This story is based on an interview with Nicole Ethridge, a 39-year-old Southern Maryland native who works in finance and is an influencer. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I have always had thinning hair, but I first noticed it falling out shortly after the birth of my 19-year-old daughter.
It’s mainly in the front, which makes it eye-catching. I was very uncomfortable and particularly hated going to hair salons, where it was impossible to hide the problem.
A dermatologist diagnosed me with traction alopecia, which is sometimes caused by tight hairstyles and other things that pull on the hair.
I started wearing wigs
I started wearing wigs that mimic your hairline. They’re expensive, ranging from $300 to $700, but they won’t last forever. I experience it up to nine times a year.
Ethridge was self-conscious about her hair, but was happy that it was growing back. Courtesy of Nicole Ettridge
This expense motivated me to start making my own wigs and start selling them to other women in the same position.
However, I still didn’t feel like myself because it wasn’t my real, natural hair.
I tried all the treatments like creams and ointments. These include FDA-approved over-the-counter hair growth supplements. I didn’t have high hopes for how effective it would be, but it did bring back some of my hair.
Still, I feel like it’s not enough. My attention turned to hair transplantation.
I found a clinic in Istanbul
I am considering having the surgery in the US. The price was upwards of $13,000, and I had no budget.
I know some people travel abroad to get the job done cheaper and I considered Mexico. I was put off because when I did my research, I didn’t find many African American testimonials.
Türkiye seems to be a better option and I see a lot of patients who look like me going to this particular clinic in Istanbul.
Ettridge no longer has to wear a wig. Courtesy of Nicole Ettridge
I worked with an international coordinator called Doctours who connected me with clinics and arranged my treatment and hotel accommodation. As an influencer, I paid 50% of the quoted fee of $2,600.
My flight was an additional $1,250 and I traveled in August 2025. Although I was excited, I was nervous on the plane because my friends told me that going to Türkiye would be risky.
Still, I’m willing to take the risk. I want to get rid of wigs and scrunchies forever.
my head was shaved
The only part of the process that was painful for me was the injection to numb my scalp. I’m wide awake, lying around, either listening to music or alone with my thoughts.
The medical team extracted individual hair follicles from the back of my head and moved them to the problem areas. This was optional, but I chose to shave my head beforehand because I wanted the experience to be more sterile.
Ethridge is getting married next year. Courtesy of Nicole Ettridge
I came back the next day for a specialized shampooing treatment. They suggested I do some maintenance. All in all, I spent four days in Istanbul.
My hair started growing back within four months, but there was no wow factor at that stage. There was a huge difference six months later.
I’ll get married next year
I started wearing a wig out – something I hadn’t done in nearly 20 years – and felt confident in my appearance. Now my hair is pixie length and I love it.
My fiancé and I are getting married next year. The thought that I would have beautiful hair at my wedding made me happy.
Maybe I’ll have a Bob by then. But it doesn’t matter. I was finally happy with how I looked and felt.