Ben Stokes Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline

Ben Stokes, the dynamic England cricket captain and World Cup hero, has made waves both on and off the pitch with a striking new look that hints at a possible hair transplant. 

Known for his tenacity and determination, Stokes has always faced challenges head-on, and his recent decision to enhance his hairline reflects his commitment to personal confidence. 

Rising to fame through his exhilarating performances and leadership, Stokes has navigated the intense pressures of international cricket, which can often take a toll on one’s appearance. Now, with a fuller, more youthful head of hair, he’s proving that even sports legends can embrace change and prioritise self-image as they continue to shine.

Has Ben Stokes been open about having a hair transplant?

Yes. Ben Stokes has been open about having a hair transplant as he revealed this after making several comments, according to an exclusive article by Mail Sport on 23rd September 2023, such as:

I saw the (TV) footage of myself, and the angle would be a bird’s-eye view, straight on top.

I thought, ‘God, this is getting worse and worse.

So I went in, got it done, and as soon as I started seeing the results, it gave me so much more confidence, knowing that I didn’t have to worry about it as much as I did beforehand.

Is The Exact Time of The Hair Transplant Known?

Yes, at the age of 27 Ben Stokes had a hair transplant in 2018 with a clinic in London. He decided to undergo surgery after mentioning how his mental health suffered due to hair loss.

Ben Stokes Before and After Hair Transplant

In 2015, at the age of 24, while actively contributing to England’s cricket endeavors, Ben Stokes began to notice early signs of hair loss, particularly in the crown area and temples. In the front, he began to develop an M-shaped Widow’s peak. 

These patterns of hair loss are commonly attributed to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that causes male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, Stokes is not alone, with 25% of men beginning to experience some form of hair loss by the age of 21.

Over the following year, Ben’s hair loss progressed, with the corners receding further and the bald spot in the crown becoming more noticeable. 

At the point of seeking a hair transplant, surgeons assessed Stokes’ hair loss, giving him a score of 3V on the Norwood scale, which is a popular tool used for grading how advanced hair loss is. 

This is shown in the following image, taken in 2018. Stokes’ genetic hair loss presents itself with an ‘M’ shaped hairline and a bald spot in the crown.

Stokes noted that the procedure significantly boosted his confidence, stating,

“I went in, got it done, and as soon as I started seeing the results, it gave me so much more confidence.”

Has Ben Stokes Had a Hair Transplant and Why?

Ben Stokes has openly confirmed undergoing a hair transplant procedure. This type of dramatic restoration is unlikely to have occurred as a result of camouflage fibers or hair loss medication such as minoxidil and finasteride. 

The choice to have a hair transplant is a personal one. Many individuals can conceal hair loss well up until a certain tipping point, after which they may want to consider more permanent options like a hair transplant.  

In the public eye, appearance is important, and those under the spotlight often opt for surgery due to public image pressure, as a receding hairline can undermine on-screen confidence and career prospects. Hair transplant surgery is not only for the rich and famous, but rather for those struggling with their hair loss. Research shows that individuals with hair loss are likely to feel physically and socially less attractive, leading to low self-esteem in social scenarios.

How many grafts did Ben Stokes have in his Hair Transplant?

Ben Stokes’ hair transplant required 1,800 grafts, according to the clinic where he had his surgery.

This type of temple recession would require a minimum of 200 single hair grafts to be placed into the frontal hairline to create a soft, natural-looking appearance.
See our gallery section where you can find examples of other 1500 – 2000 graft hair transplants to restore temple hair loss, or use The Treatment Rooms London Graft Calculator to see how many grafts you might need.

What Type of Hair Transplant Did Stokes Have?

According to information obtained from the clinic, Stokes underwent a FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) hair transplant. 

During the procedure, he was seen with a shaven head – a common practice to give surgeons clear access to the donor area, typically the back and sides of the scalp, from which individual hair grafts (follicle groups) are meticulously extracted and then transplanted to areas experiencing thinning and balding (such as the temples and crown).

This method is particularly popular due to its minimal scarring, natural-looking results, and relatively short recovery time, enabling individuals like Stokes to quickly resume their public and professional activities. 

In contrast, the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) strip technique, which involves removing a strip of scalp across the back and sides of the head, leaves a linear scar and is less likely to have been chosen, especially for someone who prefers a neat, short haircut.

Both of these techniques are routinely performed at The Treatment Rooms London. In particular, FUE hair transplant surgery can allow for a seamless recovery back to normal life with minimal evidence that a hair transplant procedure has been performed.

Hair transplants leave scars of varying types depending on what surgery you opt for. An FUE hair transplant generally leaves minimal “dot-like” scarring due to the nature of individually removing hair grafts less than a millimeter in diameter.

Ben Stokes had his hair transplant at a clinic in London, requiring an experienced Surgeon.

The overall appearance of his hair transplant is natural due to the conservative and age-appropriate gross design of the hairline. 

To ensure that it seems natural at the microscopic level, extra precautions have been taken as well. The hairline has a delicate, fluffy appearance that is consistent with a natural hairline because single hair grafts seem to have been positioned at the very front of the hairline. 

Larger grafts are commonly positioned in the frontal hairline in cases of poor surgical technique, leaving the patient with a harsh, plug-like hairline similar to a doll’s machine-sewn hairline.

Another indication that this would have been a high-end hair transplant is the meticulous attention to hair direction; it is not unusual to see hair transplants where the grafts stand up vertically, giving the appearance of being very unnatural.

In Stokes’ hairline, there is a natural-looking angulation suggesting that any work done would have used precision equipment to accurately control graft angulation. An example of such equipment is the use of implanter pens, a technique our Surgeons specialise in.

The Treatment Rooms London has mastered both the art and science of hair transplants, offering patients world-class care before, during, and after their procedure. 

Our surgeons will consider factors such as hair texture, curl pattern, and natural hairline progression to create a seamless, undetectable transition from existing hair to transplanted areas.

When considering a hair transplant, selecting a reputable, surgeon-led clinic is crucial. Top-tier clinics provide personalised assessments, employ highly skilled medical teams, and utilise cutting-edge technology to ensure precise, natural-looking results.

Find out more about hair transplant options near Newcastle or Manchester if you’re interested in a surgeon-led hair transplant procedure.

Considerations for Transplanting Ben Stokes’ Hair

Donor Area Evaluation:
An assessment of the quality and density of hair in his donor area (typically the back and sides of the scalp) was done to ensure there was enough robust hair to transplant without depleting his natural reserves.

Pattern and Extent of Hair Loss:
His thinning was predominantly in the crown and temple areas. His team evaluated the degree of hair loss to tailor the hairline design and determine the optimal number of grafts required for a natural, balanced appearance.

Technique Selection:
Given his public profile and need for minimal downtime, the FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) method was chosen. Making it easier to harvest individual hair follicles with minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time, essential for someone frequently in the public eye.

Aesthetic Design:
The surgeons carefully planned the new hairline to mimic natural growth patterns, ensuring the transplanted hair would blend seamlessly with his existing hair. This involved strategic placement of grafts to restore fullness in key areas while maintaining a natural look.

Recovery and Aftercare Protocols:
Considering his busy schedule and the need to return quickly to both professional and public engagements, an aftercare plan was implemented, designed to speed up the healing process and minimise visible signs of surgery.

Ben Stokes’ Hair Transplant FAQ

Why may he have opted for FUE instead of other methods?

FUE is preferred because it is less intrusive, leaves fewer scars, heals more quickly, and produces results that look natural. For a well-known player like Ben Stokes, who must resume training and public appearances as soon as possible, these considerations are especially crucial.

What is the typical recovery timeline for an FUE transplant?

• Weeks 1-2: Redness and scabbing in the transplanted area are present. Scabbing is washed away by the end of Week 2.
• 2-4 Weeks: Transplanted hair may shed and sleep underneath the skin’s surface, ready to grow new, healthy hair shafts.
• 1-3 Months: New, fine hair begins to emerge and densify over the coming months.
• 12-18 Months: Full results are visible, with a natural density and appearance.

Is the procedure permanent?

Hair transplants using the FUE method are designed to be permanent in good health, as the transplanted hair follicles are generally resistant to the effects of DHT—the hormone that causes male pattern baldness.

Interested in More Celebrity Hair Transplant Journeys?

If you found exploring Ben Stokes’ hair transformation interesting, you might also enjoy reading about other well-known figures who’ve undergone hair restoration procedures:

• Elton John and His Hair Transplant Journey
• Daniel Craig Hair Transplant: Before, After and His Hairline
• Rob Brydon Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline
• What Type Of Hair Transplant Has Steve Carell Had?
• Elon Musk Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline
• Ronnie Vint – Love Island Hair Transplant: Before, After, And His Hairline
• Wayne Rooney Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline
• Prince Harry Hair Loss: Speculations, Treatments, and Possible Transplant Options
• David Silva Hair Transplant: Before, After and His New Hairline