A well-known Peckham hair shop is once again making headlines—this time not for its products, but for a controversial rebrand following a viral altercation that continues to spark outrage within South London’s Black community.
Once operating under the name Peckham Hair and Cosmetics London, the hair shop in Peckham has now reopened under the new title Kings and Queens Beauty Supplies. But far from calming tensions, the rebrand has stirred even more anger, with critics accusing the store of cultural appropriation and deflection, rather than accountability.
Viral Confrontation Ignites Community Outrage
The original incident, which took place in 2023, involved a heated dispute between the shop’s owner, Sohail Sindho, and a Black female customer. Video footage widely circulated online showed Sindho using physical force to prevent the woman from exiting the store.
According to reports, the altercation began after the customer was refused a refund, leading her to pick up items of equivalent value in protest. Sindho intervened, resulting in a disturbing scene that many described as aggressive and racially charged.
The clip caused an immediate public reaction. Community leaders, influencers, and everyday residents of Peckham quickly organized a boycott of the hair shop, with calls to stop supporting non-Black-owned businesses profiting from Black beauty needs while allegedly mistreating Black customers.
Rebrand Draws Criticism
In early 2024, amid continued financial pressure and plummeting foot traffic, Peckham Hair and Cosmetics London re-emerged with a new name: Kings and Queens Beauty Supplies.
However, many viewed this move as disingenuous, especially as the new name evokes language of Black cultural pride, long used in the community as terms of affirmation and identity.
“This feels more like a PR stunt than real change,” said one local resident. “You can’t rename your shop with Black pride language and think we’ll forget what happened.”
Even more controversially, it was revealed that the name Kings and Queens is already in use by a Black-owned hair and beauty store in Wolverhampton, prompting accusations of brand mimicry and deliberate confusion.
Comments That Fuelled the Flames
Public trust in the store’s ownership took a further blow after reports surfaced quoting Sindho referring to Black shoppers as “these people.” He allegedly went on to state that, regardless of the backlash, “they will keep paying me” if he were to open another store.
The remarks, perceived by many as patronising and dismissive, only strengthened the resolve of those calling for sustained boycotts of the hair shop in Peckham.
“That statement tells you exactly how we’re seen—as wallets, not as human beings,” said one community organiser. “This isn’t about one video. It’s about decades of disrespect.”
Regulatory Scrutiny and Ongoing Investigations
The controversy hasn’t stopped with community action. The store is currently being investigated by the London Trading Standards Authority over its no-refund policy, which may violate consumer rights. There are also unverified claims online that the shop previously sold unauthorized skin-lightening products, a practice that has long been condemned by public health experts and Black advocacy groups.
In addition, police have confirmed that:
- A 31-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the original dispute and later released on bail.
- A 45-year-old man was interviewed under caution in September 2023.
- The investigation is ongoing, with no charges yet filed against Sindho or the store.
A Bigger Issue: Ownership in Black Beauty Spaces
This saga has amplified existing frustrations among Black consumers about who profits from their beauty routines.
Despite being the largest customer base for products like wigs, extensions, and textured haircare, the UK’s Black hair market is still largely dominated by non-Black ownership. Incidents like the one at this Peckham hair shop reignite conversations around self-determination, economic independence, and cultural dignity.
“We’ve got to stop funding those who don’t see our humanity,” one shopper said during a peaceful protest outside the shop last year.
Building Alternatives and Looking Forward
In response to the controversy, many community groups and influencers have begun circulating lists of Black-owned beauty supply stores across the UK. These directories aim to redirect spending power and encourage long-term investment in businesses that reflect and respect Black communities.
From Brixton to Birmingham, the message is gaining traction: buy Black, build Black, and be intentional about where your money goes.
As for Kings and Queens Beauty Supplies—formerly Peckham Hair and Cosmetics London—the rebrand may have changed the signage, but not the sentiment. Foot traffic remains light, and online reviews are overwhelmingly negative, with many pledging to never return.
Final Thoughts
A name change alone isn’t enough to repair damaged community trust. For many, the situation at this hair shop in Peckham isn’t just about one altercation—it’s about how long-standing businesses treat their core customers when the cameras are off.
Until there is a genuine effort to acknowledge harm, rebuild relationships, and invest in cultural competence, renaming the store after a symbol of Black empowerment may only deepen the divide.