Increasing numbers of balding young Saudis are heading to Turkey for hair implants costing as much as SR17,000.

Many are in their twenties and wear hats or the traditional shemagh to hide what they consider to be an embarrassing affliction, according to a press report on Monday.

The hair implant business is reportedly booming in Turkey with an all-inclusive package including air fares, lodging and translators costing about SR17,000.

One young man, Omar Al-Harbi, said he was distressed about his hair loss. He felt that he did not look good after removing his shemagh and putting on other clothing.

“I used many hair oils and medicines to no avail. I finally traveled to Turkey and made my dream of many years come true in only three days,” he said.

Faisal Al-Husain said he inherited his baldness from his family. “All the previous solutions I tried were not encouraging. I even wore a wig. Then I heard about affordable hair implant procedures in Turkey. I underwent the procedure and now my hair looks great.”

Mohammad Waleed Al-Fakhouri, who works for a clinic in Turkey, said Saudi citizens account for 70 percent of Arab nationals who undergo hair implant procedures in the country.

“We usually offer an integrated package of services, including air fare, meeting customers at the airport, providing decent accommodation in 4-star hotels, and trips to tourist sites during their stay,” said Al-Fakhouri.

He said the costs are relatively affordable, but his clinic does not deal with customers who have certain types of skin diseases.

Majid Al-Ghamdi, a sociologist, said hair loss is caused by several factors including the weather, water used for washing, and tension.

“Because society in general looks down on bald people, many of them tend to cover their heads. But if hair is exposed to air and sun this will make it stronger,” he said.