A model of hairy medium is developed using a homogenized approach, and the fluid flow around a circular cylinder partially coated with hair is analyzed by means of nu- merical simulations. The capability of this coating to adapt to the surrounding flow is investigated, and its benefits are discussed in the context of separation control. This fluid-structure interaction problem is solved with a partitioned approach, based on the direct resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations together with a non-linear set of equa- tions describing the dynamics of the coating. A volume force, arising from the presence of a cluster of hair, provides the link between the fluid and the structure problems. For the structure part, a subset of reference elements approximates the whole layer. The dy- namics of these elements is governed by a set of equations based on the inertia, elasticity, interaction and losses effects of articulated rods. The configuration chosen is that of the two-dimensional flow past a circular cylinder at Re = 200, a simple and well documented test case. Aerodynamics performances quantified by the Strouhal number, the drag and the maximum lift in the laminar unsteady regime are modified by the presence of the coating. A set of parameters corresponding to a realistic coating (length of elements, porosity, rigidity) is found, yielding an average drag reduction of 15% and a decrease of lift fluctuations by about 40%, associated to a stabilization of the wake.