A mum has been left outraged after her daughter showed up with highlighter pink hair after stealing the neighbour's dye. But rather than scold her 14-year-old for stealing, she slammed the neighbour for "encouraging" her to dye her hair an "immature" colour.
Taking to Reddit, the 25-year-old neighbour explained how the teenager, named Ann, pops over for a friendly chat from time to time. She said: "I have neon dyed hair that I change frequently and Ann is enamoured with it while her mum has commented it is 'immature'.
"Ann has asked me a few times to dye her hair and while I expressed that I was of the opinion that teens should be allowed control of their appearance, her mum’s opinions seemed pretty staunch and it might be a better idea not to touch her hair until she’s an adult."
She went on to explain how she was working from home when Ann's mother came storming over demanding $200 (£160) from her.
Confused, the woman asked her what was going on and why she needed the money.
"Ann’s hair was a splotchy pink, hands and face stained, and cheeks beet red with tears," she added. "Her mum shoves a box into my hands.
"It was a jar of hair dye and a USPS box with my name on it. I had ordered it last week as my current dye job is on the fade.
"To make it perfectly clear, I did not give this hair dye to Ann and her mum isn’t accusing me of such.
"Ann actually admitted to stealing it when the mail for our building came."
But despite knowing her daughter stole it, the 42-year-old mum continued to "scream" in her face, accusing her of "encouraging Ann into this behaviour."
The woman said: "I said I had the supplies to fix it for Ann - like get the stains off and even out the colour using the remaining dye - but this wasn’t good enough.
"Her mother wants $200 (£160) to go to her personal stylist and have it professionally fixed.
"This is beyond ridiculous for a couple of reasons. The dye I use is very penetrating and there is quite a bit of it in her hair.
"It isn’t going to just come out clean without significant chemical processing which will doubtlessly cause severe damage to her young hair and scalp.
"I hate to sound judgmental, but this woman does not have the hair of someone who has a high dollar stylist. I don’t think she’s even seen a stylist since the 2000s.
"I know this lady pretty well and wouldn’t be shocked if she isn’t demanding a way astronomical dollar amount even though she plans to go buy a box bleach and ruin her daughter’s hair worse than a stylist might.
"I know that might happen anyway but I really don’t want to be responsible for that. I feel bad though and even my dad says I should just consider handing over the money."
Not knowing what to do, the woman has taken to Reddit to ask users for their thoughts.
In response, one user said: "Her daughter stole your hair dye and used it. That is not your fault. Do not give any money to get her hair fixed. Your neighbour needs to teach her daughter not to steal."
Another user added: "She owes you money for the dye her daughter stole."
A third user said: "That girl stole your mail, I would mention to her mum that stealing mail is a federal offense. Anyway, I don’t see why the mum would think it’s your fault. Don’t pay her."
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