A 50-year-old woman from Glasgow has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of a full scalp tattoo to address her lifelong battle with severe hair loss. Anetta Cyrek, who has suffered from androgenetic alopecia and a thyroid condition since she was 13, is seeking £3,000 to undergo the procedure that she hopes will give her a new sense of confidence.
Cyrek, originally from Poland, moved to Scotland nine years ago and has lived in Glasgow for the past four. Despite undergoing various treatments for her alopecia, her hair has never fully regrown, leaving her with exposed patches on her scalp. For nearly 30 years, she has relied on a baseball cap as a “shield” to cover her head, often facing stares and unwanted questions from others.
“Wearing a cap became my shield against the shame, frustration, and tears I’ve experienced over the years,” Cyrek explained. “My wish is to finally leave the house without it and feel comfortable in my own skin.”
Cyrek’s condition, which is compounded by a lack of suitable donor hair for a transplant, has made traditional solutions like wigs and extensions feel unnatural. Now, she is hoping that a full scalp tattoo, which mimics the appearance of fuller hair, will help restore the look of density in her short hairstyle.
“I’m not dreaming of long hair; I simply want to visually increase the density of what I already have,” Cyrek said. “I want a professional, artistic scalp tattoo that creates a natural visual effect of fuller hair through carefully crafted details.”
In her effort to raise funds for the procedure, Cyrek aims to cover multiple tattoo sessions, a consultation, and a personalized design. While she has not yet selected an artist, she is determined to undergo the transformation that will allow her to embrace her appearance with newfound dignity.
“For more than three decades, I’ve lived with this struggle. I learned to function with a sense of loss that started in childhood. It’s not just about the cosmetic procedure for me; it’s about regaining my confidence, dignity, and finally feeling comfortable in my own skin after years of hiding.”
Cyrek’s story resonates with many who face similar challenges, and she hopes that her fundraiser will provide her the chance to reclaim her confidence after years of concealing her insecurity.
