Comedian Mark Normand is thinking about getting a hair transplant, inspired in part by Joel McHale’s successful results. Normand shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the We Might Be Drunk podcast, where he praised the full heads of hair sported by celebrities like McHale, Seth MacFarlane, and Jimmy Kimmel.
“Maybe it’s time to join Team Transplant,” Normand said, noting how natural McHale’s hair now looks.
McHale, known for his role in Animal Control, encouraged the idea. He revealed that he was “fully bald” before undergoing four transplant procedures. He explained that his first treatment used the traditional “strip” method, where a section of scalp is removed and implanted in balding areas. Today, techniques are more refined, involving the individual extraction of follicles from the back of the head.
Podcast cohost Sam Morril joked about Normand potentially flying to Turkey, known for its booming hair transplant industry. McHale said his own doctor was based in Los Angeles but added, “I can get you the name of a guy in Turkey.” Still, he warned against budget options. “If a guy in Turkey offers it for $3,000, don’t do it. You get what you pay for.”
McHale estimated he spent about $10,000 on his procedures, but noted that prices may have risen. Normand wasn’t deterred by the cost. “Ten grand isn’t bad if you have hair the rest of your life,” he said.
Morril asked why McHale needed four separate treatments. McHale explained that while the transplanted hair grows normally, the rest of the original hair continues to thin and fall out over time. “It’s like Whac-A-Mole,” he said. “You’re still going bald.”
Despite the time and discomfort, McHale stands by his decision. “There’s some pain, but they send you home with Tylenol,” he said. Shaving the head can also speed up the recovery process.
But Normand wasn’t eager to shave. “Would I have to wear a ball cap for a while?” he asked.
“Baseball hats,” McHale replied, misunderstanding at first.
“That’s what I’m saying!” said Normand.
“Oh,” McHale laughed. “I thought you said ‘bald cap.’”
