A Closer Look at Celebrity Hair Transformations

Nobody is immune to hair loss, not even celebrities. In recent years, the rich and famous have been breaking the stigma of discussing both their insecurities and the available treatment options to address them. Celebrity hair loss is often treated via hair transplant, as this is the most effective long-term solution.

While some celebrities are less forthcoming about procedures they’ve had, instead leaving the topic up for discussion and rumours, many more have shared their hair transplant experiences and struggles with hair loss, helping to normalise both the causes and solutions of this common issue. Here, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most well-known figures who have spoken up about their hair loss experiences, whether or not they opted for transplants, and any other treatment options that carry the celebrity seal of approval.

Summary

1. The Reasons Why Celebrities Choose Hair Transplants
2. Top Celebrities Who Chose Hair Transplantation
3. Ricardo Quaresma: Elithair’s Celebrities With Hair Transplantation
4. Celebrities Who Chose Other Options

The Reasons Why Celebrities Choose Hair Transplants

In the world of celebrities, looks are key. Therefore, it’s no surprise that when hair loss comes knocking, celebrities overwhelmingly opt for hair transplants. The reasons are clear; when your livelihood is so dependent on your look, a hair transplant is a sound investment. This is to say nothing of the benefits of increased confidence can play when working in the public eye, something that hair transplants can also provide.

While, today, hair transplant surgery is a luxury that is becoming increasingly popular and affordable for those of us not on the silverscreen, celebrities have paved the way by being among the first recipients of this hair loss treatment and being candid about their experiences. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some celebrities who have been vocal about their hair surgeries, some who remain tight-lipped, and others who chose other means of addressing their hair loss.

Top Celebrities Who Chose Hair Transplantation

It’s no secret that many top celebrities have chosen to embark on hair transplant journeys, and looking at their experiences can better help us understand the value of these procedures and how they have evolved and improved over the decades. Here, we’ve compiled some prominent personalities, alongside their motivations for pursuing hair transplant surgery, an analysis of the procedures they may have undergone, and the results.

Elton John

Elton John was an early recipient of hair transplant surgery, undergoing the procedure in the 1990s. In those days, the treatment was exclusively carried out with the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) method. This involved removing strips of scalp from a donor site at the back of the head, and grafting them onto recipient areas of affected hair loss.

The FUT is now considered outdated, having been replaced by the far less invasive FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) methods which, when used in tandem, involve the removal of individual hair follicles from the donor site and direct implantation in the affected areas of the scalp, creating a natural, seamless appearance.

These days, Elton John relies on wigs as a solution for his hair loss, and has been open about his unhappiness with the results of his transplant in the past. Luckily, hair transplant procedures have come a long way since the 90s, and patients can expect proven and pain-free techniques that facilitate natural-looking and lasting results.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is a name that has long been associated with hair transplants. As one of the most high-profile recipients of the procedure, the Manchester United forward brought hair transplant surgeries into the public eye in a way that few other celebrities have. His influence has been so great, that it even prompted studies on the subjects of hair loss and sport.

Rooney’s hair loss began in his early teens, and by the age of 25 his hairline was noticeably receding. In 2011, he confirmed that he had received a hair transplant. Rooney likely had an FUE hair transplant, as seen from his unscarred scalp. At Elithair, advanced and affordable options begin at £2,200. In the UK, this procedure would have cost him about £9,000.

Based on the progress of Rooney’s transplant results, we can deduce several things. He required a second transplant in 2013, and again in 2020. Looking back, transplant at 25 may have been too early for an athlete to begin the process. At Elithair, we analyse your condition before recommending a procedure. Our main goal is to ensure that you are fully satisfied with the results.

David Beckham

David Beckham has influenced young men’s tastes in hairstyles more than perhaps any other footballer. From the floppy boyband tresses of his youth to the edgier, shorter styles he has favoured later in life, Beckham is known just as much for his style as he is for his performances on the pitch. While Beckham has never mentioned hair transplants, a cursory examination of his photos over the years suggests that some procedure took place.

As a sportsman who is frequently active, it seems unlikely that Beckham would have relied on topical treatments like Minoxidil for an extended period of time, especially given the side effects these can cause. Given his status both as a footballer and style icon, it is understandable that Beckham would opt for a hair transplant when hair loss issues arose.

Jimmy Carr

The lockdowns during the global COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a transformative time for many. With little to do beyond staying at home and reflecting on their own appearances over video calls and virtual events, it was not unusual for people to consider hair transplants for the first time. One such person was comedian Jimmy Carr, who spoke openly about his experience of receiving a hair transplant during the lockdown.

The comedian has discussed receiving the FUE method for hair extraction prior to transplantation, following years of suffering from male pattern baldness. Like many of the patients we see at Elithair, Carr experienced noticeable hair growth in just six months. We typically advise patients to anticipate their final results between months 9 and 12, but many spectators were amazed by how quickly Carr achieved a full head of hair after the surgery.

For Carr, lockdown provided the perfect conditions for post-transplant recovery. Inadequate aftercare can negatively impact the overall result of the procedure, so it is crucial to take care during this time. In Carr’s case, lockdown meant that he had very limited opportunities to be in the public eye, minimising external risks to the newly transplanted grafts.

James Nesbitt

The Irish actor James Nesbitt, known for his roles in The Hobbit series, is among the few celebrities who have chosen to openly discuss their hair transplant procedures. His journey was even famously covered by the BBC. His openness to discuss this has allowed for the procedure to be de-stigmitised and has invited wider mainstream acceptance.

“But also career-wise it had an impact; in terms of the range of leading roles […]” the 52-year-old stated. His attitude was that everyone would notice the change in his appearance anyway, so better to begin the conversation himself.

Charlene White

The Loose Women star surprised fans in 2020 with her total hair transformation. Though to date she has neither confirmed nor denied having a hair transplant, being a TV personality makes it evident that she underwent a significant procedure.

Women often have different issues than men when it comes to female pattern hair loss. Though hair transplants for women are less common than those for men, opting for such a procedure is a no-brainer for anyone making their livelihood on television, especially when it is so non-invasive and low-risk.

Justin Bieber

2024 saw tabloids and gossip sites abuzz with the rumour that Justin Bieber was the latest celebrity to have received a sneaky hair transplant. The ‘Baby’ singer seemed to have been losing his baby hair in his early 20s. Similar to Beckham, the pop singer has made no public comments confirming or denying whether her has undergone any procedures.

During 2022, Bieber was seen wearing hats more often, sparking rumours that the popstar was suffering from male pattern baldness. From his youthful side-combed mop to his more recent styles, hair has always played a big role in Bieber’s signature look and appeal. Bieber’s prior visible hair loss strongly hints that he chose a transplant as his course of action. FUE seems probable, given his hair’s revitalised, natural look since early 2023.

Ricardo Quaresma: Elithair’s Celebrities with Hair Transplantation

At Elithair, we treat people from all walks of life, and have had the opportunity to work with celebrities on occasion. One such case was world-class Portguguese footballer Ricardo Quaresma. Suffering from alopecia, Quaresma came to us seeking density to the thinning areas on his scalp. For his procedure, we opted for scalp micropigmentation (SMP). 

With this technique, a special hair ink is injected into the exposed areas of the scalp, so the hair appears thicker and fuller. This can be a great option for people who are suffering from thinning hair rather than bald patches or a receding hairline.

Hair Transplant Procedure

Ricardo's full Elithair treatment encompassed transport, translation, and unwavering support. He graciously praised our expert international team's friendliness. Dr. Balwi's work significantly boosted his self-confidence with a single procedure.

Celebrities Who Chose Other Options

While hair transplants are the only long-lasting option for people suffering from androgenetic alopecia, it isn't an ideal course of action for every form of hair loss. For instance, there are many causes of hair loss in women for which a hair transplant isn't necessary.

This is why it's crucial that you discuss your treatment options with a medical professional before making any big commitments. Below are some examples of female celebrities who were open about their struggles with hair loss, and how they overcame them.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has been one of the most prominent celebrities to have open discussions about her alopecia areata. Though this condition is largely understood to be caused by autoimmune disorders, Pinkett Smith's doctor ruled that her case was stress-related.

Like many sufferers of alopecia areata, Pinkett Smith first noticed her hair loss when clumps of hair began to come out in handfuls when she showered. It is also common for people to first notice symptoms when brushing their hair, causing large amount of hair to come loose.

All forms of female hair loss can cause emotional stress. In one of her Red Table Talk episodes, Pinkett Smith describes how her hair loss left her "literally shaking in fear". Thanks to encouragement from her daughter, Willow, Pinkett Smith chose to shave her head and embrace a bold new look.

Khloé Kardashian

The Kardashian name has become synonymous with a certain kind of Hollywood glamour, and the celebrity sisters have never been shy when it comes to discussing the surgical enhancements and procedures they've undergone to achieve their signature looks. With such a high-profile image to uphold, it is unsurprising that Khloé Kardashian reported experiencing a great deal of distress when she suffered from hair loss.

In Kardashian's case, her hair loss was a symptom of COVID-19. Doctors have discovered that the high temperatures experienced by COVID-19 patients for an extended period can cause their hair to fall out. The hair thins and comes out in clumps during this time. Thankfully, when it comes to hair loss due to the virus, the lost hair will regrow after a period of time.

That said, some women have reported that the regrowth can be weaker than their hair originally was, and can even grow back in a different colour. Doctors advise avoiding too much contact with the hair and suggest that using supplements infused with collagen can aid in the recovery. For more persistent damage, a hair transplant can provide healthy, full hair that lasts a lifetime. Cutting-edge techniques utilised exclusively at Elithair such as the SDHI hair transplant are ideal for female hair loss treatment, combining precision with a naturally dense result.

Christina Milian

In 2021, Christina Milian opened up about her experience with post-partum hair loss. Milian says she wasn’t sure her hair would ever grow back, and that she was so distressed that she would drive around seeking out billboards about hair loss. Post-partum hair loss is an issue that isn't spoken about much in the media, but is a very common issue faced by many mothers in the months following birth.

The stress of childbirth, as well as the enormous hormonal shifts in the body following pregnancy and birth, can cause hair shedding to occur. While a small degree of hair loss is to be expected in the months following childbirth, some women experience much more concentrated loss. Milian reports that she found it difficult to find information on the subject. Her gynecologist advised her to adjust her diet to better include vitamins and minerals crucial for hair health, and to be mindful of any topical products she was applying to her scalp.

Over time, as normal hormonal levels are reached, post-partum hair loss will cease and new growth will occur. However, it if the issue persists, it could indicate conditions that require further medical attention. For example, it is not uncommon for women to develop thyroid disorders following pregnancy, which can contribute further to hair loss. Always speak to your doctor if you feel your symptoms are not improving.

Your Reason

As you can see above, anyone can suffer from hair loss and there are a variety of ways to address this issue, depending on the cause, cost, and your own desired outcome. There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to choosing a procedure. That said, should you find that you are suffering from hereditary baldness and wish to resolve the problem in the most effective, long-lasting way, a hair transplant might be the right fit for you.

If you want to find out what it could mean for you, contact one of our friendly specialists today to find out more about the treatment and start your hair transformation journey.