Actor Cheyenne Jackson reveals he's undergone five hair transplants while opening up about his anxiety

American Horror Story actor Cheyenne Jackson has revealed he has undergone five hair transplant surgeries while opening up about the shame and anxiety he experienced because of his hair loss.

On Saturday, the actor shared two photos of himself on Instagram, one showing off a scar running along the back of his scalp and another of his head face-on, explaining that he had been “dreading this day” for 17 years.

“No, this gnarly scar across my head isn’t from life-saving brain surgery, nor did I narrowly survive a shark attack. It’s worse. (At least in Hollywood...)” Jackson wrote. “I had hair transplant surgery. Five of them, to be exact over 14 years.”

In the post, the 44-year-old acknowledged that the timing of his admission may seem odd considering the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but that admitting to the surgeries allowed him to release “shame and anxiety”.

“My inner monologue is ‘Really Cheyenne? With everything that’s going on in the world, you’re CONFESSING that you had hair surgery? Get over yourself,’” he continued. “I get it, but I’m admitting this really, to RELEASE how much shame & anxiety I’ve had about people finding out for years.”

According to Jackson, he first began to lose his hair at 22 years old, which he said was “really emotional”.

“I felt less attractive and truly less like myself as the days went on, so I saved up and got my first surgery at 28,” he wrote, adding that the surgery was expensive and painful but that he started to feel better about himself.

As his hair continued to thin, Jackson said he continued to undergo the transplant surgeries and “would just pray that no one would find out”.

“Why? Why did I care so much? What does that say about me? Being a vain actor in an industry that rewards beauty, I vowed to keep this my secret forever. I feel SO stupid saying that but it’s my truth,” he explained. “As if someone finding out would somehow negate my talent, or make me less viable or valuable in the world.”

According to the actor, he wanted to share his story and experience with hair loss because he’s hoping it will be able to “inspire someone out there to share a secret they’ve been hiding, or show a scar that they’ve been afraid of anyone seeing.”

“Let it go,” he encouraged his more than 600,000 followers. “What I’ve learned during this pandemic is that sh*t like this just doesn’t matter.”

The father of twins also said being a parent motivated him to be open, as he is trying to teach his children self-acceptance.

“I’m trying to teach my kids to accept themselves & to be proud of who they are and to put value on things that are IMPORTANT and REAL so as their father, the example should start with me,” he concluded. “This is that. I’ll go first. #ShowYourScars."

Jackson’s honesty prompted an outpouring of support on social media from both fans and other celebrities.

“Love u - love ur heart - even ur scar is stunning,” Rosie O'Donnell wrote.

Marc Jacobs commented: “I’ve had three and have always admitted it! It helps people who have shame about their hair loss. Thank you for posting.”

“Well this is inspiring. I love you. And that scar,” Kristin Chenoweth added.