Privacy Policy
Effective date: May 4, 2026
StylistScout ("we," "us," or "our") operates stylistscout.com — a hair salon directory that helps people find salons near them. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
1. Who This Policy Applies To
This policy applies to all visitors of stylistscout.com ("consumers") and to salon owners who create a business account on the platform ("salon owners"). Consumers do not need an account to use the directory.
2. What We Collect and Why
2.1 IP Address and Approximate Location
When you search for salons, we use your IP address on our server to approximate your city or neighborhood. This allows us to surface nearby results without requiring you to share your precise GPS location.
- We do not store raw GPS coordinates linked to your identity.
- We do not store your IP address beyond the duration of the request.
- Approximate location data is used solely to return relevant search results and is discarded after the response is sent.
2.2 Search Queries
Search terms you enter (e.g., "balayage Miami") are held at the session level to power your current experience. They are never tied to a user ID, personal account, or persistent profile.
2.3 Salon Owner Accounts
Salon owners create a business account to claim and manage their profile. For these accounts we collect:
- Business name, address, phone number, and email address
- Profile content (photos, service descriptions, pricing)
- Account credentials (email and hashed password)
- Billing information — processed by Stripe. We do not store card numbers on our servers. See Stripe's Privacy Policy for details on how they handle payment data.
2.4 Analytics
We collect aggregated, anonymized usage data to improve the platform. Salon owners can view aggregate statistics for their listing (for example, "42 profile views this month"). These counts contain no individual user positions, identities, or personal information.
2.5 Cookies
We use session cookies only. These are small files that keep your session active while you browse. We do not use tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or any third-party behavioral tracking cookies.
2.6 Google Maps
We embed Google Maps via the Google Maps JavaScript API to display salon locations. When the map loads, Google's own services activate and Google's Privacy Policy applies. You can review it at policies.google.com/privacy.
3. How We Use Your Information
| Purpose | Data Used |
|---|---|
| Return nearby salon results | IP-based approximate location (not stored) |
| Power your current search session | Session-level search queries |
| Manage salon owner profiles | Account and business information |
| Process subscription payments | Billing data (handled by Stripe) |
| Show aggregate stats to salon owners | Anonymized visitor counts |
| Improve platform reliability | Anonymized server logs |
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your data for advertising.
4. Data Sharing
We share data only in the following limited circumstances:
- Stripe — to process subscription payments for salon owners.
- Google — when you interact with embedded Google Maps.
- Law enforcement — if required by a valid legal process (subpoena, court order).
- Business transfer — if stylistscout.com is acquired or merged, data may transfer to the new owner under the same privacy commitments.
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to any third party for marketing purposes.
5. Data Retention
- Consumer search queries: Discarded at session end.
- IP address for geolocation: Discarded immediately after the response is returned.
- Salon owner account data: Retained for the duration of the account. You may request deletion at any time (see Section 8).
- Aggregate analytics: Retained indefinitely in anonymized form.
6. Security
We use industry-standard practices to protect your data: HTTPS everywhere, hashed passwords, and access controls on our databases. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure — we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we take it seriously and respond promptly to any incidents.
7. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have the following rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know — You may request a summary of the personal information we have collected about you and how we use it.
- Right to Delete — You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (e.g., data needed to complete a transaction or comply with a legal obligation).
- Right to Opt Out of Sale — We do not sell personal information. There is nothing to opt out of.
- Right to Non-Discrimination — Exercising your CCPA rights will not affect your access to the service.
To make a CCPA request, email us at aure84@gmail.com with the subject line "CCPA Request." We will respond within 45 days.
8. EU Visitor Rights (GDPR)
Although stylistscout.com is primarily a US service, we may receive visitors from the European Union. If you are an EU resident, you have the right to:
- Access — Request a copy of any personal data we hold about you.
- Rectification — Ask us to correct inaccurate data.
- Erasure — Ask us to delete your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
- Objection — Object to our processing of your data.
To exercise any of these rights, email aure84@gmail.com with the subject line "GDPR Request." We will respond within 30 days. If you are unsatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
9. Children's Privacy
StylistScout is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information to us, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy as the platform evolves. When we do, we will update the effective date at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated to salon owners via email.
11. Contact
For privacy questions, requests, or concerns:
Email: aure84@gmail.com
Website: stylistscout.com