Jared Gravatt, a 34-year-old from rural Illinois, knew from an early age that he was genetically predisposed to hair loss. “Born with a receding hairline gene,” as he describes it, Gravatt had been trying various hair growth treatments for years before he finally decided to pursue a hair transplant—a decision that would take him halfway around the world to Turkey.
A Friend’s Success Sparked the Journey
Gravatt’s interest in a hair transplant solidified after a friend underwent the procedure in Istanbul, Turkey. “He said it was one of the best decisions he ever made,” Gravatt told PEOPLE. Inspired by his friend’s success, he chose to visit the same clinic—Now Hair Time—for his own transformation.
A frequent traveler, Gravatt viewed the international trip as a bonus. “I love traveling, so getting a hair transplant in Turkey was a no-brainer for me,” he said. More importantly, the procedure cost about a quarter of what it would have in the U.S.
The Consultation: Transparent and Personalized
Once Gravatt contacted Now Hair Time, he was impressed with the detailed consultation process. The clinic conducted a full medical evaluation, assessed his scalp, and explained every step of the surgery—from how many hairs would be transplanted to the post-op care and length of his stay. All services were customizable based on his health, preferences, and budget.
Gravatt, who describes himself as an “anxious” person, appreciated how open and communicative the staff were. He was reassured by the clean, professional environment and the availability of translation services.
Luxury Meets Medicine in Istanbul
One of the major attractions of clinics like Now Hair Time is the luxury treatment patients receive alongside the medical care. Gravatt’s package included five-star accommodations, airport transfers, and round-the-clock support—all for $4,500.
In contrast, a similar procedure in the U.S. would likely have cost upwards of $15,000, depending on the clinic and number of transplants. American clinics typically charge between $2 and $10 per graft. Gravatt received 4,200 grafts—meaning his U.S. cost could have exceeded $16,000.
The Surgery: Seven Hours in a “Trance”
Gravatt underwent FUE (follicular unit extraction) surgery, which took over seven hours. “They took the donor hair, then punched holes in the top and put the donor hair back in,” he explained. Despite the lengthy procedure, Gravatt said it was painless.
After surgery, he received detailed post-op instructions: drink plenty of water, avoid touching or bumping the scalp, and even abstain from sex to limit blood flow to the area. He stayed mostly in his hotel room to protect the grafts during the critical first 72 hours.
The Recovery: Challenges and Commitments
The early days post-transplant were demanding. Sleeping upright at a 45-degree angle was the hardest part. “I usually sleep on my side or stomach,” he said. “Wearing a neck pillow made everything better.”
Caring for the transplant area was easier than expected. Gravatt used a special shampoo provided by the clinic and washed the area gently with cold water.
Maintenance: PRP, Medications, and Patience
Gravatt is now in the “ugly duckling period”—a stage in recovery where all the transplanted hair falls out before regrowing. The clinic recommended PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments, along with medications like finasteride and minoxidil, to aid in healing and growth.
Though he initially hesitated due to costs and potential side effects, he ultimately committed to the follow-up care. “I didn’t come all the way to Turkey for nothing,” he said.
Sharing His Journey Online
Gravatt documented his entire experience on Instagram. His posts went viral, attracting both praise and skepticism. Some viewers thanked him for shedding light on a process that many find intimidating or mysterious.
“I’ve had people say, ‘Man, I’m so grateful to see someone go through this,’” he said. His openness helped demystify the procedure for others dealing with hair loss.
A New Beginning
Now, Gravatt is focused on recovery and letting the results take shape over the coming year. “All my hair has fallen out right now—that’s normal,” he said. “But soon it will grow back, and I’ll have a full head of hair.”
He insists the decision was a personal one—not based on insecurity but on convenience and self-confidence. “I’m not doing this because I feel a void. I just don’t want to think about my hair anymore. If I can get a nicer hairline, great. Now I can focus on other things.”
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