I just saw this commercial for H&R Block tax season. I hate tax commercials as it is, but this one, featuring hair pulling, crosses the line. Someone in the ad department should’ve done a little research before actually letting this ad out into the public.
I can’t even bring myself to post it on the page because that means I’ll have to see it every time I return to my blog. But, if you haven’t seen it yet, its posted on YouTube…as a “hilarious hairless commercial.” I assume there’s a nod to the office here, which is part of why people think its funny. I Don’t!
I received this email today:
Your message has been forwarded to me for response. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for contacting H&R Block with your advertising concern. The ad was created as a play on a commonly used phrase about stress and was not intended to be offensive in any way. Prior to airing, the ad was reviewed by hundreds of individuals who all responded positively to it. That said, we appreciate you bringing trichotillomania to our attention as it had not previously surfaced. We have instructed our media partners to pull the ad immediately as a result. Please note that you may still see the ad air temporarily due to the logistics of television coupled with the recent holiday, but be assured the ad is being removed. We apologize for any discomfort the ad caused and thank you again for reaching out to us.
Best wishes,
Kelli Ramey
Director of Brand Promotion
Way to go, D! That ad is offensive and tasteless. I’m glad you spoke up!
Sweetie – you are so beautiful I thought those photos of yourself you published were of some professional model.
I’ve seen over and over how often it seems to be exceptionally beautiful or gifted people who suffer this awful thing. And I know simply telling you to stop will have no impact, because I have lived with someone who has this for a long time now.
But can I just tell you what I tell her, which seems to help a little: you are beautiful, and you deserve more than you are allowing yourself to have. Don’t let this thing have you; it isn’t the sum of what you are, and you can find the will inside yourself to break free.
Try and find a way to give yourself the hair you deserve darling. It’s all about doing it for you, not for anyone else.
Just watched the ad after reading the email from TLC. I’m glad they simply did the right thing and removed it..bravo for initiating it…that was a good move. I’m one of the ‘guys’ that would be in that commercial, but to a much lesser extent.
Best,
Dave
Wow I didn’t get to see it, but well done for letting them know and getting it pulled off! Happy new year by the way
I have a very beautiful 10 year old grand daughter that suffers from trichotillominia..she started pulling just resently and has already made a real noticeable change in her hair..but my daughter went through an organization called “childern with hair loss”…she was fitted with a beautiful long red hair wig that is a perfect match to her own hair..but….she is having a hard time getting used to to it..any sugestions to help her overcome this problem?
It’s great that an organization would work with you. In my experience many of them only give wigs to cancer or alopecia patients and don’t work with Trich. It’s awesome that she was able to get support if that’s what she wanted. I think I need to know more about what the wig troubles are and then I can make some suggestions. I’ll try emailing you separately since that will probably be easier than working through comments.
I am in Austin Texas and in a support group for hair-pullers. We got wind of this add a few months ago and none of us have seen it. I actually wish I had, but nice of Youtube to remove it. Thanks for posting!