Disturbing Trend: Copycat “Hair Heists” Target Everyday Women and Girls By Andrea Michaels, Investigative Journalist
Los Angeles, CA—The notorious "Hair Heists" of Robert, once confined to celebrity salons and infamous livestreams, have sparked a troubling wave of copycat crimes. Across the country, reports are emerging of everyday women and young girls being targeted in hair salons by individuals mimicking Robert’s tactics. These incidents, many filmed and posted on new deep web websites, are raising alarms among law enforcement and the public.
A Dangerous Trend Emerges
Authorities first noticed the trend following the viral “Redemption Blowout” livestream featuring comedian Sarah Silverman. While Robert's actions were polarizing, they captivated a niche audience on forums like HairHaven. After HairHaven was shut down, new websites and forums emerged on the deep web, catering to those obsessed with hair, now emboldened to act out similar crimes.
Unlike Robert’s celebrity-focused stunts, these copycats are targeting ordinary women and young girls in neighborhood salons, using hidden cameras to film their actions and posting the footage online.
“We’ve seen an uptick in incidents where individuals pose as stylists or assistants,” said LAPD Detective Elena Ramirez, who specializes in cybercrimes. “What’s most alarming is that these perpetrators often have no training or legitimate purpose. They’re there to exploit and film their victims.”
Victims Speak Out
One of the first known victims, a 17-year-old high school student in Dallas, described her experience at a local salon. The man who claimed to be a stylist approached her under the pretense of helping another employee.
“He was really confident,” she said. “He started brushing my hair and talking about how beautiful it was. Then he asked if I wanted it shampooed. I thought it was weird because I wasn’t even there for a wash.”
The salon owner intervened before anything further happened, but not before the encounter was secretly recorded. The footage later appeared on a deep web site called SilkenStrands, accompanied by disturbing comments from anonymous users.
The Rise of New Deep Web Forums
With HairHaven dismantled, law enforcement has identified several new deep web forums, including SilkenStrands and VelvetLocks, which cater to similar audiences. These sites host videos of unsuspecting women and girls having their hair touched, styled, or washed without their consent.
“These forums are fueling dangerous behavior,” said cybersecurity expert Dr. Emily Vance. “They create a community where perpetrators are encouraged and even rewarded for escalating their actions. The anonymity of the deep web makes it incredibly difficult to track and shut them down.”
Some of the most active forums include features that allow users to leave live feedback on videos, similar to Robert’s infamous livestream setup. Comments often encourage perpetrators to take risks, prolong interactions, or escalate their invasions of privacy.
Salons on High Alert
The trend has prompted salons nationwide to tighten security. Many are installing more surveillance cameras, requiring stricter vetting of new hires, and implementing policies to ensure clients feel safe.
“We’ve trained our staff to watch for suspicious behavior,” said Marcia Fields, owner of the salon targeted in Robert’s second heist. “It’s horrifying to think that this could happen to anyone, especially young girls.”
Despite these efforts, the fear of being targeted has made some women reconsider visiting salons altogether. “It’s not worth the risk,” said one mother in New York City. “I’ll do my daughter’s hair at home from now on.”
Law Enforcement’s Challenges
Shutting down deep web forums like SilkenStrands is no easy task. These platforms often operate on encrypted networks, making them nearly impossible to trace.
“By the time we identify one site, another pops up,” said Detective Ramirez. “It’s a game of whack-a-mole, but we’re committed to protecting the public.”
Authorities are urging anyone who suspects suspicious behavior at a salon to report it immediately. They also encourage salons to adopt stricter hiring practices and provide training to identify potential impostors.
A Call for Accountability
As the copycat crimes continue, many are calling for Robert to speak out against the trend he inadvertently inspired. Critics argue that his celebrity livestreams and the ensuing media attention glamorized behavior that has now spiraled into something far more dangerous.
“This is what happens when we glorify invasive behavior,” said Kat Dennings in a recent interview. “It creates a ripple effect that hurts innocent people.”
Robert has remained silent on the issue, though sources close to him claim he regrets the unintended consequences of his actions. Whether he will address the growing crisis remains to be seen.
The Broader Impact
The rise of these copycat crimes has sparked conversations about internet culture, privacy, and the unintended consequences of viral fame. As law enforcement and cybersecurity experts work to combat the spread of these deep web forums, the public is left grappling with the question: How do we stop a trend that thrives on secrecy and exploitation?
For now, the victims are left picking up the pieces, and the salons—once places of relaxation and beauty—are now sites of vigilance and caution.
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