Steve Kinyon, a Utah software salesman, always admired Thor’s long, flowing hair. However, his high school friends cruelly labeled him the “balding virgin” due to his early hair loss. Decades later, Steve decided to take action and flew to Turkey for a hair transplant that cost him less than $5,000.
“I’m pretty confident,” Steve, a married father of two, shared with The Post. “But having longer, fuller hair adds an extra boost.”
Steve’s journey to Turkey for a hair transplant is part of a growing trend among men seeking solutions to combat balding. The American Hair Loss Association reports that 85% of men experience hair loss by age 50, with two-thirds noticing shedding by age 35, and 25% losing their hair before turning 21.
Men are now exploring a variety of invasive and noninvasive cosmetic treatments to address hair loss, ranging from DIY methods like derma-stamping to advanced robotic systems.
A Modern Approach to Hair Restoration: The Rise of DIY Solutions
Ashten Barnes, a rising model, faced criticism for his receding hairline from social media trolls. To combat this, he turned to a budget-friendly DIY solution called derma stamping. By microneedling with a derma stamp, Barnes aimed to stimulate collagen production and promote hair growth in thinning areas of his scalp.
The trend of microneedling combined with topical treatments like minoxidil and rosemary oils is gaining popularity. Recent studies have shown significant hair growth results among participants using this technique.
While experts like dermatologist Rita Linkner caution about the risks of derma-stamping, Ashten Barnes found success with the method, boosting his confidence and improving his overall self-image.
Professional Hair Restoration: The Role of PRP Treatments
Turner Allen, an image consultant in New York City, opted for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments to maintain a strong hairline. After a $7,000 hair transplant, Allen visits a med spa in Noho for PRP injections. This all-natural treatment, derived from the patient’s blood, is believed to facilitate hair growth and strengthen follicles.
Michael Pollak and Steve Klebanow, the co-founders of Great Many, endorse PRP as a leading non-surgical remedy for hair loss. With three sessions over three months, clients experience densification and thickening of hair within six to nine months.
For Turner Allen, PRP treatments have enhanced his hair health and confidence, reflecting a growing trend among men in New York City seeking cosmetic enhancements.
Steve Kinyon’s journey to Istanbul for a hair transplant was spurred by recommendations from friends who had successful procedures in Turkey. Choosing an affordable option, Steve underwent a 4,000-graft hair transplant that involved extracting healthy follicles from a donor site and embedding them into areas of hair loss.
During the procedure, patients like Steve and Jonathan Intriago, a content creator from Queens, experienced minimal discomfort while anticipating long-term results. Jonathan, who underwent a 3,200-graft transplant, highlighted the positive impact of hair regrowth treatments on confidence and self-image.
Innovative approaches like robotic hair restoration systems, such as the ARTAS iX, offer a high-quality, minimally invasive solution to hair loss. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Michael Wolfeld, the AI-powered robot harvests and transplants hair follicles with precision, delivering natural results within days of treatment.
Despite the costs associated with advanced robotic systems, men like Steve Kinyon and Turner Allen are investing in self-care through hair restoration, shedding the stigma associated with male pattern baldness. Dr. Wolfeld emphasizes the transformative effect of regaining a full head of hair on personal, social, and professional confidence, marking a significant shift in attitudes towards male grooming and aesthetics.
