Return Policy Sally Beauty

Understanding the return policy Sally Beauty has in place is key to a stress-free shopping experience. Whether you bought a hair color that didn’t match or a tool that just isn’t right for you, knowing the rules saves time and hassle. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from time limits to condition requirements. We’ll cover returns for in-store purchases, online orders, and even salon professional accounts. Let’s get into the details so you can shop with confidence.

Sally Beauty’s return policy is designed to be straightforward for its customers. The core rule is simple: most new, unused items can be returned within 60 days of purchase with a receipt. This gives you a generous two-month window to try products and decide if they work for you. The policy applies to both Sally Beauty Supply stores and purchases made online at sallybeauty.com. However, there are important exceptions and specific steps to follow, which we will outline in the sections below.

What You Need for a Successful Return

To make your return process smooth, you should gather a few things before heading to the store or preparing your online return. Having the correct documentation is the most critical step.

The Original Receipt: This is the easiest way to process your return. It provides the proof of purchase, date, and price. A digital email receipt is also perfectly acceptable.
The Original Payment Method: If you have the receipt, your refund will typically be issued back to the original form of payment. This means if you used a credit card, the refund goes back to that card.
The Product in Original Condition: The item should be unused and in its original packaging. Products that have been opened or used are subject to different rules, which we’ll cover next.
A Government-Issued Photo ID: For returns without a receipt, Sally Beauty will ask for your ID. This is a standard retail practice to help prevent fraud.

Condition of Items: What Can and Cannot Be Returned

Not all items are eligible for return, and the condition of the product matters a lot. Here’s a clear breakdown.

Items That CAN Usually Be Returned

Unopened hair color, skincare, or cosmetics in original, sealed packaging.
Unused tools and appliances (like flat irons or hair dryers) with all original parts and manuals.
Merchandise that is defective or damaged upon arrival.
Unused nail polishes, files, and other nail care items.

Items That CANNOT Be Returned

For safety and hygine reasons, Sally Beauty has strict rules against returning certain products once they have been opened or used. This is very common in the beauty industry.

Opened or used hair color kits.
Used makeup, including foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and mascaras.
Opened skincare or cosmetic items that have had direct contact with the skin.
Used ear-piercing items or other personal care products.
Final sale or clearance items, which are typically marked as such at the time of purchase.

Step-by-Step: How to Return an In-Store Purchase

Returning something you bought at a physical Sally Beauty Supply store is usually the fastest option. Just follow these steps.

Gather Your Items: Collect the product, its original packaging, and your receipt.
Visit Any Store: You can return an item to any Sally Beauty Supply store, not just the one where you bought it. This is very convenient.
Speak to an Associate: Let the cashier know you’d like to make a return. They will check the item, your receipt, and process the transaction.
Choose Your Refund Method: With a receipt, you’ll get the refund back to your original payment. Without a receipt, you may receive store credit at the current selling price.

Step-by-Step: How to Return an Online Purchase

Returning an item you ordered from sallybeauty.com involves a few more steps, but it’s still a clear process. You have two main options: return by mail or return in-store.

Option 1: Return by Mail

Initiate the Return Online: Log into your Sally Beauty account on their website. Go to “Order History” and select the item(s) you wish to return. Follow the prompts to generate a return authorization and a prepaid shipping label.
Pack the Item Securely: Place the unused item in its original packaging inside a shipping box. Include the return form if one was provided.
Attach the Label: Securely attach the prepaid return label to the outside of the box.
Drop Off the Package: Take the package to a designated carrier drop-off location (like USPS or UPS). Keep your tracking number!
Wait for Processing: Once the warehouse receives your return, it can take 7-10 business days for the refund to be issued to your original payment method.

Option 2: Return Online Purchases In-Store

This is often the quicker method for getting your refund. You can bring your online order to a physical Sally Beauty Supply store.

Bring Your Packing Slip: Have the packing slip that came with your order. This acts as your receipt. If you lost it, bring the order confirmation email.
Bring the Product: Ensure the item is unused and in its original packaging.
Visit a Store: Take everything to a store associate. They can process the return directly, and your refund will often be issued immediately.

Special Considerations for Beauty Club Members & Professionals

Sally Beauty offers a Beauty Club membership and has a separate program for licensed beauty professionals. The return policy works slightly different for these accounts.

Beauty Club Members

Members get extended return privileges. Instead of the standard 60 days, Beauty Club members typically have 90 days to return items with a receipt. This is a great benefit if you like to test products over a longer period. Always mention your Beauty Club membership at the register during the return.

Professional Beauty Store Accounts

Licensed professionals who have a Pro Account through Sally Beauty Professional (often in the separate “Professional” stores) should refer to their specific account agreement. Return timeframes and policies for bulk or professional-use products may vary. It’s best to contact your store’s pro consultant or check your account terms directly.

What About Exchanges and Store Credit?

Sometimes you don’t want a refund—you just want to swap an item for a different color or product. Sally Beauty can usually handle this easily.

Exchanges: If you have the receipt, you can exchange an item for another of equal value. If the new item costs more, you’ll pay the difference. If it costs less, you’ll get refunded the difference.
Store Credit: If you don’t have a receipt, you will likely receive store credit for the item’s current selling price. This credit is issued on a merchandise return card and can be used for future purchases in-store or online.

Handling Damaged or Defective Products

If you receive a product that is broken, defective, or not as described, Sally Beauty will make it right. The process is a bit different than a standard return.

Do Not Use the Product: For safety, stop using it immediately.
Contact Customer Service: For online orders, contact Sally Beauty’s online customer service right away. For in-store purchases, take the item and receipt back to the store.
Provide Evidence: It’s helpful to have photos of the damaged item and its packaging.
Resolution: They will typically offer a replacement, if available, or a full refund. You usually won’t be charged for return shipping on defective items.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Return Experience

A little preparation goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind to make any return as easy as possible.

Keep Your Receipts: File your paper receipts or create a dedicated email folder for your online order confirmations. This is the single best thing you can do.
Act Within the Timeframe: Mark your calendar. The 60-day clock starts on the purchase date, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Test Products Carefully: For items like hair color, do a strand test before applying it to your whole head. This can save you from a return situation entirely.
Check the Policy Before Buying Final Sale Items: Understand that clearance items are often non-returnable, so be sure before you buy.
Be Polite to Store Associates: They are there to help you within the rules. A friendly attitude can make the whole process smoother for everyone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few pitfalls that can delay or complicate your return.

Throwing Away Packaging: Keeping the original box and inserts is important, especially for tools and appliances.
Assuming All Products Are Returnable: Remember the hygiene restrictions on opened cosmetics and hair color.
Waiting Too Long: The return window is 60 days (or 90 for members). After that, returns are generally not accepted, no exceptions.
Forgetting Your ID: If you’ve lost your receipt, you will need a government-issued photo ID for store credit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to get a refund from Sally Beauty?

For in-store returns with a receipt, refunds are usually instant back to your card or given as cash if you paid that way. For online returns by mail, once the warehouse receives the package, it can take 7-10 business days for the refund to post to your account.

Can I return a Sally Beauty product without the box?

It depends on the product and the store manager’s discretion. For hygiene items like makeup, it’s unlikely. For tools, it might be possible if you have all the parts and the receipt. It’s always best to return everything in its original packaging to avoid any issues.

What is Sally Beauty’s return policy on used hair color?

Due to health and safety regulations, Sally Beauty does not accept returns on any opened or used hair color products. This is a standard policy across the beauty industry. This is why doing a patch or strand test is so recommended before full application.

Can I return online purchases in store?

Yes, you can! This is often the fastest method. Just bring the item in its original condition, along with your packing slip or order confirmation email, to any Sally Beauty Supply store.

Does Sally Beauty have a return policy for allergic reactions?

If you have a adverse reaction to a product, you should discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor. While returns of used products are generally not allowed for hygiene reasons, it is worth contacting Sally Beauty customer service directly to explain the situation. They may offer a one-time courtesy refund or exchange, but this is not guaranteed.

What if I lost my receipt?

Without a receipt, you can still often return an item for store credit at its current selling price. You will need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID. The store may use your ID to track returns to prevent abuse of the policy.

Final Thoughts on Navigating Returns

Knowing the details of the return policy Sally Beauty maintains empowers you to shop smarter. The key takeaways are simple: keep your receipt, respect the 60-day window, and remember that opened personal care items generally can’t be returned. Whether you’re a casual shopper or a beauty professional, this policy is designed to be fair while protecting all customers. By following the steps and tips outlined here, you can handle any return or exchange with ease and get back to enjoying your beauty journey.