Hairdresser Convicted In Assault On Teen Client

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — A 19-year-old hairdresser has been convicted of second-degree assault after prosecutors say she dragged a 15-year-old client by her hair after arguing over payment.

The incident happened March 2025 and was captured on video. Jayla A. Cunningham can be seen physically assaulting the teenager in the viral video. Cunningham claimed the girl tried to run from the salon without paying the $150 for a four-hour service.

"Looking at it with the untrained eye, it does look concerning," Cunningham's lawyer Samuel Elira told Fox 45 News in March 2025 at the time of her arrest. "One thing that's important that folks need to understand: The law requires proof of intention or offensive harmful contact. She's a business owner. She was protecting her business interests, and the other thing that's important is she's 18 years old."

The attorney representing the 15-year-old in the civil portion of the case told 7News that the child suffered physically and psychologically from the incident.

"I was appalled," said attorney De'aja Thompson. "I was shocked honestly, I don't know how else to put it in words."

Thompson also said her client never tried to leave without paying.

"It's a minor child we're talking about on commercial property, dealing with a business owner who assaulted one of her clients," Thompson told Fox 45 News. "What I can say is there was a misunderstanding. The stylist was paid, and we are refuting that contention."

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson announced the conviction Friday, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. Cunningham's sentencing has been set for Jan. 22.