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

David Beckham has always been a trendsetter in a world obsessed with celebrity image. From sarongs to slicked-back styles, he’s rarely afraid to experiment. But one transformation has been more subtle, and perhaps more debated, than any other: the apparent thickening of his hairline.

Famous first as one of England’s greatest footballers to ever grace the pitch, David Beckham quickly became a style icon for men’s fashion and has continued to hold up this status long after his footballing days have drawn to a close. 

His haircuts throughout the years have had a significant impact on men’s styles, whether he was sporting long locks, cornrow braids, or shaved details; his impact as a global style icon is undeniable.

Has David Beckham been open about having a hair transplant? 

No, David Beckham has not been open about having a hair transplant. However, we will see below the tell-tale signs that strongly suggest this is the most likely explanation for his seemingly restored hairline.

Is the exact time of the hair transplant known? 

Whilst it is unknown when Beckham had his hair transplant, a close analysis of photographic evidence suggests a noticeable change between 2016 and 2018. Our before-and-after assessment below shows this clearly. He would have been roughly 41-43 years old at that time.    

 David Beckham Before and After Hair Transplant

In approximately 2010, at age 35, when he was playing for the LA Galaxy, David Beckham was seen to be experiencing early signs of hairline recession, particularly in the temples.

This hair loss is most commonly caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as part of male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, David Beckham is not alone, with 25% of men beginning to experience some form of hair loss by the age of 21.

From approximately 2010 to 2016, David Beckham is shown to have a progression of hair loss, with the corners of his hairline receding further and the bald spot in the crown becoming more prominent. 

At the time of seeking a possible hair transplant, a surgeon might have assessed Beckham’s hair loss, giving him a score of around Norwood 3 Vertex on the Norwood Scale, a popular tool for grading the extent of hair loss.

The following image illustrates this, taken during a public appearance in 2016. Beckham’s genetic hair loss presents itself with an “M”-shaped hairline, characteristic of androgenetic alopecia.

Fast-forward to 2018, and at the age of 43, we see that the hair loss has dramatically resolved, most likely due to having undergone a hair transplant. 

In the latest images, the temple recession in the corners appears restored to a fuller and more youthful hairline, the crown bald spot is now filled in, and the thinning on top of the scalp looks significantly thicker throughout.

Has David Beckham Had a Hair Transplant and why?

Given the evidence presented in this article, our expert surgeons believe it is highly likely that David Beckham has had a hair transplant to restore his temple hair recession and crown balding. 

This type of restoration is unlikely to have occurred due to camouflage fibres or hair loss medications such as minoxidil and finasteride. 

The significant improvement in hair density and the natural appearance of his hairline are consistent with the outcomes typically seen following a surgical hair restoration procedure, rather than temporary solutions that do not produce such dramatic and lasting results. 

The choice to have a hair transplant is a personal one. Many people can conceal hair loss well until it gets to a tipping point, at which stage they may want to consider more permanent options like a hair transplant. 

Being in the public eye, appearance is important to celebrities, and they have less room for error when hiding their hair loss. 

Studies have shown a clear connection between self-confidence and improved performance in athletes, as in Mo Salah’s case. Hair loss’s impact on self-confidence may be an important driver for someone like David Beckham to have a hair transplant.

These images show that hair transplants can be life-changing, and Beckham’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 struggle with their self-image; instead, they can style and enjoy their hair as they wish.

How many grafts did David Beckham have in his Hair Transplant?

Our award-winning surgeons estimate that David Beckham could have had nearly 1000 – 1500 grafts transplanted into his hairline and crown as part of his hair transplant, each producing 2-4 hairs.

This type of temple recession would require a minimum of 200 single hair grafts placed into the frontal hairline to create a soft, natural-looking appearance.

See our gallery section where you can find examples of other 1000 – 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 David Beckham Have? 

Likely an FUE procedure

There was a period around 2017 when David Beckham donned a shaven 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.

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE): FUE is a meticulous technique where individual hair follicles are harvested from a donor area (usually the back of the scalp) and transplanted to the target area, such as the temples.

This method has become highly popular due to its minimal scarring, natural-looking results, and short recovery time. It allows him to return to camera-facing or exercising quicker 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. Hair follicles are then extracted and transplanted to the desired areas.

This technique can yield a large number of grafts in one session, which is beneficial for individuals with extensive hair loss, such as Elon Musk.

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 Beckham has had an FUT strip hair transplant.

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 everyday life, with minimal evidence that a hair transplant procedure has been performed.

The lack of a detectable donor area further proves that Beckham has had an unshaven FUE hair transplant.

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

Where Did David Beckham Get His Hair Transplant?: Choosing a Surgeon-Led Clinic Matters

While it’s unclear where Beckham 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 Beckham’s hair transplant’s gross design of the hairline is conservative and age-appropriate, making it look natural from its overall appearance. 

However, additional measures have also been taken to ensure that it appears natural at the microscopic level. Single hair grafts seem to have been placed at the very front of the hairline, making it appear soft and fluffy, in keeping with a natural hairline. 

When surgery is poorly done, larger grafts are often placed in the frontal hairline, leaving that person with a plug-like, harsh hairline. 

The other element that suggests this would have been a premium hair transplant is the close attention to detail regarding hair direction. It is not uncommon to see hair transplants with grafts standing vertically, leaving a very unnatural appearance. 

In Beckham’s hairline, a natural-looking angulation suggests that any work done would have used precision equipment to control graft angulation accurately. An example of such equipment is 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 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, it is crucial to select a reputable, surgeon-led clinic. Top-tier clinics provide personalised assessments, employ highly skilled medical teams, and use cutting-edge technology to ensure precise, natural-looking results.

Considerations for Transplanting David Beckham’s Hair  

• Beckham’s dark, curly hair presents unique challenges and advantages. Dark hair typically offers better contrast against the scalp, making thinning areas less noticeable. Curly hair can also provide additional volume and texture, which may help achieve a fuller appearance. However, the natural curl pattern must be carefully considered to ensure the transplanted hair aligns with his existing texture.
  
• Grey Hair: If Beckham has any grey hair in the transplant area, the surgeon must consider its pigmentation, as grey hair can appear differently against the scalp than darker hair.
  
• Natural Hair Direction: The direction of Beckham’s natural hair growth is crucial. If grafts are positioned incorrectly, this can lead to unnatural-looking results, where hair grows at odd angles.

David Beckham’s Hair Transplant FAQ 

1. Did David Beckham get a hair transplant?
   Although David Beckham did not publicly declare that he had undergone a hair transplant, tell-tale signs indicate he did. 
   
   Over the years, he experienced some thinning in his hair, especially at the crown. Wanting to maintain his iconic look, he decided to take action and restore his hairline.
   
2. What has David Beckham said about his hair transplant experience?
   While he hasn’t detailed the results in a blog post or interview, Beckham seems pleased.
   
   Many believe this decision has boosted his confidence, helping him maintain his fabulous image in the public eye.
   
3. Are there any risks or downsides to hair transplants?
   Like any surgical procedure, hair transplants can involve risks such as infection, scarring, or dissatisfaction with the results.
   
   It is essential for individuals considering this procedure to consult with experienced surgeons to discuss potential outcomes and aftercare.
   
4. What is the healing process like after a hair transplant?
   The healing process typically involves swelling, redness, and slight discomfort in the donor and recipient areas.
   
   Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days, but full recovery and hair growth take several months, often up to a year. 

Interested in More Celebrity Hair Transplant Journeys?

If you found exploring David Becham’s 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