U.K. rapper Paigey Cakey turns upside the typical hair transformation video, revealing an “after” that is not a gorgeous head of perfectly coiffed curls, but rather a brave reveal of balding caused by traction alopecia, a condition resulting from tightly-pulled hairstyles.
Cakey explained her decision to speak out on YouTube. “Everyday was a struggle and it literally consumed 75 percent of my life,” she wrote in the video’s description. “I felt like I had to hold up an image since I was in the public eye. I had people compliment me daily about my hairstyles and edges. But little did they know my hair was my biggest insecurity.
“Over the past three years it’s got worst and worst and I had to give up doing some of my favorite hairstyles. I was literally buying mascara once a fortnight to try hide the patches.”
Cakey said she looked into a hair transplant, but couldn’t afford the cost. She continued to research and found a Turkish clinic with a good reputation where the price was right.
“I spent many nights doing research on hair transplant but found the cost was too high,” said Cakey. “Then found a clinic in Turkey that done hair transplants so I began to look into it. I then got the courage to reach out and booked my appointment.”
In the video, Cakey revealed the bald spots she’s been covering up with scarves and use of waterproof mascara. Filmed on the day of her hair transplant, she explained that part of the process would include getting all of her hair shaved off.
Since sharing the video, Cakey has been documenting her recovering on Instagram.
Check out her touching video below as well as some images from her Instagram page below.
“The Day of my Hair Transplant”
