Latest news with #hairrestoration
New York Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Boldness of Calling a Toupee a Toupee
As Luke Williams looked in the mirror from his salon chair, he debated how short to cut the hair on the sides of his head. The top was already shaved in preparation for his new hairline. He told Emily Cheney, a toupee artist, that he would defer to her expertise because she was the professional. 'Cause I'm the queen!' she exclaimed in response. Ms. Cheney, 25, the self-crowned monarch of nonsurgical hair restoration, has developed a strong brand thanks to the 1.4 million people who follow her on TikTok and Instagram, where her display name is Toupee Queen. In a small one-room salon tucked inside a building in downtown San Diego, Ms. Cheney fits men, most of whom are in their late 20s, with toupees. Her work, which she has been documenting on social media for five years, routinely draws millions of views, with transformation videos that showcase the before and after of a toupee installation. Toupees, which have been rebranded by some as hair systems and are called cranial protheses by medical professionals, have become an unexpected fixture on social media, with both clients and stylists documenting the low-risk method of reinventing a hairline. 'I was struggling to come up with something using the term 'hair system,'' Ms. Cheney said about how she landed on her title. After some deliberating, the Toupee Queen was born, with a pink neon sign on her wall making it official. Ms. Cheney's social media success allowed her move from Utah to San Diego last year, and it is how many clients find her. But she also sees her videos as a way of pushing back against the stigma that so many men face when they engage in anything cosmetic. 'When I decided that one of my goals was to normalize toupees and male cosmetics and femininity among men, I decided that the best way to do this is to use the real word,' Ms. Cheney said of toupees. 'We can't keep changing the word and expect it to be normalized.' Mr. Williams, 44, said his hairline first began receding in his twenties. After evaluating his options, including a hair transplant, he decided two years ago that he would go with a toupee. This was, however, his first visit with Ms. Cheney, whom his wife had found on Instagram. 'I didn't realize the technology was quite as good as it was, and they looked as real as they do,' Mr. Williams said, adding that the fuller head of hair had given him a confidence boost, particularly when going to work or meeting new people. 'Ideally, I'd have nice natural hair,' he said. 'But if you don't have it, you've got to buy it.' Many of Ms. Cheney's clients have a similar story. Ben Sherry, 26, got his first toupee with Ms. Cheney in May. He is open to more permanent solutions in the future, he said, but this is a 'Band-Aid' for now. 'The support that I've gotten has been great,' Mr. Sherry said in reference to his TikTok videos documenting his experience. 'And then obviously, my perception of myself has also improved tremendously.' Restoring Confidence Male-pattern baldness is a common condition that affects up to half of men by 50. While the loss is physical, experts said the experience often influences how men feel. Viren Swami, a professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University whose research focuses on the psychology of body image, said hair loss could affect confidence in interpersonal relationships and social relationships, which in turn might have a negative impact on mental health. 'Losing your hair doesn't necessarily mean you suddenly become depressed,' Dr. Swami said. 'You might feel sad, you might feel like something's changed but that then in turn has an impact on how you negotiate the world around you.' Mr. Sherry said that before getting a toupee, his hair was the first thing he noticed when he looked in the mirror, and he hated it. 'It does take a toll,' he said. For many men, 'their mojo is inextricably linked to the appearance of their hair,' said Dr. Evan Rieder, a physician in dermatology and psychiatry who practices in Manhattan. Hair loss can also lead to feelings of uncertainty and loss of control for both men and women, according to Dr. Carolyn Goh, a clinical professor of dermatology at U.C.L.A. Health. And men may not feel comfortable expressing when they're bothered by it, she said. Certain societal structures, Dr. Swami said, including the patriarchy and the fashion industry, also play a role in making people feel that they need to change something about themselves in order to be accepted — and getting a toupee is part of that conversation. 'Someone shouldn't have to change how they look to feel accepted, to feel that they're a worthy part of humanity,' he said, noting that the concept is a societal question, and not about taking away an individual's agency to want to change. Mr. Sherry said he knew he could eventually work on accepting his hair loss, but at this stage in his life, getting a toupee made it 'just one less thing to worry about.' It allowed him to notice 'all of the other things about me that were special because I wasn't so focused on the hair,' he added. An Elaborate Process At Ms. Cheney's salon in San Diego, she runs an efficient, one-woman operation. First, she meets with potential clients through virtual consultations. If they decide to proceed, they come in for a two-hour application appointment, which includes shaving the top of their head and working to color and texture match toupees to their natural hair. This is followed by washing the toupee, applying it to the scalp with three to four coats of medical-grade glue, and a hair cut and styling. The applications cost $1,400 for the initial installation — she provides a discount for those willing to be featured in her social media videos — and require daily maintenance, as well as a monthly glue refresh. A new toupee is recommended every two to three months, she said. The hair pieces come from Toupees by Argyle, a small business owned by Ms. Cheney's mother, Anndrea Argyle, who introduced her to the industry. That relationship allowed Ms. Cheney to create custom 'blueprints' for her stock toupees. 'I'm very picky which is also why I think I'm the toupee queen,' she said. 'I want it to be the perfect texture match for what they want or for what their hair is, and I want it to be the perfect tone and the perfect color. And my favorite way to do that is just myself. Doing it my way, myself.' As Ms. Cheney begins work on an installation, she sings along to music and chats with her clients, often sprinkling in affirmations about how the look is 'serving already.' Though social media plays a crucial role in her business, Ms. Cheney said she hired someone to post videos for her, as she found it hard to not get caught up in the comments. And even with a significant follower count, she said it still felt 'so virtual.' The number of people who do toupee applications is small, she said, and lacks community, partly because of the shame associated with wearing them. Her attempts to remove that shame, and to use the word toupee, have not always gone over well with her peers. 'I feel rejected by the industry,' Ms. Cheney said. 'And I did feel a bit lonely, but the changes are happening.' 'If the industry won't adjust with us, then we will build a new industry that is kinder and more happy to deal with change,' she added.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Americans Are Crossing the Atlantic for Hair Transplants
TURKEY, July 19, 2025 / / -- As the demand for effective and affordable hair restoration continues to grow, an interesting development is emerging: more and more Americans are choosing to travel to Turkiye for their hair transplant procedures. With average U.S. costs ranging from $8,000 to $15,000, and many insurance providers refusing coverage, patients are searching for better options and finding them abroad. Why Are Americans Choosing Türkiye and Smile Hair Clinic? Founded by two of the top hair transplant doctors in the world, Dr. Mehmet Erdoğan and Dr. Gökay Bilgin, Smile Hair Clinic has become a trusted destination for patients seeking excellence without compromise. Their clinic in Istanbul offers one of the most sought-after experiences for hair transplantation in Turkey, combining physician-led treatment, international safety standards, and a personalized approach tailored to international patients, especially those from the U.S. Here's what sets Smile Hair Clinic apart: Board-certified doctors specializing only in hair transplantation State-of-the-art facilities, internationally accredited for hygiene and safety Fluent English-speaking staff and U.S.-style patient communication All-inclusive packages: airport transfers, 5-star hotel stays, aftercare kits Transparent pricing, no hidden costs, Remote support via WhatsApp after the procedure accessible from anywhere in the U.S. What American Patients Are Saying Josh M. Went December of 2023. Writing this review in December of 2024. Lived in ATL, GA USA at the time, and traveled to Turkey to get the procedure done. I was skeptical, but couldn't have been more impressed with the entire process. They picked me up promptly in a nice van at the airport. Dropped me off at the nice hotel. Food was provided. The clinic was clean, and men from all around the world were there to get their hair done. They were professional, clean, and reassuring. I ended up not eating my lunch so I can power through and keep going (I had a lot of work done). They even drove my meal back to my hotel, because they forgot to hand it to me after the procedure. Unreal service. They did a fantastic job, and checked in with me once a month for the following year. Hair looks fantastic. TLDR: Was skeptical and nervous at first. They did a fantastic job, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Mitchell M. I had an amazing experience from beginning to end when I recently visited Smile Hair Clinic. Because of the team's exceptional punctuality, all appointments and procedures were completed on schedule. During my stay, the hotel accommodations were excellent, offering a cozy and tranquil setting. Every employee went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and satisfied, and the service was excellent. To all of my friends and anyone else thinking about getting their hair restored, I heartily recommend Smile Hair Clinic. They really went above and beyond what I had anticipated! Steve V. This place was amazing! I'm from the USA and was slightly skeptical going to Turkey as it was unknown for me but was pleasantly surprised! From start to finish from pickup smile hair clinic was on it. Great hotel and experience. The doctors and medical team were all very friendly and knowledgeable plus very experienced. I would definitely visit again. Thanks Smile Hair Clinic! Five stars! Bryant Y. I had a good experience with Smile Hair Clinic. They were very responsive when it came to answering my messages, and any questions that I had. They also did a good job of informing me of the process and what to expect. Once I landed in Istanbul, the clinic was good about coordinating my pickup, and getting me to my hotel. The medical team was also very friendly, and talked to me about my hair goals, and tempering my expectations. If you have a preference or concern, don't be afraid to speak up, as they are very receptive to your input. The clinic itself is organized, and kept immaculately. About the Founders Dr. Mehmet Erdoğan and Dr. Gökay Bilgin are globally recognized for their contributions to modern hair transplantation. Both physicians are board-certified, with backgrounds in aesthetic medicine and years of surgical experience. Their meticulous approach and patient-centered philosophy have earned them a reputation as two of the most trusted names in the field. At Smile Hair Clinic, they lead every procedure personally ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care, guided by medical expertise and artistic precision. About Smile Hair Clinic Founded in 2018, Smile Hair Clinic has quickly gained a reputation as one of Turkiye's most trusted names in medical tourism. With over 40,000 successful transplants, a team of internationally trained surgeons, and a commitment to ethical patient care, the clinic draws clients from across the U.S., Europe, Canada and beyond. What makes Smile different isn't just the price, it's the philosophy. Every patient is treated as a long-term partner in their transformation, with personalized care before, during, and long after the procedure. From its luxury clinic in Istanbul, Smile Hair Clinic is proving that world-class medical care doesn't have to come with a Hollywood price tag. Yagmur Ucar Smile Hair Clinic [email protected] Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London Launches New Website to Enhance Patient Experience and Education
London, UK - June 27, 2025 - FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed website, designed to provide patients with a seamless, informative, and user-friendly experience. The new site reflects the clinic's commitment to delivering high-quality, surgeon-led hair transplant procedures while prioritising education and accessibility for both new and existing patients. The redesigned website ( ) features an intuitive layout, faster navigation, and comprehensive resources about hair restoration treatments, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), one of the most advanced and minimally invasive hair transplant techniques available today. Prospective patients can now easily access detailed guides on the FUE procedure, explore before-and-after galleries, and book confidential consultations directly with leading UK-trained surgeons. The site also features a new blog section, offering expert insights into hair loss, recovery timelines, treatment costs, and the science behind successful transplants. 'Our goal was to create a digital experience that mirrors the quality of care we provide in-clinic,' said the Lead Surgeon at FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London. 'Many of our patients begin their journey online, so it was crucial to build a platform that's educational, trustworthy, and easy to navigate. We want people to feel empowered when making one of the most personal decisions about their appearance.' Visitors can explore real patient stories, understand pricing with no hidden fees, and get clear information about what to expect before, during, and after their procedure. The launch of the new website marks a key step in FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London's mission to make hair restoration more accessible, personalised, and results-driven for individuals experiencing hair loss. Media Contact Company Name: Press featured Contact Person: Maxwell Pierce Email: Send Email Country: United Kingdom Website: Source: Press Featured
Globe and Mail
27-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London Launches New Website to Enhance Patient Experience and Education
London, UK - June 27, 2025 - FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed website, designed to provide patients with a seamless, informative, and user-friendly experience. The new site reflects the clinic's commitment to delivering high-quality, surgeon-led hair transplant procedures while prioritising education and accessibility for both new and existing patients. The redesigned website ( features an intuitive layout, faster navigation, and comprehensive resources about hair restoration treatments, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), one of the most advanced and minimally invasive hair transplant techniques available today. Prospective patients can now easily access detailed guides on the FUE procedure, explore before-and-after galleries, and book confidential consultations directly with leading UK-trained surgeons. The site also features a new blog section, offering expert insights into hair loss, recovery timelines, treatment costs, and the science behind successful transplants. 'Our goal was to create a digital experience that mirrors the quality of care we provide in-clinic,' said the Lead Surgeon at FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London. 'Many of our patients begin their journey online, so it was crucial to build a platform that's educational, trustworthy, and easy to navigate. We want people to feel empowered when making one of the most personal decisions about their appearance.' Visitors can explore real patient stories, understand pricing with no hidden fees, and get clear information about what to expect before, during, and after their procedure. The launch of the new website marks a key step in FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London's mission to make hair restoration more accessible, personalised, and results-driven for individuals experiencing hair loss. Media Contact Company Name: Press featured Contact Person: Maxwell Pierce Email: Send Email Country: United Kingdom Website:
Health Line
12-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Everything You Need to Know About Hair Transplants
Key takeaways • Hair transplants are typically more successful than over-the-counter hair restoration products, with 10% to 80% of transplanted hair fully growing back within 3 to 4 months. • The cost of hair transplants ranges from $4,000 to $15,000, with final pricing dependent on factors like the extent of the procedure, surgeon availability and experience, and chosen surgical technique. • Hair transplants involve taking healthy hair follicles from thicker parts of the scalp or body and grafting them to thinning or balding areas, but they may not work for those with widespread thinning, chemotherapy-related loss, or thick scalp scars. Hair transplants are performed by taking hair from thicker parts of the scalp, or other parts of the body, and grafting it to the thinning or balding section of the scalp. These procedures are usually considered when other treatments like topical ointments don't work. The first transplant was performed in 1939 in Japan with single scalp hairs. In the following decades, physicians developed the 'plug' technique. This involves transplanting large tufts of hair. Over time, surgeons began using mini- and micro-grafts to minimize the appearance of transplanted hair on the scalp. Do hair transplants work? Hair transplants are typically more successful than over-the-counter hair restoration products. But there are some factors to consider: Anywhere from 10% to 80% of transplanted hair will fully grow back in an estimated 3 to 4 months, according to a 2017 study. Like regular hair, transplanted hair will thin over time. People with dormant hair follicles (sacs that usually contain hair beneath the skin but no longer grow hair) may have less effective transplants, but a 2022 review of studies suggests that platelet-rich plasma therapy is effective alongside hair transplantation in helping transplanted hairs to grow back. Hair transplants don't work for everyone. They're mainly used to restore hair if you're balding or thinning naturally or have lost hair due to an injury. Most transplants are performed with your existing hair, so they're not as effective for treating people with: widespread thinning and baldness hair loss due to chemotherapy or other medications thick scalp scars from injuries How much do hair transplants cost? Anecdotally, the costs of hair transplants can range from about $4,000 to $15,000, but they vary depending on numerous factors, such as: extent of the transplant procedure availability of surgeons in your area experience of the surgeon surgical technique chosen Because hair transplants are cosmetic procedures, health insurance usually won't pay for the procedure. Aftercare medications may also add to the final cost. How does a hair transplant work? A hair transplant involves taking hair you have and transferring it to an area where you don't have hair. It's typically taken from the back of your head, but it can also be taken from other parts of your body. Before starting a transplant, your surgeon sterilizes the area where the hair will be removed and numbs it with a local anesthetic. You can also request sedation to stay asleep for the procedure. Your surgeon then performs one of two transplant methods: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE). There are variations of each method, such as NeoGraft, a type of FUE. Additional methods are being studied. One of them, the stem cell hair transplant, looks promising but is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) FUT is sometimes known as follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS). To perform a FUT procedure, your surgeon follows these steps: Using a scalpel, the surgeon removes a piece of your scalp, usually from the back of your head. The strip size is typically about 6 to 10 inches long but can stretch from ear to ear. They close the area where the scalp was removed with stitches. Your surgeon and their assistants separate the scalp strip into smaller pieces with a scalpel. They may split the piece up into as many as 2,000 smaller fragments, called grafts. Some of these grafts may contain only one hair each. Using a needle or blade, the surgeon makes small holes in your scalp where hair will be transplanted. The surgeon inserts hairs from the removed piece of scalp into the puncture holes. This step is called grafting. They then cover the surgical sites with bandages or gauze. The specific number of grafts you receive depends on the: type of hair you have size of the transplant site quality (including thickness) of hair hair color Follicular unit extraction (FUE) To perform a FUE procedure, your surgeon takes these steps: They shave off hair on the back of your head. The surgeon then takes individual follicles out of the scalp skin. You'll see tiny marks where each follicle was removed. As with the FUT procedure, the surgeon makes small holes in your scalp and grafts hair follicles into the holes. They then cover the surgical site with bandages or gauze. Recovering from a hair transplant procedure FUT and FUE may each take several hours to several days to complete. In part, this depends on the amount of work performed by the surgeon. You will go home the same day. Once the surgery is done, your surgeon carefully removes bandages. The area may be swollen, so your surgeon might inject triamcinolone into the area to keep the swelling down. You'll likely feel pain or soreness at the transplant site as well as in the area where hair was taken from. For the next few days, your surgeon may prescribe or recommend: pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) antibiotics to prevent infections anti-inflammatories, such as an oral steroid, to relieve swelling medications such as finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil (Rogaine) to help stimulate hair growth Here are some aftercare tips for hair transplant surgery: Avoid strenuous activities in the days following surgery. Wait a few days after the surgery to wash your hair. Only use mild shampoos for the first few weeks. You should be able to return to work or normal activities in about 3 days. Avoid rubbing the affected area. Do not press a brush or comb down over the new grafts for about 3 weeks. Do not wear any hats or pullover shirts and jackets until your doctor says it's OK. Do not exercise for about a week. Don't worry if some hairs fall out. This is part of the process. Transplanted hair may not grow much or seamlessly match the hair around it for a few months. Hair transplant side effects A common side effect is scarring, and this cannot be avoided with either procedure. Other potential side effects include: unusual physical sensations in the affected area or losing sensation around the surgical sites infections crust or pus drainage around the surgical sites scalp pain, itching, and swelling folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) bleeding visible areas of hair that don't match the surrounding hair or are noticeably thinner continuing to lose hair if your hair is still balding Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) can also have side effects. Minoxidil side effects include: irritated scalp nausea and vomiting dizziness irregular heart rate hand, foot, or breast swelling chest pain Finasteride side effects include: increase in breast size and tenderness skin rash sexual dysfunction Finding a surgeon Visit the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons website to search for medical professionals near you who perform hair transplants. A primary care doctor may also be able to recommend a professional specializing in hair transplants. Here are some tips to consider when you're looking for a hair transplant surgeon: Select only a licensed, certified surgeon. Confirm a record of successful transplant procedures by asking to see a portfolio. Read reviews about them.
