David Silva Hair Transplant: Before, After and His New Hairline

David Silva, the Spanish football maestro renowned for his vision and agility on the field, has not only orchestrated plays but also a remarkable personal transformation, sparking discussions about his hair restoration journey.

Born in 1986 in Arguineguín, Spain, David Silva ignited his football passion early. Launching his career at Valencia in 2004, he quickly became a creative force, winning the Copa del Rey in 2008, and earned the nickname “El Mago” at Manchester City after joining in 2010.

Has David Silva Been Open About Having a Hair Transplant?

David Silva has not publicly confirmed undergoing a hair transplant. However, observable changes in his hairline and density have led to widespread speculation and analysis, suggesting that he likely underwent the procedure. 

We will see below the tell-tale signs that make this the most likely treatment for his newly restored hair loss.

Is The Exact Time Of The Hair Transplant Known?

Whilst it is not known when Silva had his hair transplant, photographic evidence indicates significant changes between 2017 and 2018. This is shown clearly with our before and after assessment below. At that time, he would have been approximately 31 to 32 years old.

David Silva Before and After Hair Transplant

In 2007, at the age of 21, while showcasing his early prowess on the pitch for Valencia CF, David Silva was seen to experience early signs of hairline recession, particularly in the temples. This type of hair loss is most commonly caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as part of male pattern baldness.
Unfortunately, Silva is not alone, with 25% of men beginning to experience some form of hair loss by the age of 21.

Over several years, David Silva exhibited a progression of hair loss, with the corners of his hairline receding further and the thinning becoming more pronounced. By 2015, his hair loss had advanced, and at the point of seeking a possible hair transplant, our surgeons suggest that he would have been at Norwood Stage 3, characterised by deep recessions at the temples.

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This is shown in the following image, taken during a match in early 2017 in his 30s. David Silva’s genetic hair loss presents itself with an ‘M’ shaped hairline, indicative of Norwood Stage 3.

From 2018 onwards, David Silva’s hair loss appeared dramatically resolved, most likely due to undergoing a hair transplant. In the latest pictures from that period, the temple recession in the corners is restored to a full and more youthful hairline, and the overall thinning on top of the scalp appears significantly thicker.

Has David Silva Had A Hair Transplant And Why?

Given the evidence presented in this article, our expert surgeons believe there is a strong likelihood that Silva has had a temple hair transplant to restore his hair recession, though this as not been confirmed by David Silva himself, unlike other athletes like Wayne Rooney, Ben Stokes, and Jürgen Klopp who have been open about having the procedure. This type of restoration is unlikely to have occurred as a result of camouflage fibers or hair loss medications such as minoxidil and finasteride. 
Moreover, his hairline’s natural look and notable increase in hair density are more in line with the results of a surgical hair restoration operation than with short-term fixes that don’t yield such striking and long-lasting effects. 

Getting a hair transplant is a personal decision. Many people may effectively hide hair loss until it reaches a point at which they might want to think about more permanent solutions, such as a hair transplant. 

In athletics specifically, studies have shown a clear connection between self-confidence and improved performance. The impact hair loss can have on self-confidence may be an important driver for athletes to have a hair transplant.

As shown in these images, hair transplants can be life-changing, and Silva’s case is no exception. For many individuals who have undergone a hair transplant, one of the significant benefits is the restoration of confidence and freedom. With a fuller hairline, they no longer have to struggle with their self-image; instead, they can style and enjoy their hair as they wish.

How Many Grafts Would David Silva Need For A Hair Transplant?

Our award-winning surgeons estimate that as part of his hair transplant, David Silva could have had close to 2000-2500 grafts transplanted into his hairline, with each graft producing 2-4 hairs. Achieving the fuller, denser look David Silva has gone for depends on both personal preference and the availability of healthy donor hair.

Addressing temple recession as such 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 2000 – 2500 graft hair transplants to restore temple hair loss, or you may find our Graft Calculator useful to see how many grafts you might need.

What Type Of Hair Transplant Did David Silva Have?

Likely an FUE procedure

There was a period in the summer of 2017 when David donned a shaved head. This can often be a good indicator of when someone has had surgery. Shaving the head allows access for the surgeons to remove grafts as part of the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) hair transplant technique.

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 follicles a millimetre in diameter. This allows a seamless recovery back to normal life, with minimal evidence that a hair transplant procedure has been performed.

This is unlike an FUT hair transplant technique, which generally leaves a single linear scar in the donor area after the strip is removed.

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE):

FUE is a thorough procedure in which individual hair follicles are taken from a donor area (often the back and sides of the scalp) and transplanted to the area of hair loss, such as the temples. This approach has grown in popularity due to its little scarring, natural-looking outcomes, and short recovery period, which allows him to return to camera-facing or exercising sooner after his hair transplant.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Strip: 

FUT, also known as the strip method, involves removing a small strip of scalp from the back of the head, from which hair follicles are then extracted and transplanted to the desired areas.

This technique can yield a high number of grafts in one session, making it beneficial for individuals with extensive hair loss, such as Elon Musk or Elton John. However, FUT does leave a linear scar in the donor site that would be visible with a short haircut. Therefore, it is unlikely that David Silva has had an FUT strip hair transplant.

You may find our detailed blog on the differences between FUE and FUT helpful if you would like guidance on choosing the right technique. Both of these techniques are routinely performed at The Treatment Rooms London.

Where Did David Silva Get His Hair Transplant?: Choosing A Surgeon-Led Clinic Matters

While it’s unclear where Silva had his hair transplant, it’s clear he would have chosen a reputable clinic. It is important to remember that performing a hair transplant is relatively straightforward. However, having it done well and in a natural-looking way requires an experienced Surgeon.

David Silva’s hair transplant appears natural from an overall perspective due to its conservative and age-appropriate gross design, and we can note that extra steps have been taken to ensure that it appears natural at a microscopic level as well. 

Individual hair grafts appear to have been placed at the very front of the hairline, giving it a soft and fluffy appearance that is consistent with a natural hairline. When surgery is done poorly, larger grafts are frequently placed in the frontal hairline, leaving the patient with a harsh, plug-like hairline; it’s not uncommon to see hair transplants where grafts stand up vertically, leaving a very unnatural appearance – similar to a doll’s hairline. 

In Silva’s 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 the art and science of hair transplants, offering patients world-class care before, during, and after their procedure. 

Our expert surgeons 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.

Explore a premium hair transplant clinic in Manchester to learn more about your treatment options

Considerations For Transplanting David Silva’s Hair

• Texture and Curl Pattern: Curly or wavy hair can provide better scalp coverage with fewer grafts compared to straight hair, which may require more grafts to achieve a similar density. ​
  
  
• Color and Contrast: The contrast between hair color and scalp tone affects the visual perception of hair density. Low contrast, such as light hair on a light scalp, can make thinning less noticeable, potentially reducing the number of grafts needed. 
  
  

David Silva’s Hair Transplant FAQ 

Is it common for athletes to undergo hair transplants?

Indeed, a lot of popular personalities and athletes choose to have their hair restored to deal with hair loss, which can be brought on by things like stress, heredity, and the demands of their line of work. 

How much does a procedure like this typically cost?

The degree of hair loss, the quantity of grafts needed, and the clinic’s location are some of the variables that affect the cost of a FUE hair transplant. 

How long did it take for David Silva to see the results of his hair transplant?

Hair transplant results typically become noticeable within 6 to 12 months post-procedure, as the transplanted hair follicles need time to grow and mature.

Did David Silva’s hair transplant affect his performance on the field?

There is no evidence to suggest that David Silva’s hair transplant had any impact on his football performance. The procedure is minimally invasive, and athletes often return to training shortly after recovery.

Are the results of David Silva’s hair transplant permanent?

Hair transplants are considered permanent since the transplanted follicles are resistant to the hormones that cause hair loss. However, normal aging and other factors might affect hair density over time.

Interested in More Celebrity Hair Transplant Journeys?

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

• Cesc Fàbregas Hair Transplant: Before, After and His New Hairline
• Steven Whittaker’s Hair Transplant – Before And After
• Harry Kane Hair and Hairline
• Mo Salah’s Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline
• Xherdan Shaqiri Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline
• Has David Beckham Had A Hair Transplant?
• Andros Townsend Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline
• Dimitar Berbatov’s Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline
• Ronnie Vint – Love Island Hair Transplant: Before, After, And His Hairline