COVID-19 Procedures (UPDATED 5/22/2021)
Per the CDC Guidelines, The State of Connecticut and the City of Norwalk, while the mandate for masks outdoors and in certain settings is lifted, it is up to the discretion of individual businesses to determine what their policy is. As of May 21, 2021, the policy of Yaffa Beauty by Rica is as follows:
We understand that we have been looking forward for a time without masks and similar protective protocols, however, as we are in a transition time, we are sentitive to the fact that many people have different emotional and visceral responses, as well as medical and other needs. We are here to make you comfortable. And no one at Yaffa Beauty by Rica can enjoy any level of comfort if you are made to feel uneasy without masks being worn.
- If both the client and stylist have been fully vaccinated, can provide valid proof of vaccination (validity to be determined by Yaffa Beauty by Rica), and it has been a minimum of 14 days since the final vaccination, masks may be removed. If there is reason, either medical or due to comfort level, as determined by either the salon or the client, to wear a mask, the stylist & client will wear a mask.
- If any party present has not been vaccinated, or proof of vaccination is in question, all parties in the salon will wear a mask.
- If at any time an individual is uncomfortable with parties in the salon not wearing masks, all present will wear a mask.
- Temperatures will still be checked, and a disclosure/release will still be signed prior to services taking place.
- If you are feeling unwell, have a fever, etc, or anyone in your household or with whom you have had close contact is sick, within 24 hours prior to your appointment, you must call the salon (203-842-8388) to determine if your appointment can take place as scheduled. A new date and time will be set based on salon availability.
- Please refrain from bringing in outside food and beverages.
- Be patient with us if you experience delays or longer-than-usual appointment times as we have extra steps in sanitation and disinfection to ensure your safety.
- At this time, we ask that you pay appointments & tips by using contactless methods like Venmo, PayPal or Credit Card.
We understand that we have been looking forward for a time without masks and similar protective protocols, however, as we are in a transition time, we are sentitive to the fact that many people have different emotional and visceral responses, as well as medical and other needs. We are here to make you comfortable. And no one at Yaffa Beauty by Rica can enjoy any level of comfort if you are made to feel uneasy without masks being worn.
SATISFACTION POLICY
We always strive for excellent service satisfaction and for each guest to leave from their appointment with a wide smile every visit. In the rare event of a dissatisfying result*, we will stand by a Satisfaction Guarantee Policy and offer full support in correcting our services until desired results are achieved. Clients must notify Yaffa Beauty by Rica within 3 business days of the initial service to qualify for the complimentary correctional service. Refunds, unfortunately, are not offered. Please note that use of products & tools not prescribed or used as instructed by your stylist may result in fees associated with adjustments.
To ensure an understanding of expectations and/or complete hair history, you may be asked to sign a waiver prior to commencement of service after the consultation. Please understand this is not only to protect the salon, but to protect you and to ensure that you and your stylist are on the same page.
To ensure an understanding of expectations and/or complete hair history, you may be asked to sign a waiver prior to commencement of service after the consultation. Please understand this is not only to protect the salon, but to protect you and to ensure that you and your stylist are on the same page.
Return Policy
Unopened products may be returned, if accompanied by a receipt or noted in the client's computer history for a refund. Gift cards/certificates/vouchers are non refundable. Opened Paul Mitchell products may be returned at any time, per Paul Mitchell's Guarantee Guidelines and only if purchased at Yaffa Beauty by Rica, accompanied by a receipt or noted in the client's computer history for a refund. This does not apply to refills.
Children & Pet Policy
We do welcome children that have an appointment, however, we do not have the facilities to watch children during a parent’s appointment. For safety reasons, children must be watched by a parent, and must be able to remain seated for the duration of the appointment. Please remember that we are an intimate space, with chemicals and sharp objects within most children's reach. If you plan to bring a child with you, please let us know at the time you make the appointment so we can do our best to provide a safe space for them to be during your appointment.
For children receiving services, unless a shampoo is included in the appointment, hair must be freshly washed.
We understand that all children have various tolerances to sitting still, sound, etc. We are happy to make reasonable accommodations. If your child has special needs, or you suspect will require extra time, please advise us at least 24-hours in advance so we can prepare and make time and space accommodations for you.
If, however, once the service has begun, and a stylist has to stop the service 3 times or more due to challenges with cooperation, or the appointment runs excessively long as a result, an additional fee of $20 may be assessed. If a stylist and the owner determines the service cannot continue for safety reasons, and after stopping 3 times or more, the price of the children's cut will be due prior to departure and a second appointment will be scheduled.
In addition to human children, we love our fur babies. However, for the same consideration as an intimate setting with chemicals and sharp objects, we request that pets other than service animals not accompany their humans. Unfortunately, we have had some of our furnishings nibbled on and knocked down by super-frisky four-legged friends, and while we adore them, we find they aren't very happy being confined.
As with children, please let us know if you plan to bring a service animal with you so we can get as many breakables and tempting chew toys out of the way prior to your arrival.
For children receiving services, unless a shampoo is included in the appointment, hair must be freshly washed.
We understand that all children have various tolerances to sitting still, sound, etc. We are happy to make reasonable accommodations. If your child has special needs, or you suspect will require extra time, please advise us at least 24-hours in advance so we can prepare and make time and space accommodations for you.
If, however, once the service has begun, and a stylist has to stop the service 3 times or more due to challenges with cooperation, or the appointment runs excessively long as a result, an additional fee of $20 may be assessed. If a stylist and the owner determines the service cannot continue for safety reasons, and after stopping 3 times or more, the price of the children's cut will be due prior to departure and a second appointment will be scheduled.
In addition to human children, we love our fur babies. However, for the same consideration as an intimate setting with chemicals and sharp objects, we request that pets other than service animals not accompany their humans. Unfortunately, we have had some of our furnishings nibbled on and knocked down by super-frisky four-legged friends, and while we adore them, we find they aren't very happy being confined.
As with children, please let us know if you plan to bring a service animal with you so we can get as many breakables and tempting chew toys out of the way prior to your arrival.
Booking Policy
Due to an increase in schedule demands, you may be asked for a non-refundable deposit when you book your appointment, which will be applied to the balance, for services over a certain dollar amount. The exact dollar amount will be determined when you book the appointment and can be paid in-person when booking in the salon or via PayPal or Venmo. Your appointment will not be considered confirmed until that deposit has been received and you receive a partially-paid invoice confirming that receipt. For online booking, we will contact you with the deposit amount and instructions.
Our online scheduling system requires the submission of a valid credit card in order to secure an appointment. This is done to protect the salon against No Shows and last minute Cancellations, but also makes checking out more seamlessly at the end of your service.
Color services or other chemical treatments may require a 10-15 minutes in-salon consultation prior to the day of your appointment. This is so we can determine that the correct service and time has been selected, if any further services or treatments are required to get you to your desired results, and to ensure that we have any specialty products or tools necessary. Should you book online, we will call you to schedule that appointment.
Our online scheduling system requires the submission of a valid credit card in order to secure an appointment. This is done to protect the salon against No Shows and last minute Cancellations, but also makes checking out more seamlessly at the end of your service.
Color services or other chemical treatments may require a 10-15 minutes in-salon consultation prior to the day of your appointment. This is so we can determine that the correct service and time has been selected, if any further services or treatments are required to get you to your desired results, and to ensure that we have any specialty products or tools necessary. Should you book online, we will call you to schedule that appointment.
Groupon, Living Social & Similar Promotions
Yaffa Beauty by Rica occasionally utilizes voucher platforms as a means to introduce the salon to new clients only. As such, these promotions are limited to New Clients only and only (1) one per family/household. Clients that are currently in our database, clients that have previously used any voucher service, that are able to purchase additional vouchers due to technical errors on said voucher platforms, updates, etc. will be directed to request a refund from the service, and the appointment will be charged at regular price. We are aware that occasionally, updates to existing and new campaigns may allow existing customers to purchase additional vouchers, and that these platforms experience glitches and may allow you to purchase more than one, gift yourself a voucher, or allow you to purchase vouchers using multiple email addresses, however, we do cross-check with our own database. If multiple vouchers are purchased, you will be advised that they will not be accepted and we will help you get a refund from the voucher platform.
Please understand that these are limited in number, and deeply discounted marketing tools, of which the voucher platforms take a minimum of 50% of the voucher rate, and what is left sometimes covers the costs of materials.
Rest assured, however, that if you monitor our social media and emails, we always run monthly specials where you can benefit and find ways to save on services.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and, of course, if any platform gives clients difficulty in issuing refunds, we will communicate with them on your behalf to help facilitate refunds.
Please understand that these are limited in number, and deeply discounted marketing tools, of which the voucher platforms take a minimum of 50% of the voucher rate, and what is left sometimes covers the costs of materials.
Rest assured, however, that if you monitor our social media and emails, we always run monthly specials where you can benefit and find ways to save on services.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and, of course, if any platform gives clients difficulty in issuing refunds, we will communicate with them on your behalf to help facilitate refunds.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Your appointments are very important to Yaffa Beauty by Rica, and we understand that sometimes schedule adjustments are necessary; therefore, we respectfully request at least 48 hours notice for cancellations. Cancellations must be made via email or via call or text to 203-842-8388. ** Responding to reminder text messages are not received and will result in No Show fees.** Please understand that when you forget or cancel your appointment without giving enough notice, we may have turned away other clients in good standing because you had an appointment scheduled. As a result, we miss the opportunity to fill that appointment time, and clients on our waiting list miss the opportunity to receive services, and the salon suffers a direct loss. Our appointments are confirmed at the time the appointment is made, and then 48-hours in advance via email and/or text message because we know how easy it is to forget an appointment you booked months ago.
Please note that, at the discretion of Yaffa Beauty by Rica, the following fees may apply to late, missed or cancelled appointments:
The cancellation policy allows us the time to inform our standby guests of any availability, thus better serving everyone. Yaffa Beauty by Rica's policies are presented and provided in the best quality and tradition of excellent servicing for our established and future clientele.
Should a cancellation charge not be paid within 30, 60 or 90 days, you will receive written/electronic notice and be subject to interest fees and possible legal fees.
Thank you for viewing and supporting our policies criteria. Note that special exceptions may be made by Yaffa Beauty by Rica on a case-by-case basis, strictly by Yaffa Beauty by Rica's discretion, or per the terms of a separate, mutually agreed-upon, legally-binding contract.
Please note that, at the discretion of Yaffa Beauty by Rica, the following fees may apply to late, missed or cancelled appointments:
- In the case of late and tardy situations, time has specifically been set aside for you and you may be asked to provide a credit or debit card on file to reserve future appointments. Yaffa Beauty by Rica does offer reminder calls, texts, and emails 48 hours prior to your appointment to minimize this and to give our guests the opportunity to reschedule any conflicting appointments, before a card on file is required.
If you are tardy to your appointment, we will make our best efforts to accommodate you, but your experience may be shortened in order to accommodate guests with appointments following yours. If you arrive past a certain point, the appointment will be considered a No Show. - No Shows A No Show is defined as not showing up for your appointment at all, and depending on the length of the appointment, will be determined within the first 30-minutes or less of your scheduled appointment time. We will attempt to reach you once, either by text, phone or email at our discretion, prior to marking your appointment as a No Show. Your account will then be flagged, and, if the payment is not made at the time you are invoiced, you will be charged that amount at your next appointment, prior to any services are rendered, with late fees if applicable. No Shows will be charged 100% of the reserved service amount at regular price, in the case of online bookings, your card will automatically be charged. This means that if you were receiving a promotional price, that will not be used in calculating the cancellation fee. Voucher appointments that are No Shows will have the voucher redeemed, and a replacement voucher will not be able to be purchased. If special materials or supplies were purchased for your service (hair extensions, specialty products, etc), you will also be charged for those specialty items.
- Less than 48-hour/same-day notice to cancel will result in a charge equal to 50% of the reserved service amount at regular price. This means that if you were receiving a promotional price, that will not be used in calculating the cancellation fee. Voucher appointments that are 48-hour notice cancellations will result in a charge equal to 50% of the reserved service amount at regular price. Voucher appointments that are same-day notice to cancel will have the Groupon redeemed, or charged 100% of the retail value of the appointment, and a replacement voucher will not be able to be purchased. Your account will then be flagged, if the payment is not made at the time is is requested, and you will be charged that amount at your next appointment, with late fees if applicable.
- Same-Day Appointments that cancel with less than 3-hours notice will result in a charge equal to 100% of the reserved service amount at regular price. This means that if you were receiving a promotional price, that will not be used in calculating the cancellation fee. Your account will then be flagged, if the payment is not made at the time is is requested, and you will be charged that amount at your next appointment, with late fees if applicable.
- Vouchers or other similar promotions that are cancelled with less than 24-hour notice or are "No Shows" will be redeemed and will be unable to be used for future appointments or repurchased. Voucher providers will be made aware of this by Yaffa Beauty by Rica. Your account will then be flagged, if the payment is not made at the time is is requested, and you will be charged that amount at your next appointment, with late fees if applicable.
- Any bridal, special event, hair extension or multi-service or combo appointments must be held with a deposit and credit card on file, or per the terms of a special Bridal Services Contract.
- Multiple services or combos not cancelled with less than 24 hours in advance will be charged 100% of the reserved service amount. A credit card "HOLD" transaction may be made on your credit card to reserve the appointment time. Your account will then be flagged, if the payment is not made at the time is is requested, and you will be charged that amount at your next appointment, with late fees if applicable.
- Repeat offenders may be limited to walk-in appointments, without the ability to reserve an appointment in advance or will be required to pay for an upcoming appointment in-full at the time of the reservation (non-refundable).
The cancellation policy allows us the time to inform our standby guests of any availability, thus better serving everyone. Yaffa Beauty by Rica's policies are presented and provided in the best quality and tradition of excellent servicing for our established and future clientele.
Should a cancellation charge not be paid within 30, 60 or 90 days, you will receive written/electronic notice and be subject to interest fees and possible legal fees.
Thank you for viewing and supporting our policies criteria. Note that special exceptions may be made by Yaffa Beauty by Rica on a case-by-case basis, strictly by Yaffa Beauty by Rica's discretion, or per the terms of a separate, mutually agreed-upon, legally-binding contract.
Inclement weather POLICY
In the event of inclement weather, Yaffa Beauty by Rica will decide on a day-to-day basis if we will be opening for business. We will make every effort to contact you via telephone, text and or email prior to your service to reschedule your appointments. Keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more in-the-moment updates.
We will make every effort to reschedule your appointment to a convenient time for you. Your flexibility is appreciated upon rescheduling on inclement weather days; in order to service clients in a timely manner we will offer all available stylists to you on the days and times you request. If you feel you will be unable to make a scheduled appointment due to the weather contact us as soon as possible. Please note that if you have not received a phone call, text message or email stating that we are closed, or requesting to reschedule your appointment, we are open for business, and if we do not receive a request to reschedule your appointment due to weather within a reasonable amount of time, the Cancellation Policy may apply. You may leave a message on our answering machine or email us and we will contact you as soon as they are able.
We will make every effort to reschedule your appointment to a convenient time for you. Your flexibility is appreciated upon rescheduling on inclement weather days; in order to service clients in a timely manner we will offer all available stylists to you on the days and times you request. If you feel you will be unable to make a scheduled appointment due to the weather contact us as soon as possible. Please note that if you have not received a phone call, text message or email stating that we are closed, or requesting to reschedule your appointment, we are open for business, and if we do not receive a request to reschedule your appointment due to weather within a reasonable amount of time, the Cancellation Policy may apply. You may leave a message on our answering machine or email us and we will contact you as soon as they are able.
CHEMICAL SERVICES POLICY
By accepting an appointment for chemical services, which may include, but is not limited to, permanent, semi-permanent, demi-permanent color services, smoothing services, lightening processes, etc, clients release Yaffa Beauty by Rica, Rica Mendes, any other Stylist/Assistant from any responsibility and/or liability concerning the application, processing and/or consequences of the permanent chemical procedure. Clients release and hold Yaffa Beauty by Rica, Rica Mendes, its employees and its agents harmless against any and all liability, damage, and/or expenses arising out of or in connection with actions, claims, and/or damages resulting in personal injuries and disabilities (physical and/or psychological) that may be incurred as a result of the chemical altercation through permanent chemical processing of hair. It is understood that additional conditioning and other treatments may be recommended and/or necessary for hair maintenance and that permanent damage to hair is possible due to chemical application. It is also understood that there may be unexpected results beyond that of the professional’s ability to predict that may also result in further chemical services/adjustments that may be billable beyond those listed below. Clients accept all financial responsiblity for those adjustments. There may be an occasion where, due to the past history and condition of hair, we cannot honor any guarantees, however we will perform any adjustments for a fee. Clients may be asked to sign a release prior to the application of services that will include an estimate of services based on a worst-case scenario, however, it is also understood that during the chemical process, additional services may be necessary.
Given the time and specialty products and tools required to perform certain chemical services, a non-refundable deposit may be requested in order to secure appointments, to be determined at the discretion of the salon.
Given the time and specialty products and tools required to perform certain chemical services, a non-refundable deposit may be requested in order to secure appointments, to be determined at the discretion of the salon.
For everYone’s well being
Should anyone working in the salon feel unsafe, or uncomfortable, due to behavior, possible intoxication, and other factors, a client may be asked to reschedule their appointment, leave the premises, be presented with a conditional agreement in order to continue doing business at the salon, or, in a worst case scenario, to no longer return. It is unfortunate that we are in a position to set this policy, however, it is in everyone’s best interest and for everyone's well-being, including the client themselves, the stylists, and fellow clients, that anyone coming in to receive services are not only able to give informed consent to services, but comfortable enough proceeding with the appointment without fear of harm.
* Dissatisfying results will be determined based on end-results vs. what was discussed during consultation basis, and will be redone if there was a technical issue, something reasonably preventable or stylist error. If the result is unsatisfactory due to a lack of full hair history given by the guest, previous chemical services not performed by Yaffa Beauty by Rica, use of products not recommended, prescribed or sold by Yaffa Beauty by Rica, or something otherwise unpredictable, there may be fees associated with further corrections.
* Dissatisfying results will be determined based on end-results vs. what was discussed during consultation basis, and will be redone if there was a technical issue, something reasonably preventable or stylist error. If the result is unsatisfactory due to a lack of full hair history given by the guest, previous chemical services not performed by Yaffa Beauty by Rica, use of products not recommended, prescribed or sold by Yaffa Beauty by Rica, or something otherwise unpredictable, there may be fees associated with further corrections.