Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Alven's Braiding (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and shares information when you visit alvenbraiding.com (the “Site”), book an appointment, submit a style request, or place a shop order. This page is maintained by Alven's Braiding to answer common privacy questions about our website and services. By using the Site or our services, you consent to the practices described here.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information you give us

• Contact details: name, email address, phone number.
• Booking details: selected service, preferred date and time, hair length and texture notes, and any additional notes you provide.
• Style requests: reference photos and descriptions you upload.
• Shop orders: shipping address and items purchased.
• Account information: email and password if you create an account.
• Reviews: name and feedback you choose to submit.

1.2 Payment information

Card payments are processed directly by Stripe. We do not see or store your full card number, CVC, or bank details. We do receive a payment confirmation, the last four digits of the card, the amount, and a Stripe reference. Zelle and Cash App payments are made through those services directly, and we receive only the confirmation you send us.

1.3 Information collected automatically

When you visit the Site, we automatically collect limited technical data such as IP address, device type, browser, referring page, and pages viewed, plus minimal cookies needed for the Site to function (e.g., session and authentication). We may also use UTM-style query parameters to understand how visitors arrive at the Site (for example from QR codes in the gallery).

2. How We Use Your Information

• Confirm, schedule, and service your appointments.
• Process and fulfill shop orders, including shipping.
• Send transactional emails and SMS, such as booking confirmations, deposit receipts, order updates, and reminders.
• Respond to your style requests and customer support inquiries.
• Operate, secure, and improve the Site and our services.
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or violations of our Terms.
• Comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for third-party advertising.

3. SMS & Email Communications

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive transactional SMS messages (such as appointment and order confirmations and reminders). Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out of further SMS at any time; doing so may prevent us from sending you booking reminders. You may opt out of non-essential emails using the unsubscribe link in any such email.

4. How We Share Information

We share personal information only with service providers that help us operate, and only as needed:

• Stripe — payment processing.
• Supabase — database, authentication, and file storage for bookings, orders, and reference photos.
• Resend — transactional email delivery.
• SMS provider — transactional text message delivery.
• Hosting and infrastructure providers that run the Site.

We may also disclose information when required by law, to enforce our Terms, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Alven's Braiding, our customers, or others.

5. Reference Photos

Photos you submit with a style request are stored privately and shared only with the owner and stylists assigned to your request. We do not publish your reference photos on the Site or social media without your permission.

6. Data Retention

We keep your information for as long as needed to provide our services and meet our legal, tax, and accounting obligations. Booking and order records are typically retained for at least 7 years for tax and bookkeeping. Reference photos and style requests are retained while your inquiry is active and may be deleted after a reasonable period unless tied to a fulfilled service.

7. Security

We use industry-standard safeguards, including encryption in transit (HTTPS) and access controls on our database, to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you suspect unauthorized access to your account, contact us immediately at support@alvenbraiding.com.

8. Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your information, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Opt out of marketing communications.

To exercise any of these rights, email support@alvenbraiding.com. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

9. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Bookings for minors must be made by a parent or guardian.

10. International Visitors

Our services are provided from the United States. If you access the Site from outside the U.S., you understand that your information will be processed in the U.S., which may have different data protection laws than your country.

11. Cookies

We use a small number of cookies and similar technologies that are strictly necessary for the Site to work (for example, keeping you signed in and remembering your cart). We do not use third-party advertising or cross-site tracking cookies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date. Your continued use of the Site or services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact

Alven's Braiding
Lanham, Maryland
Email: support@alvenbraiding.com
Phone: (202) 658-5378