In a tale that reads like the script of a dark beauty-industry thriller, a man from northern China’s Anhui province has become the unfortunate protagonist in a real-life cautionary story of trust misplaced, beauty oversold, and health compromised.
Over two years, the man identified only by his surname, Cheng; reportedly spent an eye-watering 4.3 million yuan (over US $600,000) at a local salon in Hefei. But this wasn’t a splurge on regular blowouts or indulgent spa days. Instead, it was on a stream of unlicensed “detox” and “wellness” treatments** that left him with long-term health issues, a drained bank account, and a heart breakingly simple demand: a refund that never came.
From A “Beautician’s Massage” To A Beauty Trap
Cheng’s beauty misadventure began innocently in April 2023, when he was invited by a salon manager, surnamed Chen, to the grand opening of a new branch. The visit took a bizarre turn when another manager, Zhou, persuaded him to try what was vaguely described as a “beautician’s massage” upstairs.
That moment became the start of a relentless, emotionally manipulative sales campaign.
“They were young boys and girls; kneeling, crying, saying they couldn’t pay rent or help their parents unless I helped them by topping up my account,” Cheng told South China Morning Post. Even older beauticians allegedly joined the pressure campaign, saying their earnings depended on customer generosity.
And generous he was at least financially. Cheng topped up his salon account repeatedly, with one transaction alone hitting 388,000 yuan (US $54,000). By late March this year, his balance had grown to a staggering 1.7 million yuan.
Unlicensed Beauty Or Dangerous Quackery?
What exactly did that money buy?
Think less “relaxation ritual” and more pseudoscientific pain.
Cheng underwent what was described as “skin-breaking needle detox,” targeted massages priced per body part, and sessions labeled as “belly dampness removal” costing up to 2,000 yuan a pop. And then there were the “bowel cleansing” enemas, yes, plural with one course alone billed at around 300,000 yuan (US $42,000).
The promise?
Glowing skin, weight loss, and eternal youth.
The result? Chronic diarrhoea, persistent needle wounds that wouldn’t heal, and a sobering revelation: the salon wasn’t medically licensed to perform any of these invasive procedures.
A Salon Without A License, A Client Without Justice
When Cheng confronted the salon for a refund backed by medical evidence of harm and proof of unlicensed procedures, he was flatly refused.
That’s when the authorities finally stepped in.
On July 9, Hefei police and market supervision officials confirmed a joint investigation into the salon’s alleged illegal medical practices. The salon is now facing scrutiny for operating outside the bounds of law and potentially, morality.
The Real Cost of “Beauty”
This story isn’t just about one man. It’s about a beauty industry that, when left unchecked, can exploit vulnerability, hijack wellness trends, and cloak predatory behavior in the language of self-care.
At Control Hair Fall, we’re always advocates of holistic hair and wellness care but this incident serves as a harsh reminder: Do your research, always ask for licenses and certifications, and trust your gut. No treatment, no matter how luxe or promising, is worth your health.
Cheng’s experience is more than a scandal, it’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever been promised miracle results in exchange for money. In an age where detox, youth, and “natural healing” are buzzwords, skepticism is self-care.
Stay safe, stay smart, and remember true wellness doesn’t come with pressure tactics or a 7-digit bill.
