Why More Women Are Traveling to Turkey for Hair Transplants

The Trend: Turkey (specifically Istanbul, dubbed “Hairstanbul”) has long been considered the reigning hair-transplant hotspot of the world, but its clinics have traditionally catered mostly to men. But now, more women are traveling to Turkey to add more to their thinning locks. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, the number of women receiving hair transplants across the globe rose by 16.5% between 2021 and 2024.

What People Are Saying: Turkish clinics have spread the word by advertising on social media and partnering with influencers. There are plenty of American hair-restoration specialists, but surgery in Turkey is usually less expensive (around $4,000 compared to about $20,000 in the U.S.). Plus, it’s often bundled with accommodations or other amenities. 

What to Know: There are several reasons why more women are seeking hair transplants. For some, hair loss comes from years of wearing tight updos, braids, or extensions. Others may be experiencing lost or thinning hair from hormonal changes, GLP-1 use, increased stress, or illness. And for many, female-pattern hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia) becomes more common with age.