Maryland woman travels to Istanbul for a hair transplant

Nicole Ethridge, a 39-year-old woman from Southern Maryland who works in finance, had thinning hair that she said worsened after childbirth.

A dermatologist diagnosed her with traction alopecia, which can be caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair.

She wore wigs, which cost $300 to $700 each and did not last, and tried other treatments before considering a transplant.

She found US prices were more than $13,000, beyond her budget, and chose a clinic in Istanbul after researching options.

In August 2025, she traveled to Turkey, where a medical team moved hair follicles from the back of her head to the thinning area.

The quoted treatment cost was $2,600, and she paid half as an influencer; flights cost an additional $1,250.

Her hair began growing back within four months, and she said the change was much clearer after six months.

The account does not say what further treatment or follow-up she plans.