Consumer Council Issues Stern Warning Over Exaggerated Hair Treatment Claims Amidst Rising Complaints
Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has issued a strong advisory to consumers regarding the hair treatment industry, cautioning against misleading claims of efficacy following a significant increase in complaints. The watchdog has received a growing number of reports detailing issues such as severe scalp inflammation, premature detachment of artificial hair implants, and overall unsatisfactory outcomes from various hair growth and scalp care services.
A particularly concerning case highlighted by the council involves a man who invested HK$88,000 (approximately US$11,300) in a hair growth treatment. The service, a procedure known as Regenera Activa, which utilizes regenerative cells and growth factors derived from healthy scalp tissue to combat hair loss, was marketed with a bold promise of “visible effect after one session.” Despite the substantial financial outlay and the alluring promotional claim, the complainant experienced persistent bleeding from his scalp post-injection and required medical intervention. Following two subsequent treatment sessions, he reported no discernible improvement in hair density.
When seeking recourse, the individual was met with a refusal for a refund. The service provider cited contractual terms that stipulated all treatments were non-refundable. Furthermore, the contract reportedly included a disclaimer stating that the company did not “guarantee the treatment’s effectiveness, as results depended on various factors.” The only form of acknowledgement received from the company was a verbal apology from staff.
The Consumer Council has advised the affected individual to explore legal avenues, including seeking legal counsel or applying to the Consumer Legal Action Fund for assistance. The case has also been escalated to the Department of Health for further investigation and appropriate action.
Trends in Consumer Complaints
The Consumer Council provided data illustrating a concerning trend in complaints related to hair services:
- Hair Transplant Services: 33 complaints received between 2023 and 2025.
- Hair Growth Services: 19 complaints received between 2023 and 2025.
- Hair and Scalp Care Services: 13 complaints received between 2023 and 2025.
These figures underscore a widespread issue that consumers are encountering across different facets of the hair treatment market.
Recommendations for Businesses and Consumers
In light of these recurring issues, the Consumer Council has put forth several recommendations for businesses operating within the hair treatment sector:
- Honest Efficacy Claims: Businesses should refrain from making exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of their treatments.
- Refund Policies: When confident in their service’s results, businesses should consider implementing fair refund arrangements.
- Transparency on Variability: It is crucial to clearly inform customers that treatment outcomes can vary significantly from individual to individual. This empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations.
- Post-Treatment Support: Providing adequate follow-up services is essential. This includes offering consultations for any treatment-related wounds or other health concerns that may arise.
The council also urges consumers to exercise due diligence and adopt a proactive approach when considering hair treatments:
- Understand Personal Needs: Consumers should thoroughly assess their own hair loss concerns and understand their specific needs before seeking treatment.
- Clarify Treatment Arrangements: It is vital to obtain a clear understanding of the treatment process, the expected duration of results, and any potential risks involved.
- Seek Professional Medical Advice: Before undergoing invasive procedures such as hair transplants or related treatments involving injections, consumers are strongly advised to consult with a qualified medical professional. This ensures they are medically suitable for the procedure and understand all associated health implications.
By fostering greater transparency and encouraging informed decision-making, the Consumer Council aims to protect consumers from potentially misleading practices and ensure a safer, more reliable market for hair growth and scalp care services.
