Manage Flakes

How to cancel your flakes subscription and avoid hidden billing traps

What is flakes

Flakes is a direct-to-consumer subscription service that ships scalp and dandruff treatment kits on a recurring basis to customers across the United States. The company operates on a subscription model with two primary options: a one-set plan that ships every 60 days, or a two-set plan that ships every 120 days. Both recurring plans offer discounts compared to one-time purchases, which may make the subscription feel appealing upfront. However, like many subscription services, canceling with Flakes requires deliberate action and documentation to avoid unexpected charges.

Flakes markets its service with an emphasis on convenience and savings for loyal customers. The company is based in San Leandro, California, and accepts cancellation requests through multiple channels, though not all methods offer equal protection for you as a consumer. Understanding how Flakes billing works and which cancellation method provides the strongest proof will help you exit your subscription cleanly and on your own terms.

Understanding flakes subscription plans

Flakes offers three purchasing options, each with different pricing, shipment frequency, and billing terms.

Subscribers save 20 percent on the one-set plan and 30 percent on the two-set plan compared to retail pricing. Both subscription tiers include free shipping. This discount incentive is why many customers choose recurring orders, but it also means you must actively cancel to stop being charged.

Subscription features and billing comparison

Here is a side-by-side breakdown of what you get with each plan option.

If you enrolled in either subscription plan, you must take action to cancel. A one-time purchase does not require cancellation.

Why customers cancel flakes

Understanding why customers exit their Flakes subscriptions helps you identify whether cancellation is the right choice for you.

Common reasons for cancellation

Consumers report canceling Flakes for several reasons. Some discover the product does not address their scalp concerns as effectively as they hoped. Others find that the treatment works initially but becomes less necessary over time, making the recurring shipments wasteful. Additionally, some subscribers cancel because they accumulate inventory faster than they use it, or because they prefer to experiment with alternative products.

Budget constraints also drive cancellation decisions. Even with the subscription discount, recurring charges add up over time, and some households prioritize cutting discretionary spending. Finally, a subset of customers report frustration with billing persistence, citing difficulty obtaining timely confirmation that their subscription has been terminated.

When you should keep your subscription

If the Flakes treatment genuinely improves your scalp health and you use the product consistently, keeping your subscription may make sense. The 20 or 30 percent discount means you save money compared to buying individual kits at full retail price. You also avoid the friction of reordering manually every two months. If your shipment cadence matches your consumption rate, the subscription model works as intended.

Before you cancel, pause and ask yourself: Is the product working for me? Am I using the full kit within each 60 or 120-day cycle? Would I buy this product anyway, just less frequently? If the answer to all three is yes, you may choose to keep your subscription active.

Your consumer rights with subscription services

Federal law in the United States protects you when you purchase through a negative option billing agreement, which is exactly what Flakes subscriptions are.

The restore online shoppers confidence act (ROSCA)

The Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, mandates that companies offering negative option subscriptions must obtain your affirmative, informed consent before charging you. This means Flakes must have made clear, before you paid, that you were signing up for recurring charges. Additionally, ROSCA requires that Flakes provide you with a simple, obvious mechanism to cancel at any time. The company cannot make cancellation difficult, expensive, or time-consuming.

Under ROSCA, Flakes must also provide you with a cancellation confirmation within a reasonable timeframe. If you do not receive confirmation, you have grounds to dispute charges with your payment card issuer or bank.

State consumer protection laws

Depending on your state of residence, you may have additional protections. Many states, including California (where Flakes is based), have enacted laws that require subscription services to provide a "simple mechanism" for cancellation. California's law, for example, mandates that cancellation be as easy as the original signup. If Flakes makes cancellation harder than subscribing, the company may be violating state law.

Additionally, several states require that companies send you a reminder before charging you for a renewal. This gives you a chance to cancel before the next billing cycle.

How to cancel your flakes subscription

Flakes offers multiple cancellation methods, but not all are equally reliable for protecting you.

Cancellation method one: text-based opt-out (fastest but least documented)

Flakes accepts cancellation via text message. You can text STOP, CANCEL, or UNSUBSCRIBE to their designated number, and you will receive a confirmation message. This method is quick and convenient, but it creates minimal written documentation.

1. Find Flakes marketing messages or your order confirmation email for their texting number.
   • Look in your email for any promotional SMS code or phone number listed by Flakes.
   • Check your phone bill or SMS records for recent messages from Flakes.
2. Open a new text message from your phone.
   • Use your default messaging app or any SMS service you prefer.
3. Type STOP, CANCEL, or UNSUBSCRIBE and send it to Flakes' number.
   • Any of these three keywords will trigger cancellation.
4. Wait for a confirmation message from Flakes.
   • The confirmation will confirm that your subscription has ended and that no further charges will occur.
   • Keep your phone and do not delete this message.
5. Screenshot or photograph the confirmation message as backup.
   • Save the image to your computer or cloud storage.
   • Record the date and time you sent your cancellation text.

Pro tip: Text cancellation is convenient, but it exists only on your phone. If your phone is lost or the message thread is deleted, you lose proof. For maximum protection, follow this method with a written cancellation letter sent by mail.

Cancellation method two: mailed written notice (most protective)

Sending a formal cancellation letter by mail to Flakes' corporate address creates a permanent, dated paper trail that protects you if a billing dispute arises later. This method is slower than text or email, but it carries the strongest legal weight.

1. Gather your subscription account information.
   • Find your Flakes order number from your confirmation email or bank statement.
   • Locate your full name and billing address as it appears in your Flakes account.
   • Identify the email address or phone number associated with your subscription.
2. Draft a formal cancellation letter.
   • Write or type on plain paper or in a word processor.
   • Include the date you are writing the letter.
   • Address it to "Flakes Customer Service" or "Flakes Subscription Team."
   • State your full name, account email, and order number.
   • Write: "I am writing to formally cancel my Flakes subscription, effective immediately. Please confirm that no further charges will be applied to my account after this date."
   • Sign the letter by hand if printing it, or type your name if sending electronically.
3. Print and sign your letter (if mailing a physical copy).
   • Print on standard 8.5 by 11-inch white paper.
   • Sign in blue or black ink.
4. Send via registered or certified mail with return receipt requested.
   • Go to your local post office or schedule a pickup through USPS.gov.
   • Request "Return Receipt" or "Certified Mail" tracking.
   • The post office will give you a tracking number; keep this receipt.
   • This creates proof that Flakes received your letter on a specific date.
5. Address the envelope to: Flakes, 1997 Pike Ave, San Leandro, CA 95223, Attn: Cancellation Request.
   • Write clearly in black ink.
   • Double-check the address before sealing.
6. Wait for return receipt and delivery confirmation.
   • USPS will return a signed receipt showing when Flakes received your letter.
   • File this receipt with your letter copy for your records.

Warning: Do not send your cancellation letter to a general email address or customer service form unless you print a confirmation. Mailed letters carry more legal weight than email, because certified mail provides third-party proof of delivery. If you must email, request a read receipt and take a screenshot of the confirmation.

Cancellation method three: account dashboard (if available)

Some subscription services allow you to log into your online account and toggle your subscription status directly. If Flakes offers this option, it can be fast and creates digital proof.

1. Visit the Flakes website and log into your account.
   • Use the email address and password you set during signup.
   • If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link.
2. Navigate to your subscription settings or account management page.
   • Look for tabs or links labeled "Subscription," "Billing," "Orders," or "Account Settings."
   • Some sites bury this option; check the footer or main navigation menu.
3. Find the option to cancel or pause your subscription.
   • Click the "Cancel Subscription" button or link.
   • Answer any exit survey questions if prompted (this is optional feedback, not required).
4. Confirm your cancellation.
   • The system will display a confirmation message with a date and reference number.
   • Screenshot this confirmation immediately.
5. Save and print your confirmation.
   • Save the screenshot to your computer, email, and cloud storage.
   • Print a physical copy and file it with your Flakes records.
   • Note the date and reference number on the printed copy in pen.

Pro tip: Dashboard cancellation is immediate and convenient, but only if the site actually processes your request. Log back into your account 24 hours later to confirm the subscription is marked as inactive. If it still shows active, escalate by sending a mailed cancellation letter.

What happens after you cancel flakes

Cancellation does not happen instantly; several steps follow once you submit your request.

The cancellation timeline

After you cancel Flakes, expect the following sequence of events. First, Flakes should send you a confirmation that acknowledges your cancellation request within 24 to 48 hours. This confirmation is critical; if you do not receive it, assume the cancellation did not process and try again via a different method.

Second, if a shipment is already in transit or scheduled to ship within the next few days, you may receive it despite your cancellation. This is normal and does not mean your cancellation failed. Open the package, inspect it, and prepare to refuse delivery or initiate a return if you wish. Your cancellation will prevent future shipments.

Third, your subscription status will change from "active" to "canceled" in Flakes' system. This usually occurs within 24 hours of your cancellation request. You will no longer be billed on your regular shipment schedule.

Fourth, monitor your bank or credit card statement for your next expected billing date. If no charge appears, your cancellation worked. If you are charged despite cancellation, document the charge and prepare to file a dispute with your bank.

Confirming your cancellation

Do not assume your subscription is canceled just because you submitted a request. Verify cancellation within 5 to 7 days by checking your account or calling Flakes directly.

1. Log into your Flakes account and confirm your subscription status reads "canceled" or "inactive."
   • If it still shows "active," contact Flakes immediately.
2. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation message.
   • Search your inbox and spam folder for messages from Flakes with "cancel," "subscription," or "confirmation" in the subject line.
3. Review your bank or credit card statement for charges.
   • Look for any new charges from Flakes on or after your cancellation date.
   • If a charge appears after you canceled, note the date, amount, and transaction ID.
4. Contact Flakes customer service if you see no confirmation or a suspicious charge.
   • Reference your cancellation letter, text confirmation, or order number.
   • Request a written response confirming that your subscription is terminated and no future charges will occur.

Pro tip: Mark your calendar for your next expected billing date (usually 60 or 120 days after your last shipment). On that date, check your bank account. If no charge appears, your cancellation is confirmed.

Refunds and chargebacks for flakes

Cancellation stops future charges, but it does not automatically refund past purchases. However, you may have refund rights depending on circumstances.

When you are eligible for a refund

Flakes charges are typically nonrefundable once a shipment has been dispatched. However, federal law and state consumer protections offer you exceptions. If Flakes charged you after you canceled, you are entitled to a refund for that unauthorized charge. Similarly, if the company fails to honor your cancellation request, any charges after your cancellation date are improper and must be refunded.

Additionally, if you received a shipment that was damaged, defective, or significantly different from what was advertised, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement. Check Flakes' return policy on your order confirmation or the company website.

How to request a refund

1. Document the charge you believe is improper.
   • Note the date, amount, merchant name, and transaction ID from your bank statement.
   • Screenshot your bank account showing the charge.
   • Confirm the date you canceled your subscription.
2. Contact Flakes directly and request a refund in writing.
   • Send an email or letter to Flakes explaining why the charge is improper (for example: "I canceled my subscription on March 15, but you charged me on March 22").
   • Include your order number, email address, and bank transaction details.
   • Request a response within 10 business days.
3. If Flakes does not refund within 30 days, file a chargeback with your bank.
   • Contact your bank's fraud or disputes department.
   • Explain that you canceled your subscription and were charged anyway.
   • Provide all documentation: cancellation confirmation, screenshots, and bank statement.
   • Your bank will investigate and likely reverse the charge in your favor.

Warning: Do not ignore an improper charge. Banks usually allow you to dispute charges within 60 days of the transaction. After that window closes, you may lose your right to a chargeback.

Common mistakes when canceling flakes

Cancellation should be straightforward, but small errors can leave you vulnerable to continued billing or disputes. Here are the pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake one: relying solely on verbal cancellation

If you call Flakes customer service and request cancellation over the phone, you receive no written proof. If a charge appears later, the company can deny that you ever called. Always require written confirmation, whether by email, text, or mailed letter.

Mistake two: canceling too close to your billing date

If your subscription renews every 60 days and you cancel on day 59, Flakes may have already authorized the next charge. Your cancellation will stop future charges, but you may owe a refund for the charge that just posted. Cancel at least 5 to 7 days before your renewal date to ensure your request processes in time.

Mistake three: assuming silence means cancellation

If you submit a cancellation request and do not hear back, do not assume it worked. Follow up with Flakes within 48 hours. If the company does not provide confirmation, send a mailed cancellation letter immediately. Stopee recommends documenting everything in writing to avoid disputes.

Mistake four: deleting confirmation messages

After you cancel, keep all confirmation emails, text messages, screenshots, and mailed receipts for at least 12 months. If Flakes charges you after cancellation, you will need proof that you requested termination. Delete nothing until your card statement shows no further charges for three full billing cycles.

Mistake five: confusing "pause" with "cancel"

Some subscription services allow you to pause a subscription temporarily rather than cancel it permanently. Pausing usually means billing resumes automatically after 30 or 90 days. If your goal is to stop payments entirely, select "cancel," not "pause."

How stopee helps you cancel subscriptions safely

Navigating subscription cancellation can feel overwhelming, especially when companies make the process deliberately confusing. That is where Stopee comes in. Stopee is a consumer advocacy platform designed to help you cancel unwanted subscriptions quickly and document the process every step of the way.

Stopee guides you through the exact cancellation steps for Flakes and thousands of other services, ensuring you never miss a detail or get trapped in a dark pattern. The platform tracks your cancellation timeline, stores your confirmation documents, and alerts you if charges appear after your cancellation date. If Flakes ignores your cancellation request, Stopee helps you build a case for a chargeback and escalate to your state's consumer protection agency.

Whether you are dealing with Flakes or any other subscription service, Stopee empowers you to take control of your billing. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel recurring charges and recover unauthorized fees. Stopee also provides templates for cancellation letters, checklists to ensure nothing is overlooked, and direct links to cancellation pages for major services.

Checklist for canceling flakes

Use this checklist to ensure your Flakes cancellation is complete and protected.

Flakes subscription cancellation summary

Canceling Flakes requires deliberate action, but the process is straightforward if you follow these steps. Choose a cancellation method that creates written proof: text messaging, email with a read receipt, dashboard confirmation with a screenshot, or a mailed certified letter. Submit your request at least 5 to 7 days before your next billing date. Save all confirmations and monitor your bank statement for unauthorized charges. If Flakes continues billing after your cancellation, file a chargeback with your bank and escalate to your state's consumer protection office.

You have consumer rights under federal law. Flakes must provide a simple cancellation mechanism and honor your request promptly. If the company fails to do so, you can recover improper charges and hold the company accountable. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel their subscriptions and take back control of their spending. Whether you are exiting Flakes because the product is not working or simply to cut costs, Stopee stands ready to guide you through every step and ensure that your cancellation sticks.

Flakes corporate contact information

For cancellation inquiries or disputes, send written correspondence to: Flakes, 1997 Pike Ave, San Leandro, CA 95223, Attn: Cancellation Request. Include your full name, account email, order number, and the date you are requesting cancellation. Certified mail with return receipt is recommended to create proof of delivery.