Hair removal company closes unexpectedly; customers concerned about their money

Hundreds of clinics of a nationwide hair removal company closed suddenly, leaving customers wondering where their money is.

American Laser Centers operated 178 clinics in 14 states and Puerto Rico, according to the Better Business Bureau. On its website, the company announced its closures.

“We are sorry to announce that all of our clinics have been closed. We too are disappointed in the sudden developments and regret the impact that it is having on our loyal clients, valued employees and business partners,” the message reads. “If you are a client with a treatment package that has not yet been completed, we are taking steps to try to find alternative providers for you as quickly as possible. While we are working towards this end, we ask for your patience.”

Nicole Webb was a customer of the clinic in Colorado Springs. In July, she paid nearly $1,000 for eight sessions of hair removal. She received two sessions and was supposed to receive her third on Saturday, but when she got there, the doors were locked.

“I called them several times, I left them several messages, emailed them quite a bit,” she said.

Webb then found out online the company had closed.

“I was extremely upset, irritated. For some people $1,000 might not be a bunch of money, for me it was a huge amount of money,” she said. “I did not receive a letter in the mail, I didn’t receive any phone calls, I literally had to find out through the Internet that they were closed.”

The company lists two phone numbers on its website. Webb said she was initially able to leave messages, but now there is no answer or answering machine on either number. A third phone number for the company has a message stating the company is closed, then a busy dial tone.

The Better Business Bureau said Webb and other customers can file complaints with the BBB, the Attorney General’s Office and the Medical Board. They can also contact police.

“Since you are out money and funds, this can be considered a criminal act, but in order to start that process, you have to file through the police” BBB Director of Marketing and Events Crystal Johnston said.

She said customers can also hire an attorney and seek legal help, but they must act fast.