Provided by Esthenove
Black women are known for their overwhelming versatility and endless creativity through the art of hairstyling. From trying out new cuts and colors to cornrows, lace wigs, and traditional sew-on braids, generations of us have mastered the ability to transform with cutting-edge looks and stay stylish in the social world. Even after their debut, they set cultural trends for months, years, and even decades.
But alongside online and offline conversations about modern and classic hairstyles, there’s another topic that’s becoming increasingly taboo within the black community: hair removal. The revelations made by U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley in 2020 about alopecia areata, a condition that causes localized hair loss and can ultimately lead to baldness, are a growing number of hair conditions that negatively impact Black communities. This is one of the public examples. “People may lie, but hair never lies,” says HAIR BY OHNICA®, an experienced hair care professional based in Trinidad and Tobago who specializes in the health of his clients’ hair. explains Onika Thomas. “Traction alopecia, improper application of chemicals, poor styling techniques such as braids and braids, and poor hair habits are some of the causes of hair loss that I have noticed throughout my career. “Knowing which products are right for you and understanding that hair care takes time is important for hair and scalp health,” she says.
A recent study by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology even highlighted that African Americans experience hair loss at a higher rate than other ethnicities. And with underlying causes in women’s lifestyles (such as postpartum hormonal changes, extreme stress, genetics, improper hair care habits, unhealthy diet, and the reality of hair loss due to aging), black women and men are now seeking more permanent medical solutions to hair loss.
a clump of hair in a comb
For many people around the world, a cost-effective solution to this ongoing problem lies across the Mediterranean in the Republic of Turkiye. The country’s ultra-high-end medical tourism hair transplant and restoration scene has exploded in recent years, and with so many clinics to choose from, a quick online search will help you find one with the highest accredited hair transplant clinics. You might end up at a certain EsteNove door. Located in the capital Istanbul, it has established a partnership with Harvard Medical School in the United States. With a success rate of 90-95%, this medical company delivers high-quality results designed according to analysis based on individual patient needs and performed using the latest cutting-edge technology available on the market. It is working. But for Dr. Zafer Cetinkaya, the head of the medical team, the final outcome was even more significant. Knowledge, training, and expertise are paramount to successful hair transplantation, which requires careful pre-, intra-, and post-operative care.
“We have very talented doctors and technicians at our facility in Turkey, which is why we have so many patients coming to our facility,” said Cetinskaya, who, with the help of a staff interpreter, traveled to the center of Istanbul. This was explained during a visit to a medical facility in the department. A certified professional who has worked extensively in the industry for nearly a decade with a large team of nurses, technicians, surgical staff, and administrative staff, Ms. Cetinkaya has developed techniques such as follicular unit extraction and ICE direct hair implementation. are using. He estimates that out of every 100 people who undergo major surgery at Estenove, Turkey, about 30 are of African descent.
According to Murat Arzak, co-founder of EsteNove, modern medical advances could make hair transplant surgery in Turkiye a viable option to provide relief to black women, opening new doors of confidence for those who often suffer from this condition. “We know that hair transplants are a serious decision made by people of all backgrounds, and our specialty is two-part: a skilled team and customer service. A one-way trip here takes less than five hours. Think about starting a conversation, then applying, and of course seeing the full results, which takes about 24 months,” he emphasized, emphasizing that women can now also explore solutions that fit their needs. He also points out that hair transplants are becoming more and more socially accepted, with social media hashtags attracting millions of views and comments on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. “With the growing popularity of hair transplants, especially with African American and Caribbean hair types, this procedure places even more of a need for specially qualified expertise. We have patients coming from Africa, America, the UK, Europe and other parts of the world. We are a nation of service and we work hard to make people aware that Turkiye is the first choice for hair transplants.”
Courtesy of Estenove
When asked about the differences in the process for African American and Afro-Caribbean patients, Cetinkaya said that different types of black hair require special attention to their curl patterns, so they tend to be denser than patients of other ethnicities. He explained that it could be expensive. “We take curl patterns into consideration and evaluate and plan them through individual counseling prior to surgery. Some patients desire a straighter hairline, while others desire a more curvaceous finish. Some people,” he points out. The general examination for all patients also includes a preliminary medical examination, in which the patient discloses information about any existing chronic conditions. Cetinkaya points out that diseases such as thyroid disorders, blood disorders and cancer can affect the outcome of hair transplant surgery, and emphasizes the importance of being honest in the evaluation.
“Sometimes, we have to tell patients that we cannot perform hair transplant surgery. For example, some are cancer survivors who visit us after cancer treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy,” he says. “If you have had treatment in the last year, we recommend that you wait at least two years before undergoing hair transplant surgery. Most importantly, take your time with the extraction process, which requires more care and precision during the surgery.”
The extraction process usually means that hair is taken from the back of the patient’s head, known as the “donor area.” Hair follicles are harvested using a special micro-punch under local anesthesia, and transplanted and transplanted to thinning or bald areas of the scalp. 24 hours after the procedure, the bandage is removed and the medical staff washes your hair with a special foam to stimulate and cleanse the scalp. Each case is different, but overall, healing can take up to 12 months, and for the first 12 to 14 days after surgery, we offer daily and convenient virtual check-ins with your post-surgery medical support team. (mostly via Whatsapp). The patient left Turkiye.
At EsteNove, demand growth is primarily in the 25-34 age group, which accounts for more than 40% of the company’s procedures, but the ratio of male to female patients remains disproportionate, with 95% of patients being men. It accounts for more than Part of the patient list. The increasing demand for hair transplant surgery abroad is also related to the affordability of the procedure. Within the United States, prices can reach $25,000. The cost of a hair transplant in Turkiye is approximately $4,500, which is more than 80% cheaper than what is offered in North America. Attractive economic considerations add up statistically. It is reported that in June 2022, the number of foreign tourists increased by 115% compared to the previous year.
EsteNove is widely known as the “one-stop luxury travel shop” for hair transplant patients around the world, easing the burden of travel planning for patients and providing travelers with a real option to explore the best of the medical and vacation world. provides the opportunity. The company will provide VIP transportation, 4- and 5-star accommodations, patent-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, necessary medications, aftercare kits, and one year of post-operative support for him with Nova Care. It offers. And as Turkish Airlines celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2023 and Turkiye Airport also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic, the adventurer heads to Ataturk International Airport, known on social media as “Hareport”. If you decide, there are some attractive travel perks. ” With Istanbul’s “Stopover” program, the national airline offers hotel vouchers for two nights in a four-star hotel for economy class travelers and three nights in a five-star hotel for business class travelers. I will do it. You can redeem it online after booking your flight. It is therefore no surprise that Turkiye’s hospitality bona fides have made the country a global tourism force, with the country ranking among the top 10 most visited countries in the world, according to the country’s Investment Office. There is.
With hundreds of clinics dotted around Istanbul and relatively quick recovery times for outpatients, its unique convenience allows you to do tourist activities such as sightseeing and shopping while still being in the city for your hair transplant surgery. It has become an attractive destination to visit. This is a bonus offer that puts EsteNove on the map as the clinic of choice for new and existing patients. “Sometimes my patients return to Istanbul for routine check-ups and I see a difference not only in their hair but also in their confidence. It’s like seeing a new person,” Çetinkaya says proudly. “Seeing the change is rewarding and seeing people happy is the best part of the job for me.”
Tenille Clarke is a passionate storyteller, experienced publicist and cultural enthusiast originally from Trinidad and Tobago. She often writes about her ongoing love of travel, entertainment and culture through a Caribbean lens. Follow her digital journey on Instagram @tenilleclarke1. twitter.
