Singer-entrepreneur Akon says he’s moving from personal hair talk to business — planning to sell “hair units” for men. The Grammy-nominated artist claims that these units “sell more than wigs,” and he’s not shy about the price or the reality behind the pieces. 

In a recent interview on “Big Boy’s Neighborhood,” he explained why hair units, which he likens to a “male wig,” are a booming, high-end part of the grooming market. Akon told Big Boy he’s been hands-on with hair units after a public hair-restoration journey where he travelled to Turkey for a transplant in 2022 and learned the blunt truth about upkeep and perception. Akon said he paid $7,500 for the “painful” procedure. He shared that a hair unit is “no different from a girl putting on a wig.” He also noted units can run as high as $2,000 — and that maintenance (cuts, touch-ups, and travel logistics for barbers) is part of the package.

Men who face pattern baldness are increasingly willing to spend coin for natural results. Akon’s comments shine a light on a market shift toward male-focused hair prosthetics and high-end customization. He also explained practical details (cutting the crown short, leaving sides, fitting a piece) that demystify how units differ from traditional wigs while acknowledging the fragility of the look after a few days without touchups.

Akon’s candor touches a cultural seam: Black men have long navigated hair, image, and privacy under public scrutiny. When a visible figure openly discusses hairpieces, it can both destigmatize their use and spark debate about authenticity and ageism in entertainment. At the same time, a celebrity-launched product line backed by firsthand experience (and a ready fanbase) is a logical cash grab, especially if Akon leans into education about installation and aftercare.