Hairdresser threatens to charge screaming kids

The owner of a South Australian hairdressing salon that threatened to charge screaming children a tantrum tax says he regrets hanging the bold statement in his shop window.

Jaggered Edge salon owner Robert Ferrante told A Current Affair  the sign – which read "screaming children will be charged accordingly" – was intended to highlight to parents the frustrations hairdressers face with unruly youngsters in the chair.

But he says he probably wouldn't do it if he had his time again after the complaints it attracted.

"It's terrifying when a child is crying and screaming when you're trying to cut their hair. It's dangerous for them and for us," he said, adding the sign's wording had rubbed some people the wrong way.

"I think either way I would get some slack for it so maybe I wouldn't do it again."

It's hard to imagine one bit of paper could cause so much debate.

The topic sent social media into meltdown at the weekend, with thousands taking to Facebook, Twitter and parenting blogs to have their say.

One woman posted a photograph of the sign on the salon's site saying: "Don't you know some children have high anxiety over haircuts and possibly other issues?"

While another local told A Current Affair: "That's their time and that's their money. And it bumps everybody else back. I'd say if you're not charging more just kick them out."

The sign was removed on Sunday and Mr Ferrante posted an apology to Facebook, explaining that it was not aimed at special-needs children.

It is not known whether the Salisbury Downs salon will reconsider its $4 surcharge for kid's haircuts more than 30 minutes.

Source: A Current Affair

Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Kieran Campbell