Community Guidelines

Welcome to SWAYED!

Thank you for joining us in supporting and safeguarding a welcoming environment. We're inspired by each and every one of our community members. We value their perspectives, beliefs, and views—they are what makes SWAYED a community and a safe space.

With SWAYED, we're cultivating a space for a community that wants to play a part in changing the accessibility for services for Afro-descendant and textured hair.

Our guidelines were developed to help make every experience feel safe, respectful, and positive. They apply to everyone who uses the SWAYED Marketplace Platform, whether they are clients, hairstylists or browsers. They also include interactions that you may have with our customer service agents, employed or contractual, through online support.

In some instances, our guidelines apply to conduct outside the SWAYED Marketplace Platform that we become aware of, when such conduct may threaten the safety of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform.

In order to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone, we've created a set of community standards to serve as a moral compass for behaviors on our platform. The guidelines below help explain some of the specific kinds of positive community engagement on the SWAYED Marketplace Platform, as well as the behaviors or circumstances that may cause you to lose access to it.

They aren't always tied to a law, but are used to govern our platform policies. They reflect our attitudes and expectations. Our community standards are rooted in our core values — community, tradition and talent, to which here we would like to add respect, as none of these values actually have any value without respect.

Other unforeseen events may ultimately lead to some access losses but the following guidelines provide the basis for behaviors we expect and behaviors we reject from all in the SWAYED community. Just like our community, these standards will continue to grow, evolve, and change.

Not following any one of our guidelines can constitute a breach or violation of the terms of your agreement with SWAYED and may result in the loss of access to part or all of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. For the good of all, we encourage you to report potential violations of the Community Guidelines to SWAYED and we will address any report in accordance with our policies.

We have embedded examples in the community standards for unacceptable activities on SWAYED. Please note that these are intended to be examples only and not a complete list.

Guidelines for All of Us

EVERYONE is required to follow SWAYED Community Guidelines.

The actions you take while using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform can have a big impact on the safety and comfort of others. Courtesy matters. For example, always try to be on time for your appointment, whether you are a client or a hairstylist. It's also common courtesy not to shout, swear, or slam doors. You are expected to exercise good judgment and behave decently toward other people when using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform—just as you would in any public place.

SWAYED is OBVIOUSLY an anti-racist company, value transferred to its product, the SWAYED platform. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background. Remember that when you interact with others in the SWAYED community, you may meet people who think differently than you, or come from different backgrounds. Please respect those differences. Discrimination based on race or any other characteristic protected by law will not be tolerated on the SWAYED Marketplace Platform and can result in loss of access to the apps.

Physical Contact

Don't touch strangers or anyone you just met without consent while using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. Obviously, the platform facilitating hair appointments, it is assumed that the hairstylist will have to touch the client's hair, however, we still ask that you ask for consent and we remind you that hurting or intending to hurt anyone is never allowed.

Sexual Assault and Misconduct

We all value our personal space and privacy. It's OK to chat with other people while remaining respectful. But please don't comment on someone's appearance or ask whether they are single. Sexual assault and sexual misconduct of any kind is prohibited. Sexual assault and misconduct refers to sexual contact or behavior without explicit consent of the other person. Personal space and privacy should be respected.

The following list provides examples of inappropriate conduct but is not exhaustive.

  • Asking personal questions (for example, about relationship status or sexual orientation)
  • Commenting on appearance (for example, derogatory or “complimentary” comments)
  • Making explicit comments or gestures (for example, slurs, or graphic or suggestive messages)
  • Flirting (for example, nonverbal, suggestive flirting, or being too physically close)
  • Displaying indecent material (for example, sexually suggestive objects or pictures)

SWAYED has a no-sex rule regardless of whether you know the person or they give you their consent.

Threatening and/or Rude Behavior Is Prohibited

Aggressive, confrontational, or harassing behavior is not allowed. Don't use language, make gestures, or take actions that could be disrespectful, discriminatory, threatening, or inappropriate.

Post-Appointment Contact

We are truly developing a community and it is easy to get attached to the people using SWAYED too. However, it is our recommendation, for security reasons, that contact should end when the appointment is complete, unless it's to return a forgotten item. Unwanted contact (where there is not mutual consent) can be seen as harassment and includes, for example, texting, calling, social media contact, visiting, or trying to visit someone in person after an appointment has been completed.

Additionally, hairstylists and clients are strictly prohibited from disclosing the other party's data, including any personal data, to third parties. Any breach of confidentiality or privacy may lead to the permanent suspension of accounts involved.

Should you encounter behavior that appears to violate this policy, please report it at customercare@getswayed.site and we will take the necessary measures available to us.

Discrimination

You should always feel safe and welcome. That's why we don't tolerate racist or discriminatory conduct and behavior. Do not discriminate against someone or engage in a disparaging manner toward someone based on traits such as their race, ethnicity, skin color, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, language, geographical location, or any other characteristic protected under relevant law. For example, it is unacceptable to rate another person based on any protected trait.

The following list provides examples of discriminatory behavior but is not exhaustive.

Refusing to provide services based on characteristics like a person's race, ethnicity, skin color, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, language, geographical location, or any other characteristic protected under relevant law.

Rating a hairstylist or rating a client based on these traits.

Discriminating on the basis of a hairstylist or a client's location. We understand how important it is to fit appointments around your life, rather than the other way around. It is not a violation of these guidelines to not book a hairstylist or decline a client because their location according to their postal code does not work for you.

Using discriminatory language, making discriminatory remarks, vilifying, or asking questions about sensitive topics regarding national origin, race, ethnicity, or any other trait previously mentioned. Making racial comments or using slurs is never allowed.

Property Damage

Damaging property is never allowed. Some examples include damaging the hairstylist or the client's location, breaking or vandalizing a phone or tablet, intentionally spilling food or drink, smoking or otherwise. If you damage property, you're responsible for the cost of cleaning and repair fees, outside of normal wear and tear. Intentional damage may result in account deactivation.

We Value Integrity

In order to maintain a safe and respectful marketplace, SWAYED is taking proactive steps to prevent any abusive practices that may undermine the integrity of our platform or the authenticity of our users.

Any activity aimed to deliberately manipulate the platform tools and features will lead to permanent suspension of user accounts involved in such behavior.

Again, Help Keep One Another Safe

We're hard at work every day to help create safe experiences for both hairstylists and clients. Your safety drives us. That's why these standards were written. Everyone has a role to play in helping to create a safe environment.

Account Sharing

Account sharing is not allowed. To use the SWAYED Marketplace Platform, you need to register and maintain an active account. Don't let another person use your account, and never share your personal information used in connection with your account, including but not limited to username, password, or photos of yourself, with anyone else to access the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. For example, hairstylists must complete the appointments themselves.

It is prohibited to open multiple accounts on SWAYED in order to (including but not limited to):

  • Gain a competitive advantage
  • Harass/mislead other users through messaging and/or ordering systems
  • Engage in any fraudulent activity
  • Bypass a restriction—or permanent suspension—of a previous account
  • Violate SWAYED Terms of Service and/or our Community Standards in any other way and/or manipulate the system
  • Do not share your authentic credentials (personal email, payment information, phone number) that could be used to create multiple accounts on your behalf.

Fake Identity

We do not allow accounts to pose as another person or entity in a misleading manner.

It is prohibited to:

  • Use a fake name, gender, photo, or any fictional or false biographical details in your user profile
  • Present a fake document(s) if asked to verify your identity
  • Use AI-generated imagery/video to create or verify an account on SWAYED, with the purpose of impersonating another person—or misrepresenting yourself
  • Impersonate other people by creating or using an account that deliberately misrepresents your identity, with the intention to mislead or deceive others
  • Use automated programs and tools to misrepresent your actual location
  • Create a SWAYED profile with your personal information/credentials for anyone other than yourself
  • Do not share your authentic credentials (personal email, payment information, phone number) that could be used to create fake accounts on your behalf. SWAYED reserves the right to permanently suspend accounts which represent a fake identity.

Minors / People Under the Age of 18

You must be 18 years or older to have a SWAYED account. Account holders can't request an appointment for someone under the age of 18 who will not be accompanied or in the presence of the account holder or another adult during the appointment. When booking the appointment, children are also not allowed to use an adult's SWAYED account by themselves. These age limitations apply unless our local guidelines, terms, or other policies say otherwise. When making an appointment for your children, only professional hairstylists should be booked. The professional hairstylist needs to be advised and can freely decline the appointment.

Hairstylist & Client Information

For an easy booking process, the SWAYED Marketplace Platform gives clients and hairstylists identifying information about clients and hairstylists such as profile picture, and name and address of the appointment before the appointment.

Recording Video and/or Audio

Sharing or streaming a person's image or audio or video recording on social media or in other digital or physical public locations is a violation of our Community Guidelines and may prompt further investigation by our safety team.

Proper Maintenance and Upkeep

Pursuant to the terms of their agreement with SWAYED and applicable regulations, hairstylists using their own material (although it is not recommended except for Professional hairstylists) are expected to keep their objects maintained and in perfect hygienic condition.

Safety & Care

Hairstylists/clients receiving clients/hairstylists into their personal location are expected to maintain an environment that makes clients/hairstylists feel safe.

Emergencies

In case of an emergency or if you find yourself in immediate danger, alert your local authorities or emergency services before notifying SWAYED.

We take threats of suicide and self-harm seriously and may reach out to authorities to request a wellness check if we receive notification that there is an imminent risk of self-harm.

For public emergencies, SWAYED may take additional measures to try to preserve the safety of our platform, including but not limited to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and public crisis situations.

No Medical Related Services

In order to protect the SWAYED community, we do not allow services that are meant to provide any medical treatment, medical advice, or medical or pharmaceutical supplies from professional or self-taught hairstylists.

Do not offer, agree to provide, or ask for any medical-related services, such as:

  • Any medical treatment, advice on a medical condition, or pharmaceutical advice
  • Any kind of medical drugs or pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, or pharmaceutical supply

Follow the Law

We have standards based on applicable laws and regulations that everyone must follow. For example, using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform to commit any crime—such as transporting drugs, money laundering, committing drug or human trafficking, or sexually exploiting children—or to violate any other law is strictly prohibited.

Actually, Follow All Laws

We're committed to following all applicable laws and earning your trust, and we expect everyone who uses the SWAYED Marketplace Platform to do their part and to know and adhere to relevant laws and regulations. Everyone is responsible for knowing and obeying all applicable laws.

All relevant licenses, permits, and any other legal documents required of professional hairstylists must be kept up to date.

Drugs and Alcohol

Drug use and alcohol are never allowed while on appointments booked using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. If a client is too drunk or rowdy, hairstylists have the right to decline the appointment for their own safety.

If you're a client and you have reason to believe your hairstylist may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, ask the hairstylist to leave the premises or leave immediately yourself. Once you are on your own, please also report your experience to SWAYED.

Fraud

Deception can weaken trust and also be dangerous. Intentionally falsifying information or assuming someone else's identity, for example when signing in or undergoing a security check, isn't allowed. It is important to provide accurate information when reporting incidents, creating and accessing your SWAYED accounts, disputing charges or fees, and requesting credits. Only request fees or refunds that you're entitled to, and use offers and promotions only as intended. Don't knowingly complete invalid transactions.

Fraudulent activity may also include, but not be limited to:

  • Accepting bookings without the intention to complete, including provoking hairstylists or clients to cancel for fraudulent purposes
  • Creating dummy accounts for fraudulent purposes
  • Claiming fraudulent fees or charges
  • Intentionally requesting, accepting, or completing fraudulent or falsified bookings
  • Claiming to complete an appointment without ever honoring the booking
  • Actions intended to disrupt or manipulate the normal functioning of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform, including manipulating the settings on a phone to prevent the proper functioning of the platform
  • Abusing promotions and/or not using them for their intended purpose
  • Disputing charges for fraudulent or illegitimate reasons
  • Creating improper duplicate accounts
  • Falsifying documents, records, or other data for fraudulent purposes.

Off-Platform Bookings

To enhance the safety of each experience, off-platform bookings are prohibited while using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform, so never solicit or accept payment outside the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. Clients should not pay for bookings in cash, and should not make appointments from SWAYED hairstylists outside of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform.

Other Unacceptable Activities

Never use the SWAYED trademark or intellectual property without permission. The use of unauthorized or third-party items—such as lights, placards, signs, or similar items bearing SWAYED name or trademark—is prohibited.

Your Feedback Matters, Truly

If something happens, whether it's good or bad, we make it easy for you to tell us. Our team is continually improving our standards, and your feedback is important to keep our standards relevant as our technology evolves. Please rate your experience at the end of each trip or delivery. And if something happens and you want to report it, you can contact us at customercare@getswayed.site so that our Support team can follow up. In case of an emergency or if you find yourself in immediate danger, alert your local authorities or emergency services before notifying SWAYED.

SWAYED may at times permit or allow you and others who use the SWAYED Marketplace Platform or SWAYED tools or social media channels to create, submit, upload, publish, email, send messages, or otherwise make available textual, audio, or visual content and information to SWAYED or users. Please reach out to us at customercare@getswayed.site for this matter.

Ratings & Reviews

Hairstylists and clients can give and receive ratings, as well as give feedback on how the appointment went.

Hairstylists and clients that don't meet the minimum average rating may lose access to all or part of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. If your rating is approaching this limit, we will let you know and may share information that may help you improve your rating.

If you're looking to keep your average rating high, it's helpful to be courteous and respectful to all people while using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform and interacting with others in the SWAYED community. Hairstylists using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform typically provide excellent service to their clients and most clients are courteous and respectful, so most appointments run smoothly. Contacting Support will not lead to an individual rating being removed. We know that sometimes an appointment doesn't go well—that's why your rating is an average rating.

If you're a hairstylist and you lose access to your SWAYED account for low ratings, you may have the opportunity to re-open your account after a period of inactivity. Please contact us directly at customercare@getswayed.site if that is the case so we can further investigate.

Booking Acceptance

If you're a hairstylist and you don't want to accept delivery or trip requests, you can just reject it. Please keep in mind that intentionally refusing or canceling requests, or using features on the SWAYED Marketplace Platform to avoid receiving bookings, due to someone's protected characteristics or for the purpose of avoiding a particular neighborhood due to the characteristics of the people or businesses that are located in that area, is not allowed.

How SWAYED Enforces Its Own Guidelines

If you violate any terms of your contractual agreement(s) with SWAYED, or any applicable terms or policies, including any one of these Community Guidelines or any additional policies and standards that are communicated by SWAYED to you from time to time, you can lose access to all or part of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. If you have more than one SWAYED account, such as a hairstylist account and a client account, violating the Community Guidelines could also lead you to lose access to all SWAYED accounts. If you believe an error caused you to lose access to your account, you may contact the SWAYED Support team.

SWAYED receives feedback through a variety of channels, reviews reports submitted to our Support team that may violate our Community Guidelines, and may investigate through a specialized team. If we are made aware of potentially problematic behavior, we may contact you so we can look into it. We may, at our sole discretion, put a hold on your account or turn your account inactive until our review is complete.

Not following any one of our guidelines may result in the loss of access to all or part of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. This can include reported violations of our Community Guidelines and certain actions you may take outside of the SWAYED Marketplace Platform, including but not limited to information from other platforms, if we determine that those actions threaten the safety of the SWAYED community, our employees, and contractors, or cause harm to SWAYED brand, reputation, or business. And if the issues raised are serious or a repeat report, or you refuse to cooperate, you may lose access to the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. Any behavior involving discrimination, violence, sexual misconduct, harassment, fraud, or deceptive, illegal, or unsafe activity, while using the SWAYED Marketplace Platform can result in the immediate loss of access to the SWAYED Marketplace Platform. Additionally, when law enforcement is involved, we will cooperate with their investigation in accordance with our Guidelines. Lastly, all hairstylists wanting to use the SWAYED Marketplace Platform undergo a screening process.

*Note: Hairstylists are not agents (actual, ostensible, or otherwise) or employees of SWAYED. They are independent third-party providers.