“I’ve Been Done Dirty”: Johannesburg Woman Slams Hairstylist for Bad Ponytail in Viral TikTok Video

• A South African woman shared a viral video on TikTok, expressing her disappointment and frustration with a poorly executed ponytail frontal hairstyle she received from a local hairstylist
• The lady claimed that the stylist rushed the job, didn't follow basic steps, and failed to properly install the lace frontal, resulting in a subpar finish that left her feeling embarrassed
• The incident has sparked a wider conversation on social media about beauty standards, hairstyling ethics, and customer rights, with many users sharing their own horror salon experiences and calling for greater accountability in the industry
• Briefly News spoke to a qualified artistic and creative hairstylist, Lazaros Sumbane, who shared the hairstyles that are trending

A frustrated young South African woman has taken to social media to call out a local hairstylist after receiving what she described as a disappointing and poorly executed ponytail frontal hairstyle.

Woman calls out hairstylist on her bad hairdo

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The woman, who had hoped for a sleek, professional look, says she was left feeling embarrassed and let down after the service.

According to the viral video she posted on 21 July 2025 on TikTok under the handle @naledidikotla1, she revealed how she travelled into town in central Johannesburg specifically to get the hairstyle done, expecting a high-quality finish. However, the final result fell far short of her expectations.

She expressed how she was not new to the wig installation game and could not fathom how she was done in such a way.

"It's giving Jackie Chan has nothing on me," said @naledidikotla1 in the clip.

@naledidikotla1 adde that the lace frontal was not properly installed, with visible glue and an uneven hairline that drew mockery from onlookers. She claimed the stylist rushed the job, didn't follow basic steps for a clean finish and told her she didn't need a wig cap. @naledidikotla1 mentioned that she trusted the hairdresser.

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The process didn’t seem right to her, yet she stayed quiet because she didn’t have the courage to speak up for herself.

"Oh guys, I’ve been done dirty, and that time I have a summit to attend."

Mzansi social media users were quick to sympathise with her ordeal, with many sharing their own horror salon experiences.

The woman’s post has since gained thousands of views and sparked wider conversations around beauty standards, hairstyling ethics, and customer rights in the hair industry.

While the stylist in question has yet to publicly respond, the incident serves as a reminder for customers to research hairstylists, ask for portfolios, and speak up when service falls below standard. The woman said she hoped her story would warn others and lead to more accountability in the industry.

Take a look at the video below:

Hairstyles that are trending

While speaking to Briefly News qualified artistic and creative hairstylist, Lazaros Sumbane, shared the top hairstyles that are suitable for the summer season.

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The hairdresser said the following:

"For a stylish and cool summer look, consider a short bob haircut; it's a timeless classic that never goes out of style. A short bob can be customised to fit your face shape and hair type, and it's perfect for hot summer days. You can also add some texture and dimension to your bob with layers or bangs."

Pixie cut, asymmetrical bob, sleek bob, or smooth crop are summer-appropriate styles for edge, easy maintenance, and coolness, while sleek bobs or smooth crops are elegant, Lazaros expressed.

"Some other popular summer hairstyles for ladies include short curly hairstyles, short hairstyles with bangs, and edgy short hairstyles. You can also try a tousled blonde bob or a rounded bob with a straight across nape for a chic look," he added.

SA reacts to woman’s hair gone wrong

The online community took to the comments section to express their thoughts on the lady's hairdo that went wrong.

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Katlehomakutso said:

"Bathong chommie, sorry. I hope next time you speak up, please."

Her added:

"Aowa, guys, please start speaking up. This is your money!!!"

LaraMalaka wrote:

"And you walked out??? Sesiii."

Amanda shared:

"Yoh, they once did me ma sweets wamanala ko jozi kare no more."

Masechaba commented:

"Let's go get your money."

South African women flex hair gone wrong

• Briefly News reported another similar story of a hun felt emotional after paying R650 at a salon for a wig, which she took off as she left.
• One woman woke up to the shock of her life, and she took to social media to show it off in a TikTok video.
• A woman candidly showed her hair transformation, revealing the difference between her initial vision and the result.
• One young lady was done dirty by her hairstylist, and she took to social media to showcase the outcome, which left SA talking.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News