Why more men are getting cosmetic surgery to look good

IT consultant Shahid Din, 32, from Canary Wharf, East London, had a £5,500 hair transplant

I’ve always taken care ­of myself. In fact, it was using styling products, hair dye and straighteners that made my hair thin and patchy in the first place.

I started noticing it in 2005 so in 2006 I had a three-month course of laser surgery for £1,500. It did encourage some hair growth but over time – and after I stopped using the follow-up products – it started to thin again ­so I decided to shave ­my head. I wasn’t happy about it but I didn’t know what else to do.

Then, through someone I met at work, I heard about FUE hair transplant, which involves removing healthy hair follicles directly from the scalp and grafting them on ­ to the bald areas of the head.

I started doing some research and came across Dr Raghu Reddy ­at The Private Clinic at Harley Street. I had seen on the website that Ace from the ITV show Gladiators had taken part and had great results.

Although I was sceptical about it being a long-term solution, I called Dr Reddy, who gave me the names and numbers of some of his satisfied clients.

It cost around £5,500 in all but I decided to go for it. The operation took 10 hours and was uncomfortable ­but not painful ­and it was all worth it. The results were instantaneous.

There was a period where I lost some hair – all part of the hair’s natural cycle and very normal – but within six months it had grown back and I looked and felt 10 years younger.

Of course, male friends and colleagues gave me a bit of ribbing about it but the joke’s on them now they’ve seen the results. In fact, one of my mates might even have it done himself.