A Hong Kong man who shelled out HK$88,000 (US$11,300) for a hair growth treatment promising “visible effect after one session” has been left out of pocket and suffering from persistent scalp bleeding, with the parlour refusing a refund despite no improvement in hair density, Hong Kong’s Consumer Council revealed.
The watchdog issued a warning on Monday against exaggerated claims of effectiveness in hair treatments, following a surge in complaints about scalp inflammation, artificial hair detachment, and poor results. The case highlights growing consumer dissatisfaction with such services in the city.
Between 2023 and 2025, the Consumer Council received 33 complaints related to hair transplant services, 19 concerning hair growth treatments, and 13 about hair and scalp care services, underscoring a notable rise in issues within the industry.
In the specific incident, the man opted for Regenera Activa, a procedure that uses regenerative cells and growth factors extracted from healthy scalp tissue to combat hair loss. Initially hesitant due to the steep price tag, he was swayed by a promotional offer touting immediate visible results after just one session.
Despite undergoing the treatment at the parlour, the man experienced severe side effects including ongoing scalp bleeding and zero enhancement in hair density, prompting his demand for a refund, which was ultimately denied by the service provider.
The Consumer Council’s alert emphasizes the risks of falling for overstated promises in the hair restoration sector, urging consumers to approach such high-cost interventions with caution amid the pattern of reported adverse outcomes.
