Privacy Policy

Last updated: 3 November 2025 BraidHouse (sole trader) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal data when you use our website braidhouse.com, mobile app, or services (the “Platform”). We operate as a UK-based marketplace connecting clients with independent braiders for hair braiding services. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and other applicable UK data protection laws. By using the Platform, you consent to the practices described here.

  1. Data Controller Identity and Contact: BraidHouse (sole trader). Email: support@braid-house.com. Data Protection Contact: The Owner – contact via support@braid-house.com. Our Role: We are the data controller for personal data processed via the Platform.
  2. Personal Data We Collect We collect only essential data to provide our services. From Registration/Sign-Up: Name, email, phone number, age verification (to confirm 18+ or parental consent), payment details (via Stripe; we do not store card info). From Bookings: Location (general area for meetings), booking preferences, communication logs (in-app messages). From Profiles: Braiders: Portfolio photos/videos (professional only), service descriptions. Clients: Basic profile info. Automatically: IP address, device type, usage data (e.g., pages viewed) via cookies/analytics. Special Categories: None, unless health-related (e.g., allergies in bookings; processed only with explicit consent). We do not collect sensitive data (e.g., racial/ethnic origins) unless necessary for services and with consent.
  3. How We Use Your Personal Data We use data for legitimate purposes under UK GDPR. Legal Basis: Contract Necessity (Art. 6(1)(b)): Manage bookings, payments, communications. Legitimate Interests (Art. 6(1)(f)): Improve Platform (e.g., analytics), prevent fraud, ensure safety. Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)): Marketing emails (opt-out anytime); cookies. Purposes: Facilitate bookings and payments (e.g., share client details with braiders post-confirmation). Verify users (e.g., email confirmation). Provide support (e.g., dispute resolution). Enhance services (e.g., personalized recommendations). Comply with laws (e.g., tax reporting).
  4. Sharing Your Personal Data We share data only as necessary. With Braiders/Clients: Limited details (e.g., name, booking time) post-confirmation; in-app only. Service Providers: Stripe (payments), Google (analytics/maps), email tools (e.g., SendGrid) – all UK/EU-based with data processing agreements. Legal/Regulatory: If required (e.g., fraud investigations, court orders). No Selling: We never sell data for marketing. International transfers (if any, e.g., to US providers) use Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions.
  5. Data Security and Retention Security: We use encryption (e.g., HTTPS, SSL), access controls, and regular audits. Data is stored securely on UK/EU servers. Retention: As long as needed for purposes (e.g., 6 years for tax records) or legal requirements. Bookings: 1 year post-service. Deleted data: Immediately upon request, subject to backups (anonymized after 30 days).
  6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR You have rights regarding your data. Access: Request a copy (free, once/year). Rectification: Correct inaccuracies. Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Delete data (e.g., upon account closure). Restriction: Limit processing during disputes. Portability: Receive data in structured format. Objection: To marketing or legitimate interests. Withdraw Consent: Anytime (no effect on prior processing). To exercise rights, email. We respond within 1 month (extendable to 3 for complex cases). Complaints: To the ICO (ico.org.uk).
  7. Cookies and Tracking We use Essential Cookies: For login/bookings. Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics (anonymized). Opt-out: Via browser settings or our cookie banner.
  8. Children’s Privacy Users must be 18+ or have parental consent. We do not knowingly collect data from under-13s.
  9. Changes to This Policy We may update this policy (e.g., new features). Changes posted here; significant updates emailed. Continued use = acceptance.
  10. Contact Us Email: support@braid-house.com