A man from northern China’s Anhui province has sparked widespread disbelief after reportedly spending more than 4.3 million yuan (US$600,000) at a local hair salon over two years on unlicensed detox and wellness treatments. The incident, detailed in a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), ended with the man suffering serious health problems and being refused a refund.
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The man, surnamed Cheng, first encountered the salon’s team in April 2023 in Hefei, where a manager named Chen invited him to the launch of a new salon branch. During the visit, another manager, surnamed Zhou, coaxed him upstairs to try what was described as a beautician’s massage. That moment marked the beginning of a relentless campaign of sales pressure, Cheng said.
Aggressive sales tactics and emotional manipulation
Cheng claimed he was repeatedly persuaded to top up his salon account under emotional pressure. “They were all young boys and girls, kneeling and saying they were poor and couldn’t even afford rent, relying on customers to help support their parents,” he recounted. “Older beauticians nearby would consistently urge customers to top up, stating that the staff earned commissions based on performance.”
The account balance continued to rise sharply. One record showed a single top-up of 388,000 yuan (US$54,000) in January, while by March 30, the balance had swelled to over 1.7 million yuan.
Unlicensed treatments and mounting health complications
{{/usCountry}}The account balance continued to rise sharply. One record showed a single top-up of 388,000 yuan (US$54,000) in January, while by March 30, the balance had swelled to over 1.7 million yuan.
Unlicensed treatments and mounting health complications
{{/usCountry}}Among the services offered were “skin-breaking needle detox,” massages priced at 500–600 yuan per body part, and “belly dampness removal” costing up to 2,000 yuan per session. Cheng said he also underwent multiple enema sessions, marketed as “bowel cleansing,” with one course costing around 300,000 yuan (US$42,000).
The salon promised benefits such as weight loss and a more youthful appearance. However, instead of rejuvenation, Cheng developed severe health issues including chronic diarrhoea and persistent needle marks that failed to heal. Upon discovering that the salon had no medical licence to administer such procedures, he demanded a refund—which was refused.
Authorities step in
Following the incident, Cheng lodged a complaint with the authorities. According to SCMP, on July 9, Hefei police confirmed that a joint investigation had been launched with market supervision officials into the salon’s alleged unlicensed medical practices.