Privacy Policy

Who we are

This website (www.thelocpod.com) is operated by The Loc Pod, a UK-based company providing haircare services, education, and retail products for locs and natural hair. Throughout this policy, “we”, “our”, or “us” refers to The Loc Pod. We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide our services, process orders, and communicate effectively with you. This may include:

  • Contact Information: name, email address, phone number, postal address.

  • Booking Details: appointment dates, services booked, and stylist preferences.

  • Payment Data: handled securely by Stripe (for deposits) and WooCommerce (for online

    transactions). We do not store or have access to your full card details.

  • Marketing Preferences: details you provide when opting in to receive updates via Mailchimp (email or SMS).

  • Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, and on-site activity (through standard cookies and analytics).

  • Employee & Contractor Information: where relevant, managed securely through BrightHR for HR and compliance purposes.

How We Use Your Information

We process your data for legitimate and lawful reasons, including to:

  • Confirm and manage bookings or purchases.
  • Communicate appointment reminders or service updates.
  • Deliver services, process payments, and provide aftercare support.
  • Send marketing content where consent has been given (email and SMS).
  • Maintain business records for legal, tax, and accounting purposes.
  • Improve our website, customer experience, and internal processes.

Our lawful bases for processing are contract, consent, legitimate interest, and legal obligation. You may withdraw consent or update preferences at any time by using the unsubscribe link in emails, replying “STOP” to SMS, or contacting us directly.

How We Share Your Data

We only share information when necessary with trusted partners who support our operations, such as:

  • Stripe and WooCommerce – for secure payment processing.

  • Mailchimp – for managing verified marketing communications.

  • BrightHR – for HR administration.

  • IT, hosting, and analytics providers – to maintain secure online functionality.

  • Professional advisers or regulators – where required by law.

All partners are bound by data-processing agreements to ensure your information remains confidential and protected. We never sell your data.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as needed to fulfil the purpose it was collected for, including any legal, accounting, or tax requirements. After this period, data is securely deleted or anonymised in line with ICO-approved retention standards.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access, correct, or request deletion of your data.
  • Restrict or object to certain processing.
  • Withdraw consent to marketing at any time.
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) via www.ico.org.uk.

Requests can be sent to customerservicec@thelocpod.com, and we will respond within one month.

Security

We apply industry-standard safeguards, encrypted servers, restricted access, and secure payment gateways to protect your data against unauthorised use or disclosure. While we maintain high standards, no digital platform can guarantee absolute security.

Cookies

This site uses essential and analytical cookies through WooCommerce and basic tracking tools to improve site performance. These do not collect personal data beyond what is necessary for functionality. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.

Links to Other Websites

Our website may link to third-party platforms (such as payment gateways or social media). We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect operational or legal changes. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised Effective Date.

Contact The Loc Pod

Email: customerservice@thelocpod.com
Website: www.thelocpod.com
Address:  Unit E201, Tradestars 415 Wick Lane, Bow, London, E3 2JGtars 415 Wick Lane, Bow, London, E3 2JG