Blondes Might Buy It

Recently I’ve been reading the Nanchang Evening Newspaper almost on a daily basis. It not only helps to improve my Chinese, but it makes me laugh. Within the past two days, I’ve come across a few ads that are definitely worth sharing. The first is an announcement for a cycling tour that’s being promoted by Nanchang’s department of housing facilities and most likely the city’s tourism board. As an American expat here, it’s simply irrational to miss an event that publicizes itself as the place “Where the United States found drunk.”


The ads that really had me chuckling though are from the same hair replacement/re-growth company. While the global hair loss market must be gigantic (think about all the lotions, shampoos, serums, oils, drugs, books, transplants, and toupees that are available in the US alone), I have absolutely no sense of how balding is dealt with in China, or the scope of the market. If ads are being printed in the newspapers, however, there is clearly demand; perhaps just like the rest of the beauty market in this part of the world, as disposable income rises and foreign ideals of beauty invade, hair loss treatment will become more and more commonplace. Hopefully as this type of therapy gains popularity, some genuine testimonial photos will become available so that the designers of these advertisements don’t have to use photoshop to make their before and after shots a reality. Just take a look for yourself:



I tried to visit their website for pricing and stuff, but the web address they advertise as their own (www.tlbf.com) is actually that of a Dutch consulting firm. Fake pictures and a non-existent website, but hey, I’m sure their product is safe and effective!