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CB Beauty and Well-being Review of Don Cosa Images - Micro Dot
Don Cosa Images - Micro Dot

Don Cosa Images - Micro Dot review: Set Up to Take More of Client's Money 21

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Author of the review
2:15 pm EDT
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I paid to have the MicroDot technique applied to my hair after several consultations with the owners. I told them I had concerns about the mesh system being placed on my hair, as they were requiring constant oiling of my scalp and such. They advertise that they are experts in treating African-American hair - however, the mesh wound up tangling my existing hair, and trapping dirt and debris, which was difficult to wash out when washing the hair. Their website also boasts that with their system, you can wash and style your hair as you normally would. Finally, they took it out, misapplied it wrong, and then began to suggest other techniques to correct their error, but required I pay for them to correct their mistake. My attorney has sent a demand letter after they tried to hustle me for more money. They have not responded to the attorney's demand letter and it will probably wind up in court.

WARNING TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN - If a company has to brag about how much expertise they have in dealing with African-American hair, they are probably not experts at all, because you wouldn't advise them to put things on their scalp that do nothing but ruin and pull out the existing hair you have.

21 comments
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Bethanny142
, US
Apr 19, 2016 7:56 pm EDT

Scam artists. Please do not go there. I go to New Hair Concepts and the were kind and fixed the problems that I had with Doncosa and they don't try to scam you. I would stay away from whatever they are calling themselves now. The people at New Hair Concepts know what they are doing and are very knowledgeable with all types of hairpieces.

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Roseme
, US
Dec 26, 2015 2:10 pm EST

OMG--- Every negative comment about Don Coso/Doncoso/Micodot/Interlock, whatever they want to call themselves, it's ALL true. Stacy IS A SCAM ARTIST! It looks like the business is close, but beware they may pop up somewhere else under a new name. Anyone who gave rave revues were either paid or deluded, but the deluded ones are probably screening now. The best person on their staff left them dry. Her name was Monika and she cared. Unfortunately there wasn't much that she could do working for Stacy Costa/Costabile. She changes her name to keep the scam going. I was also one of their victims and I wish I had sued them. I lost so much because of them!

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Lazare T Cabrera
, US
Oct 11, 2015 1:16 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Scammers to say the least. These unprofessional, unethical, deceitful group of people are promoting false advertising about the microdot hair enhancement. Misleading the consumers and giving false hope. They prey on people that are anxious to improve their image and self esteem. These individuals are constantly relocating between New York City and Englewood, NJ to avoid any type of lawsuit, claiming they do not have any relation with each other. They also operate under different names such as Doncosa, Don Cosa Images, Micro Dot, IntraLock Hair Enhancement. The business is managed by his daughter Stacey Costabile with different spelling as to avoid being connected to business. I have written to BBB. The state Attorney General to no avail without conducting any time of investigation they have accepted their defense, without demanding proof that they accommodated me with both a hairpiece and monetary compensation. The Court of Law will demand proof before dismissing a complaint. Very dissatisfied with the system. L. Cabrera

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Eniluap
Hempstead, US
Apr 23, 2014 5:09 am EDT

I also had negative experience with the microdot process which completely destroyed my hair

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aracelis007
, US
Mar 22, 2014 6:02 pm EDT

Today 3/22/2014 I returned from the NY office of Don Cosa Images with my hair unit in my hands vulnerable, defeated, and the certainty of haven been taking advantage of.

I bought my first partial piece in the summer of 2012 which they promised would cover my problem area.This didn't happen and after few weeks I had to return because my bald spot was still exposed. They told me that I didn't buy enough hair the first time and to cover my bald spot I needed to buy more hair, which I did. I ended up buying hair two more times at the cost of $900 and $1300 but the last hair they added started to shed. I complained and they asked me to come for a consultation. That day I was accused of causing all sorts of damage to my hair but they were going to fix the problem. Needless to say the problem persisted.When I returned to the office they told me the unit was damaged beyond repair and I had to buy a new one for $3800 plus the "on and off" cost. I refused and ask to take my unit home. I asked for a copy of my file to which they agreed, but after I signed a letter stating I would take my hair home they had a change of heart and refused to give me a copy of my file.

These people conducted themselves as if they were above the law. They are very deceitful and they don't disclose all the cost a client has to incur after buying their first piece.

I encourage The BBB to take a close look to the unethical practice of this people and their business.

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Jen C
Mahwah, US
Nov 14, 2013 9:02 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

OK, so i have known of Doncosa Images ( The Microdot Process) for years now and I do know how they "work", I use to be a client ( unfortunately) They make it seem as if the microdot process is the best thing around..their infomercial should NOT be aired as they make claims that are so untrue, most of the women in the infomercial are not even clients any longer. I had the process on for 5 months and since day one I had complaints but because i spent so much money and they would NOT refund any money I stayed with the process thinking, hoping it would work out somehow, ( i have very thin hair) by the time i took this horrible unit off i was practically bald! if you have been in my shoes you know how emotional this is and depressing. Stacy Costabile does not know how to run a business and neither does her father James Costabile. Proof is in all the googles searches, they have a bad reputation. Please stay away, they really should not be in business. My hair is still suffering from all the hair pulling that goes into having this process done, I finally learned from my mistake and did my research and found a place in Teaneck nj where it is also private and the girl there is actually HUMAN! I have been with her for 4 years and will gladly recommend this place. Doncosa was a horrible experience and I truly hope people read all these complaints from real people that have suffered because of them. Stay away I beg you!

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BA Hoyte
New York, US
Jun 12, 2013 5:35 pm EDT

I went in to Don Cosa for a consultation in 2008 and I must say I was so impressed with the way that the way they explained the entire process to me. I as sold and decided that it was worth it to spend the $3, 500 dollars as an investment on myself and look just as good as the pictures I saw in their ad. BIG MISTAKE. They told me to go back in two weeks to wash and set and that was supposed to cost about $30. Before I could get back there two weeks later, the hair became knotted which I pointed out to them when I went back only to be told that I did something to cause the knotting to happen. Now why would I spend all that money on my hair and purposely mistreat it? So guess what, the said they would replace it for free to which I agreed. Sounds fair right? But guess what I ended up paying $250. which was for "workmanship" However, the same results were achieved with them charging more and more on each visit and I was never satisfied with the results. The excuses were relentless. They even told me one time that they got a bad batch of hair and that was the reason for the bad results. I kept returning and paying the huge amounts of money because I really believed from the pictures I saw that one day my hair would look like that. I do have a full head of hair and just wanted to have a system where I could give my own hair a break from perms and weaves etc. Don Cosa was a BIG FAIL and needless to say I stopped going there after a few months with all they money I paid down the drain. DEFINITELY STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE THEY ARE A BAND OF CROOKS. I don't care what those few suspicious sounding people had to say in their so call rave reviews.

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Hair wearer
Nanuet, US
Jan 18, 2013 3:43 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I agree with some points and disagree on others. I was told that the price for the hair would be $3500, and that it would last about three to five years, with proper care. I feel that those last three words are their "out" because after six months I had to purchase an additional section of hair for $2000 because the replacement ripped and they blamed me although I did everything they told me and never was informed that I mistreated the hair. The initial hair felt great, soft, silky etc. added sections do not feel as high quality. The product will not last 3-5 yrs and upkeep is very expensive. If you don't have at least $300-$500 average a month to spend on your hair don't do this. Be prepared to get "nickel and dimes" on every service. I agree Stacy is a fast talker, but she and staff are always nice to me when I am there. Understand they are in it to make money before you sign up.

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Jimmy2011
, US
Aug 07, 2011 6:36 am EDT

Doncosa Images is now The Microdot Process or Enhanceyour hair, they are ALL LIARS AND SCAMMERS! Save your money, don't make ppl like this rich, the good reviews you c is written by their employees and also they hire companies to write reviews for them, what a pathetic bunch of ppl! their product is cheap hair they buy from CHINA! you know the saying EVERYTHING IS MADE IN CHINA! STAY AWAY it will be much cheaper for u to just buy a wig

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Michael12
, US
Jul 20, 2011 7:57 pm EDT

LIARS AND CHEATERS!

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FloCo
Freeport, US
Jun 15, 2011 1:58 am EDT

My daughter went back to DonCosa for the second time because she was very happy with the process when she went there three years ago. It was nice and she went back on a regular basis to take care of the hair and she paid the fees. That's ok. However, about two weeks ago, she had it totally redone. The price almost doubled and that's fine because we all know that everything is more expensive today than it was two or three years ago! The texture of the hair as well as the color are fine. But this time, they did not use the same amount of hair in spite of the fact that she paid $ 4, 800.00. (First time: $ 2, 800) When my daughter told the technician that she was not satisfied, the lady replied: Oh no, it is the same amount of hair! That is where I think Don Cosa should really look. Either, this is being done without the owner's approval, in other words, the hair the customer has paid fully for is not being used deliberately by the technician - therefore, where does it go and who uses it - or it is being done upon orders of the boss. So, ladies if you are going back - because I still believe that the process is great - make sure you bring a picture of your first one so that you get what you are paying for! In the meantime, keep your eyes open at all times, and every time you go to Don Cosa because you don't know who is really cheating. Is it the owner or is it the employee?

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JodiA
Babylo, US
Jan 31, 2011 11:46 pm EST

To start, I just want to say that I am NOT an employee of Doncasa nor am I getting ANYTHING for writing this. I've been wearing the Microdot process for about a year and a half now. When you are told that "you're not ready for it", although probably not the best way to say it, it is the truth. The owner of Doncasa DOES NOT mince words. By the time that you leave, he wants you to FULLY understand what you are getting because it is NOT the same kind of system that you have worn. The end result will assure you of that. The Microdot process is not cheap BUT I have been wearing hair for 25 years, I am caucasian. I have worn glued in, micro LOCKed (not dot), sewn in, strand on strand, braided in and pretty much whatever else you can name...they are all WEAVES... this is NOT a weave and I MUST say that you will NEVER achieve this kind of outcome from any other system...I know...I have worn them all. Not only is the technique that he uses amazing but so is the quality of hair that he uses...I also know this from looking for the best hair that I could find to do my own! I took classes to learn the Mega Hair strand on strand method, which, I thought at the time, was the BEST method around, so I would be able to do my own hair and save money which didn't work out so well because I am addicted to the Microdot process. My hair looks amazing, I get compliments every day. The owner of Doncasa is an innovative genius. The Microdot process truly IS the best non-surgical hair replacement that is on the market right now. The owner of Doncasa strives to make this beautiful hair look like it's growing out of your own head and has MANY amazing ideas of other ways of doing this BESIDES the Microdot process. I cant wait to see what he comes up with next.

Jodi Albert

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Listat
White, US
Apr 17, 2021 11:46 pm EDT
Replying to comment of JodiA

I don't think people fully understand how to care for the hair once it's on their head and all the upkeep needed for this process so therefore they run into these problems. If people take care of the process exactly how it's explained to them they should be fine but sometimes if you're not a hairstylist you don't quite grasp what the upkeep really is. When it comes to women and a balding situation it's very stressful end it is a chore but if you get your monthly maintenance you should be fine. I understand it can be quite expensive but hair on our heads is a big deal.

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ampmg
Emerson, US
Jan 14, 2011 12:30 pm EST

Rayza probably got herself a new unit for her comment defending don cosa! ALL THE STORIES ARE TRUE! in fact its the same story over n over again for the past 25 yrs. This type of system can look amazing when done properly. A well made system should last about a year... it should not cost you tons of money at each visit and you should not need to have your unit completely reconstructed every week...They charged a woman $36, 000 for a unit that was supposed to be Russian hair and it fell apart 2 -3 times aweek and they charged her hundred/thousands of dollars to keep fixing it ... all while destroying her own hair. All types of hair enhancement can cause damage, the idea is to keep the damage to a minimum and actually care about the clients and what you are doing... not damage their hair to the point that they must become lifetime clients!
PS they recently lost a lawsuit where a clients scalp was damaged by their hair on hair /crazy glue method .

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Doncosa Images
Englewood, US
Sep 29, 2010 12:26 pm EDT

In life there are always two sides to a story, the truth and somewhere in between. So, that is why we have a corporation like the BBB, who rate and even watch over businesses in order to protect the consumer.
At Doncosa Salons we are proud of our high rate on the BBB. This helps the consumer know the truth about our company and that anything else that is said is here say.
We look forward to be given a chance to prove to our future members that this rating is true and that, in our opinion, we have the best non-surgical hair replacement that is presently on the market today.

BBB Reliability Report for
Don Cosa Images Inc.
BBB Rating B-

Ratings Explanation
BBB issues Reliability Reports on all businesses, whether or not they are BBB accredited. If a business is a BBB Accredited Business, it is stated in this report.

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RAYZA
New York, US
Feb 05, 2010 10:18 am EST

I HAD THIS PROCESS DONE 3 1/2 YRS AGO. AND I LOVVEEEE IT. ITS THE ONLY THING CLOSET TO A NATURAL LOOK. YOU KNOW WHATS GOING ON WITH THESE LADIES. IM AFRICAN AMERICAN AND DONCOSA IMAGES SHOWS LOVE TO MY HAIR. THAT MAN IS A GENIOUS. FOR ANYTHING U INVEST IN THAT HAS TO DO WITH YOUR HAIR HAS AN UPKEEP. MAINTENANCE IS PART OF THE MICRODOT PROCESS, WHAT, YOU LADIES THINK WE GET HAIR AND ITS MIRACLE? HELLO NO WE LOST OUR HAIR SO WE WANT HAIR THAT BAD WE HAVE TO PAY TO GET THE BEST. SOME WOMEN CAN'T AFFORD TO DO THE MAINTENANCE I UNDERSTAND BC WE ALL WENT THROUGH A RESSESSION. I WAS @ DONCOSA IMAGES AND OVER HEARD A NEW CLIENT TALKING ABOUT THE INTERNET AND HOW SHE SAID SHE COULDN'T BELIEVE THE COMPLAINTS SHE WAS READING. THATS WHY IM ON HERE TO CLARIFY THINGS. YOU WOMEN ARE WRONG YOU WANT SOMETHING FOR NOTHING AND THATS NOT RIGHT, YOUR GIVING US BLACK WOMEN A BAD NAME AND MAKING US SEEM LIKE WE'RE CHEAP. GET REAL DONCOSA IMAGES IS A GREAT THING TO INVEST IN IF YOU LOVE HAIR THAT BAD AND WANT TO LOOK NATURAL...THE MICRODOT PROCESS IS THE WAY TO GO. IM A CLIENT AND IM GOING TO CONTINUE TO BE A CLIENT BC THEY ARE THE BEST. PERIOD.

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jdforensic
New York, US
Oct 02, 2009 9:18 pm EDT

I have also been suckered into this system. But how can I stop? What did all of you do when you stopped going? Any suggestions would be great since I am basically losing all my money quite steadily.

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indigo178979
Little Nec, US
Sep 05, 2009 6:14 pm EDT

I spent $5, 000.00 for the crappy system. I took it off twice since it was pulling my scalp and it was very painful. The owner ( Iforget his name), wears the same system on his head. I should have run as far as I could because his hair replacement is very bad! but, instead I was so desperate that I bought into it. He (the owner) use reverse psychology because he said to me on the first day "Oh honey you're not ready for this". And somehow it made me want to do it. This place is not what they claim to be. Stay away because it definitely is a waste of money.

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donna
Middle Village, US
Mar 12, 2009 5:06 pm EDT

Plus, I asked him during my consultation if there was ANY hidden costs besides the 4-6wk maintenance for 90.00 and he said no...He NEVER gave me a price list for services and he NEVER told me every 3 months it would cost at least another 250.00 to take the hair on and off...Oh, when they take the hair off ---the shampoo (1)shampoo of the hair is $33.00 in NJ-just to WASH your hair-no blow-out or cut, just a simple was---$33.00----I almost fell on the floor with that one...I called NY office on a Monday and asked them to send me a price list for both locations and guess what----the WASH ONLY said $29.00-yess the one I got charged $33.00 for was ONLY suppose to be $29.00 in Jersey.I called and the girl who did my hair said OH, we'll credit you when you come back...My ###, they will NOT EVER touch my hair again...STAY CLEAR OF THEM...THIS PLACE IS TROUBLE-ALL THE WAY!

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donna
Middle Village, US
Mar 12, 2009 4:59 pm EDT

This place is HORRIBLE. I'm gonna make sure EVERYONE knows about this SCAMMER! It is set up to take your money-no doubt...
They charge you sooooo much $ for services and then when you have a problem-they act like they don't know you. The owners daughter Stacy is a REAL ###-she almost closed the door in my face last week when I wanted to speak to her about how her father speaks to clients and treats them...I bought a piece of hair for the top and it was $3, 800.00-fine...but everytime you go back-every 3 wks for maintenance, he cuts it away little by little-when I confronted him about it-he had the NERVE to say "How do you think I make my money"? What an ###...Even if it's true---YOU DON'T say it to a client...People, PLEASE take my word and DON'T go here...Do your homework.Plus, it DESTROYS your hair underneath--they say it won't-but it most certainly does...He'll be sorry he ever met me...I will tell anyone and everyone about him!

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Chala
New York, US
Nov 24, 2008 4:31 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Almost the same thing has happened to me. They become very insolent when their is a problem. Feel free to read my complaint.
Who placed the hair on for you?
they misapplied mine so that she cut my hair off. She then accused me of pulling out my own hair. So upsetting, so shameful, together we can get through this.
Keep fighting, I believe in your case. Good luck and keep me posted!

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