceeding.
• Take extra care with minors, and only provide services to a minor with a parent or guardian's consent and, where appropriate, presence.
• Stop a service immediately if a client shows signs of a reaction or discomfort, and seek medical help where needed.

5. Professional conduct

• Honour confirmed bookings and arrive on time. Communicate promptly if something changes.
• Treat every client with respect. Discrimination, harassment, intimidation or abuse of any kind is not tolerated.
• Respect client privacy and keep personal information confidential.

6. Fair payments and bookings

• Display clear, honest pricing, and do not add undisclosed charges.
• Honour the platform's Refund and Dispute Policy, including deposit and cancellation terms.
• Use the platform's payment system for platform bookings, and do not pressure clients to pay off-platform to avoid protections.

7. Cooperation with verification and trust

• Cooperate with Sheahaircare's stylist trust and verification programme, which may include customer reviews, bank-account confirmation and ID validation.
• Provide truthful information for any verification, and never use another person's identity or banking details.

8. Enforcement

We may investigate reports and complaints. Depending on the severity, a breach of this Code may result in a warning, temporary suspension, loss of verification status, or permanent removal from the platform. Serious safety or fraud breaches may be reported to the relevant authorities.

9. Acknowledgement

By listing on Sheahaircare, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and these Healthy Hair Practices.

Contact

Questions or to report a concern: support@sheahaircare.com.