One common element is the sense of an unknown presence. For example, customers might feel like they are being watched even though there is no one in sight. Another element could be strange occurrences with the hair products. Maybe they seem to move on their own or change color unexpectedly.
Often, there are elements related to the salon's history. It could be that the building used to be something else before it was a salon, like an old morgue or a place where something bad happened. And then there are the stories of customers who have had really bad experiences, like their hair falling out in clumps after a seemingly normal treatment, and no one can explain why.
A frequent element is the behavior of the staff. Sometimes in these stories, the staff might act in a very odd way. Like a hairdresser who stares blankly into space for long periods while holding a pair of scissors near a customer's head. Also, there are often unexplained noises in the salon, like whispers or things falling when no one is around.
One common element is unhygienic practices, like not sterilizing tools properly. Another is inexperienced technicians who make mistakes with the nail application. Also, using low - quality products can be a problem.
One 'black salon horror story' could be about a customer getting a bad chemical treatment. For example, a perm that went horribly wrong and ended up burning the scalp. Another might be a stylist who was extremely rude and unprofessional, constantly making negative comments about a client's hair texture.
Another element is the hair's ability to move on its own. In many black hair horror stories, the hair will slither like a snake or twitch in a way that is very unnatural. This adds to the sense of horror and the feeling that there is something alive and malevolent present. For instance, in a story, a girl's long black hair in the bathroom mirror starts to move on its own while she is brushing her teeth, and she can't explain it. It makes her feel that there is something sinister in the room with her. Well, this kind of movement of the hair gives the reader or listener a very spooky feeling. It's like the hair has a mind of its own and is trying to do something bad. Also, the hair is sometimes used as a tool by the evil force. It can wrap around a person's neck, trying to choke them or just touch them in a way that is very creepy and sends shivers down their spine.
Hair disasters are common. Like when a stylist gives a completely different haircut than what was asked for. Also, bad hair color jobs, such as getting an unexpected and unflattering color. Skin problems are another type. For example, if you get a facial and end up with a rash because of an allergic reaction to a product used at the salon.
A common one is getting the wrong color. Like someone asking for a blonde shade but getting a yellow - almost white color that looks really unnatural. It can be a total disaster especially if you have an important event coming up.
There are also horror stories related to waxing. Some salons don't clean their equipment properly. A woman I know got an infection after getting a bikini wax at a not - so - clean salon. The area became red, swollen and painful. It was a really unpleasant experience and she had to see a doctor to get antibiotics.
One story could be about a customer who always felt like she was being watched in a black salon. Every time she looked around, there was no one there, but she could sense a strange presence. Then one day, she saw a shadowy figure in the mirror when no one else was behind her.
Definitely the living beauty products. Imagine lipsticks singing and nail polishes changing colors! It makes the whole beauty routine seem like a magical adventure rather than a normal daily activity. Also, things like mirrors showing the future look or fountains with special beauty - enhancing water are very interesting elements as they combine beauty and magic in a unique way.
The scariest could be when a client had an allergic reaction to a product used in the salon. Her face swelled up and she had trouble breathing. It was a really terrifying situation.
Hazing is a common element. As I mentioned before, it can range from mild forms of discomfort to really dangerous and unethical practices. It often involves the new members being pushed to their limits physically and mentally.