Latest news with #celebrityendorsement
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fatigue, scars, infections & even anaphylactic shock – 10 horrifying side effects of hair transplants nobody talks about
Abigail Wilson, Senior Digital Writer Published: Invalid Date, IF you've ever been on a flight from Turkey to the UK, you're bound to have seen countless men and women with their heads in bandages. You don't have to look far to spot a hair transplant, as thousands of Brits and countless celebs have had the popular tweakment. 17 17 17 But while Wayne Rooney and Calum Best are huge fans, there can be some very serious side effects. The UK hair transplant market generated £101million in 2023 and is projected to reach £335million by 2030, with the global market expected to reach $23.32 billion. It's clear to see the appeal - bald spots filled in and an even, straight headline, what's not to like? Getting a hair transplant here in Britain can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £30,000, depending on the extent of hair loss and the clinic's reputation. With an average UK cost of £4,500-£6,000, many jet off to Turkey where it's just £2,300 for an all-inclusive package. A number of celebrities have had the popular tweakment, which has been hailed as the 'new BBL for men' - with numerous reality TV stars raving about it. But Dr Ed Robinson, who has had a hair transplant himself and regularly performs the tweakment, warns: 'Hair transplants have seen a significant rise in popularity over recent years, fuelled by greater awareness, celebrity endorsements, and advances in surgical techniques that deliver more natural results. 'Patients are becoming increasingly proactive in addressing hair loss at earlier stages, and the stigma around seeking treatment is rapidly diminishing. 'However, as with any medical procedure, hair transplants carry potential risks and side effects.' And it's not just men getting them nowadays. Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis, 32, transformed her look and had the procedure to get rid of her 'high forehead' and lower her hairline back in 2019. Wayne Bridge has hair transplant at top Harley Street clinic Love Island star Rosie Williams, 33, also had a transplant, as did Married At First Sight icon Ella Morgan, 31. Footballing legend Wayne Rooney, 39, was arguably the man who made the op famous - having had multiple hair transplants to address his balding, with his first one aged 25. 17 17 17 17 Calum Best, 43, had three hair transplants before going into the Celebrity Big Brother house and Wayne Bridge, 44, took a trip to a top Harley Street clinic to fix his hairline. X Factor and I'm A Celebrity star Jake Quickenden, 36, is another male celeb who splashed the cash on his hair, as he spent £5,000 on a hair transplant after "years of anxiety and paranoia". Joe Swash, 43, is also a fan of the procedure, as he had his third hair transplant back in 2018. Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. And if you're wondering why Geordie Shore 's Gaz Beadle is looking hotter than ever - well, it's because he's had a beard transplant - yes, you heard it right. But while many head home from clinics gleaming with their new hair follicles, many face serious complications from poorly-performed procedures. 17 17 17 17 And it's not just those who go to a dodgy practitioner - complications can arise regardless of who you see. Ranging from swelling of the scalp to nerve damage, they often leave patients in immense pain and discomfort, with some even in need of treatment to solve it. Here, Fabulous speaks to one of the UK's leading aesthetic doctors Dr Ed, who reveals the 10 issues you should be aware of… 17 1. Swelling of the scalp Moderate to severe swelling is common around the donor and recipient sites following a hair transplant. Dr Ed tells Fabulous: 'Mild swelling can occur around the forehead and eyes for a few days post-procedure.' As the scalp swells, it can also be characterised by redness, warmth and localised inflammation. This can spread to areas like the nose, eyelids, or cheeks but typically diminish within a few days with ice application and painkillers. 2. Temporary scabbing or crusting As well as swelling, the emergence of scabbing and crusting on the surface of the micro-incisions is an inevitable part of the healing process following a hair transplant. Dr Ed explains: 'As the transplanted follicles heal, small scabs may form and shed within seven to 10 days.' These scabs, which are essential for normal healing, can sometimes take up to three weeks to disappear completely. It's extremely important they are not removed manually. 3. Itching Following a hair transplant, patients will often experience an uncomfortable tension. These feelings usually subside within a few weeks and according to Ed, such itching is 'caused by the healing process or dry skin'. This itchy feeling will 'typically resolve with appropriate scalp care,' says Dr Ed. 4. Hair loss A few weeks after having a hair transplant, temporary hair loss can occur in both the implanted and donor areas. Hair loss may be worrying for many, but in these cases, it is a very common side effect stemming from surgical shock. Dr Ed acknowledges that 'temporary shedding of transplanted or existing hair' often occurs but 'usually regrows within a few months.' 5. Infection or folliculitis Following a hair transplant, some patients have reported suffering from rare skin infections, such as folliculitis. Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterised by inflammation of the hair follicles, often appearing as small, red, pus-filled bumps. What are the risks of getting surgery abroad? IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad. It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks. Safety standards in different countries may not be as high. No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad. If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment. Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK. Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems. Source: NHS It is often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses and in most of these cases, the bacteria involved are resistant to standard antibiotics. Dr Ed claims that folliculitis after a hair transplant is 'rare but possible' and is 'usually treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory care.' 6. Fatigue Dr Ed also shares that fatigue 'is quite likely following a hair transplant.' He claims that this is 'mostly because the recovery process in the first week can be quite uncomfortable.' The aesthetician claims that it is "difficult to sleep as you have to sleep sat up', which can lead to physical fatigue. Not only this, but Dr Ed explains: 'The procedure does cause quite a lot of inflammation in your head and sometimes we see that patients become fatigued following procedures which cause inflammation.' 7. Unnatural looking hairline Not only are infections potentially on the radar, but patient dissatisfaction can be too. Dr Ed warns that those debating getting a hair transplant should be aware that hairlines can be 'designed too low' or may 'not respect normal anatomy', which can lead to disappointment in recipients. 8. Scars In a minority of patients, a FUT hair transplant may cause scarring, particularly hypertrophic scars. However, Dr Ed claims that 'scars were much more common with the FUT transplants which we mostly used to do.' It's important for anyone considering a hair transplant to understand these potential side effects and to seek advice from a qualified professional Dr Ed He says: 'Nowadays with FUE implants, they don't leave much of a scar at all. 'People can get scarring from the donor site or the recipient area but that is very rare.' 9. Nerve damage and reduced sensation In addition to scarring, nerve damage and a reduced sensation can occur. Dr Ed suggests: 'Usually this occurs as a result of making incisions for the recipient area of the transplant.' While this can generally resolve in a few weeks, the pro recognises: 'This gradually improves over time but there can be a permanent degree of reduced sensation.' 10. Anaphylactic shock The final complication, which is extremely rare but has been seen in a few isolated cases, is anaphylactic shock. Severe allergic reactions can occur during or immediately after a hair transplant, typically related to the injection of local anaesthetics, which can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. Dr Ed shares: 'It's something that is possible whenever any patient has a treatment that involves any medication which they could be allergic to. 'With a hair transplant this is unlikely because the only real medication being used is some sort of injectable local anaesthetic, possibly mixed with adrenaline. 'It is incredibly rare that people are allergic to these medications - having said that, you should always be practicing a hair transplant in a CQC-rated premise in the UK, or HIS in Scotland, which means that they will be carrying an anaphylaxis emergency kit to be able to manage that should it arise.' As a result of the above nine potential side effects, Dr Ed warns: 'It's important for anyone considering a hair transplant to understand these potential side effects and to seek advice from a qualified professional to determine whether surgery or non-surgical options are best suited to their needs.' 17 17 17
Harvard Business Review
06-05-2025
- Business
- Harvard Business Review
How to Get Celebrity Investors to Back Your Business
Companies often dedicate considerable resources to gaining the attention and endorsement of celebrities. When a fashion influencer is photographed carrying a designer handbag, it can turn an obscure brand into a household name overnight. A single endorsement from an A-list celebrity, whether intentional or not, can generate millions in sales and reshape consumer demand. Brands meticulously court pop culture icons, sending them products, sponsoring their events, and vying for a moment of public recognition that could change their business forever. The logic is simple: people trust and follow the companies and brands that influential figures endorse, and in today's media-driven world, credibility and attention is currency. Yet, while businesses aggressively court pop culture figures, many overlook an equally powerful type of famous endorser: the celebrity shareholder. These aren't actors or athletes—though some may have started in those realms—but rather high-profile investors best known for their business savvy and financial influence. Think Bill Ackman, Warren Buffett, or Cathie Wood. The ideas extend, though, to individuals who made a name for themselves some other way, such as sports, politics, or entertainment, and then leveraged their fame to support investments in specific companies. Their investment decisions don't just inject capital; they shape market perception, elevate brand prestige, and influence other investors. As researchers and professors who have studied corporate governance and shareholder engagement extensively, we have seen firsthand how influential investors can reshape companies. Our work, published in leading academic journals and business outlets, has examined the role of shareholders in driving corporate strategy, market perception, and long-term performance. We've profiled shareholders, and analyzed what strategic assets different investors can bring to companies. In addition to our academic research, our professional backgrounds—in investor relations and consulting publicly traded companies—have given us practical insights into how companies court and manage relationships with high-profile investors. Moreover, our engagement, over many years, with Executive MBAs who hail from a wide variety of industries has afforded us insight into the CEO's perspective on dealing with shareholders. Securing the backing of a well-known shareholder can be more valuable than any marketing campaign. But what exactly are the benefits of having a celebrity shareholder? How can companies position themselves to attract these market-moving figures? Advantages of Attracting a Celebrity Shareholder A celebrity shareholder can bring five major benefits to fortunate companies that attract their investment. They can: Provide credibility and market validation. Celebrity investors bring more than money—they bring reputation. Their investment can signal to the broader market that a company is worth watching. When Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway acquires shares in a company, it's a seal of approval that often leads to increased institutional interest and retail investor excitement. This can be especially important for companies that are trying to recover from corporate scandals, product recalls, or performance downturns. For instance, when Bill Ackman's Pershing Square invested in Chipotle in 2016 following the company's food safety crisis, it was a turning point. Ackman's investment was seen as a vote of confidence, helping to restore faith in the brand and setting the stage for its subsequent recovery and stock price surge. Sway other shareholders and stakeholders. The involvement of a high-profile shareholder can create a ripple effect. Institutional investors who may have been on the fence often follow the lead of proven market players. Similarly, retail investors, who closely track the moves of successful hedge fund managers and billionaire investors, may jump in, driving stock demand. Take Tesla as an example. While the company was already making waves in the EV space, the backing of high-profile investors like Ron Baron helped fuel additional institutional interest, boosting the company's credibility on Wall Street. We also found in two separate studies that certain investors can help their portfolio companies attract positive media coverage and better evaluations from rating agencies. Yield a public relations boost. Just as a Hollywood star wearing a certain brand can lead to media headlines, a celebrity investor buying into a company generates market attention. Financial news outlets closely track the movements of figures like Carl Icahn and Ray Dalio, and their investments often make front-page headlines. For example, when Cathie Wood's ARK Invest took an aggressive stance on disruptive tech stocks like Zoom and Roku, those companies received a wave of media and analyst coverage, further amplifying their growth stories. Even negative attention—such as when an activist investor publicly challenges a company's management—can bring visibility and force positive changes. Unilever, for instance, was able to enhance its shareholder returns even as the company's management took flak from celebrity investor Nelson Peltz. Offer a source of guidance. The most value-enhancing celebrity investors often aren't just passive shareholders; they actively contribute to company strategy. Well-known activists, while often unwelcomed by most management teams, are a fitting example. While activist investors are not often warmly welcomed by corporate boards and executives, there are reasons some companies could benefit from their involvement, as written by one of us in another Harvard Business Review article. Rather than waiting for a public confrontation, executives and directors can reach out to activist investors to solicit ideas and explore collaborative ways to improve strategy and performance. This approach allows companies to shape the conversation on their own terms, extract valuable insights, and potentially avoid the disruption of a hostile campaign. It's a modern take on the adage 'keep your enemies close'—or, more constructively, turn potential critics into strategic partners. Facilitates deal-making. A well-connected investor can open doors to strategic partnerships, M&A opportunities, or even potential acquirers. When a company counts high-profile investors among its shareholders, it can become a more attractive acquisition target or joint venture partner. For instance, when PayPal attracted investment from influential hedge funds in its early days, it helped position the company for its eventual spin-off from eBay and its evolution into a fintech powerhouse. What Celebrity Shareholders Want Securing the investment of a celebrity investor isn't easy, but it's not impossible. There are a few key factors that will put your business on the radar of a celebrity shareholder. A differentiated business. First and foremost, a company must have a compelling value proposition. Investors like Buffett, Ackman, and Wood are drawn to companies with strong fundamentals, a clear competitive advantage, and a significant growth story. Take Beyond Meat, for example. The company didn't just create another food product—it pioneered an entirely new category in plant-based protein. That uniqueness attracted investors like Bill Gates and Tyson Foods early on, lending credibility and opening the door to larger institutional investors. Demonstrated growth potential. Celebrity investors aren't just looking for hype—they need numbers to back up the story. Remember, for the most part, these are well-credentialed and capable investors. Having clear financial metrics, strong revenue growth, and a path to profitability can make a company more attractive to them. An example comes from Shopify, which positioned itself as the go-to platform for e-commerce businesses. Its strong financial performance and future growth prospects attracted investment from several well-known institutional powerhouses, helping it become a dominant force in its industry. Strong governance. We have found that celebrity investors are particularly attracted to companies that have robust corporate governance structures. High-profile investors need to protect their own reputations and avoid companies that could be vulnerable to questionable practices or unclear reporting. Companies with strong board oversight, disciplined executive control mechanisms, and active shareholder engagement are more likely to attract and retain celebrity shareholders. Consider, for instance, how Duolingo maintains strong governance through its commitment to transparent shareholder reporting, ethical business practices, and a well-structured board that ensures accountability as the company grows. By maintaining disciplined executive leadership and clear financial reporting, Duolingo has attracted a wide range of high-profile investors who seek stability and long-term value in the rapidly evolving edtech space. The FAMOUS Approach to Attracting Famous Investors There are steps executives can take to garner the attention of celebrity shareholders. We like to describe them collectively as the FAMOUS approach to attracting famous investors. F: Foster transparency and shareholder engagement. High-profile investors want visibility into company strategy and decision-making. Regularly communicate performance updates, governance changes, and long-term plans to build credibility and trust. Transparency not only reassures existing shareholders but also makes the company more attractive to potential investors. Consistent and open dialogue with shareholders can prevent misinformation and speculation from negatively impacting stock performance. Unilever, for example, has attracted several celebrity investors by consistently publishing detailed sustainability reports and hosting interactive investor meetings. A: Align strategic goals with shareholder priorities. Celebrity investors often have particular investment theses. Whether it's a focus on innovation, sustainability or a particular product or market niche, understanding their interests and demonstrating alignment can make your company a more attractive target. Companies should clearly articulate how their mission, operations, and strategy align with an investor's broader interests and vision. Consider the public benefit company Allbirds, which aligns its strategic goals with shareholder priorities by emphasizing sustainability, innovation in eco-friendly materials, and a commitment to carbon neutrality. This approach has attracted a number of high-profile investors who prioritize environmental responsibility and value long-term market differentiation. M: Manage the message. High-profile investors attract media attention, and their involvement can lead to increased scrutiny from analysts and regulators. Companies should strengthen their governance practices and ensure they can withstand heightened public and investor attention. The heightened visibility that comes with celebrity investors means that companies must be prepared for increased stakeholder expectations and the potential need for swift, strategic responses to challenges. Peloton, for instance, brought on several high-profile investors but then struggled to manage their message amid a wave of scrutiny over safety concerns, supply chain issues, and fluctuating demand, which were amplified by its high-profile backers and a rapid rise in public visibility. O: Orchestrate compelling narratives. Just like their pop culture counterparts, some of the highest-profile investors have built their reputations through stories that elevate them to a revered position, and they find interest in others who can do the same. Companies that use storytelling to position themselves as disruptors or industry leaders can capture the attention of these investors. For example, Airbnb framed itself as a platform that fosters human connection and authentic travel experiences. This compelling narrative of community-driven travel and economic empowerment helped attract high-profile investors in its early days, who saw the company's potential to redefine lodging from the perspective of the everyday individual. U: Utilize brand power effectively. Once a celebrity investor is on board, leverage their presence for credibility and media exposure. Encourage strategic public endorsements, co-authored op-eds, and interviews that highlight their belief in the company's potential. Additionally, smaller and mid-sized companies might try to create opportunities for their investors to engage with key stakeholders, whether through board meetings or industry events, further enhancing their credibility and strengthening investor relations. S: Strengthen relationships with industry influencers. Getting noticed by a celebrity investor sometimes requires an introduction. Companies should leverage their existing investors, board members, or advisors to make inroads with influential funds or individuals. Returning to Airbnb, consider how the company secured investment from some of Silicon Valley's most notable investors, including Sequoia Capital and Ashton Kutcher. The company's leadership actively built relationships with influential figures in the tech and investment world, which helped fuel its meteoric rise at a time it needed it the most. • • • Companies invest significant time and effort in attracting celebrity endorsements from Hollywood, sports, and social media. But for many businesses, an equally important endorsement comes from Wall Street. Celebrity shareholders bring credibility, access to capital, media attention, strategic guidance, and persuasive market power that can dramatically alter a company's trajectory. Attracting these high-profile investors isn't just about luck—it's about building a business that stands out, leveraging industry connections, demonstrating strong financial performance, and telling a compelling story. Whether it's a strategic investor, a high-profile venture capitalist, or an influential billionaire, securing the right shareholder can be a game-changing move for some companies. The question isn't whether executives should seek out a celebrity shareholder—it's how soon they can land one.
