Nationwide — Latasha Dickerson, an African American hairstylist from Memphis, Tennessee, was attacked in her home by a client who refused to pay for her braids. The client, 30-year-old Stephanie Samuels, is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault.
Dickerson, who has been braiding hair for over 20 years, offers both at-home and on-location services. She said, “It’s not about the money or time. Just like making people feel good and beautiful.”
Samuels, a childhood friend and client for 17 years, came to Dickerson’s home for small, extra-long box braids last month. After nearly 10 hours of braiding, Dickerson charged her $200.
However, Samuels only paid $50 and claimed she couldn’t pay the full amount because she needed money for her mortgage. Shocked by her friend’s refusal to pay, Dickerson tried to work out a solution, but things quickly escalated.
According to police, Samuels bit her arm, pepper-sprayed her, and threatened her with a box cutter, all while Dickerson’s children were nearby.
“When she sprayed me, I just started hollering,” Dickerson said. “I just was like, ‘Ahhh!’ I was just swinging my arms because it burned. That’s when she started attacking me. She bit me, like her whole teeth print is in my arm.”
Samuels then took the $50 and ran. Dickerson, who had hoped to use the money for Christmas gifts for her children, shared her frustration.
“When you try to help your community, people just try to take advantage of that,” Dickerson said. “She didn’t have to do that. She really didn’t.”
She now advises fellow hairstylists to request deposits or full payment upfront before starting services.