From Dean McCullough to Wayne Rooney, why hair transplants are a a ‘cheat code for hotness’ and the new ‘BBL for men’

CELEBS are constantly put under pressure to look good - so it's no surprise that more and more male stars are opting for surgical help after losing their locks.

Hair transplants have become increasingly popular over the past decade and have now been described as the new ‘BBL for men’.

But although the pricey surgery will set celebs back thousands of pounds, it’s sure to be worth it, as it’s been hailed by experts as a ‘cheat code for hotness’. 

And it’s not just I’m A Celebrity’s Dean McCullough who has gone under the knife to transform his hairline, but footballer legend Wayne Rooney and reality star Calum Best have also splashed cash to boost their confidence.

Here we chat to hair transplant experts on the rise of the surgery, to find out more about why it’s become so popular. 

What is a hair transplant and how much does it cost? 

Hair transplants are a type of cosmetic surgery used to target pattern baldness.

Results can permanently change your appearance, but the hairs can take over a year to grow in entirely.

Because it is considered a cosmetic procedure, hair transplants are not normally available on the NHS and patients wanting the surgery will usually have to go private.

The cost of a hair transplant varies on a case to case basis.

Procedures tend to be pricier if balding has occurred over a larger surface area.

Customers can expect to splash out between £1,000 and £30,000 depending on where the clinic is and the extent of the work needed.

Which male celebs have had hair transplants?

I’m a Celeb’s Dean McCullough was left delighted with the results of his hair transplant prior to heading down under.

The BBC Radio 1 DJ, 32, planned his major glow-up back in April when he underwent a hair transplant at the Ksl Clinics' Manchester branch.

The ITV fan favourite documented the lengthy procedure on TikTok and revealed his post-op swollen face, as he laughed: "I didn't realise when you got a hair transplant you got new cheek bones as well.”

Two weeks later, the DJ took to social media to flaunt his new hairline and curly locks, as he beamed: “I had a FUE hair transplant 3 months ago and I'm buzzing with the results so far."

Another male celebrity who went under the knife to boost his hairline was Calum Best, 43, who revealed he had three hair transplants before going into the Celebrity Big Brother house.

He admitted: “I think I look at least five years younger due to the hair transplants and it has definitely helped my career.

“I was keen to get it done before going on Celebrity Big Brother so my hair would look great on the show.”

Since then, Calum has had his sixth hair transplant, after he started losing his hair in his early 20s. 

Explaining why he decided to have the procedure, Calum said: “I had my sixth hair transplant because I have a very aggressive hair-loss gene and while all the transplanted hair I’ve been given has stayed permanent, I have continued to lose more of my natural hair.”

X Factor and I’m A Celebrity star Jake Quickenden, 36, is another male celeb who splashed the cash on his hair.

Jake previously revealed that he spent £5,000 on a hair transplant after "years of anxiety and paranoia".

The father took drastic steps to ensure his famous quiff was still standing as he confessed: “I was terrified that I’d look like Phil Mitchell.

“I’ve got a hairline like Dracula with two triangles at the front. It has been in my mind for five years.

“Even when I was on X Factor it used to take me so long to get ready because I’d think it was showing.

“I was so paranoid about it, I started buying sprays for my scalp to make it dark so you couldn’t tell.” 

Similar to Jake, Wayne Rooney, 39, has been open about having a hair transplant after premature balding in his early 20s.

The football legend and husband of Coleen Rooney confirmed that he has had two hair transplants to restore his hairline.

The first op was in 2011, with surgeons moving hair follicles from the back of his head to the front.

Rooney famously shared a tweet saying: “Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25, why not? I’m delighted with the result.”

He then had a top-up transplant two years later in 2013.

But whilst many male celebrities have been open about their hair transplants, Justin Bieber has left fans questioning whether he has been under the knife to help his hairline. 

Whilst the singer has not confirmed or denied whether he has had a hair transplant, surgeons have said it is highly likely that the new father has been under the knife to boost his hairline.

Plastic surgeon Dr Gary Linkov revealed convincing evidence that the 30-year-old has undergone a hair transplant to restore volume in his locks.

Dr Gary Linkov said: “When I look at his forehead, [the hairline is now] much flatter, it doesn't have that recession.

“You can tell the regularity of the [hairline], so it looks like maybe he did have a transplant.”

Dr Jim Harris, another plastic surgeon also added: “I think, based on [photos], I would say, he has likely had a hair restoration surgery.”

Why have hair transplants become so popular? 

According to the pros, it’s no surprise that hair transplants are on the rise in the appearance-driven celebrity industry. 

Dr. Cagla at Longevita Hair Transplant tells Fabulous: “Obviously, Hollywood has always been an appearance-driven industry. Hair might seem like a minor detail, but it can be crucial to a celebrity's success. 

“It's also not easy being in the public eye and having your hair loss scrutinised. Actors may simply feel self-conscious of their appearances and decide to do something about it.”

Jamie Stevens, Resident hairdresser on ITV Lorraine and former British Men’s Hairdresser of the year, who has had a transplant himself, also reveals: “Hair transplants have become increasingly visible since we started to spend so much time on platforms like Instagram. 

“We’re photographed and scrutinised like never before, as much by ourselves as our followers! 

“So the desire to stay youthful becomes more significant, but at the same time there’s less of a stigma around hair transplants than there was.”

It’s no surprise that hair transplants are on the rise in men, as one-fifth of all men will experience some sort of hair loss by age 20.

Jamie, who has worked with the likes of Hugh Grant, Colin Farrell and Olly Murs adds: “For many men, their hairline is a crucial part of their self-identity and self-esteem.

“A full head of hair is often associated with youth, vitality, and attractiveness, so as men age and experience hair thinning or loss, it can have a significant impact on their confidence and self-image.”

A symbol of youth 

Not only do hair transplants make men feel more confident, but according to Dr Roshan Vara, Hair Transplant Surgeon and Co-founder of The Treatment Rooms London, they can be seen as a symbol of youth too.

He adds: “A strong, full hairline can be seen as a symbol of youth, health, and masculinity, all of which can positively impact self-esteem.” 

Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional Global Ambassador whose male grooming clients include Romesh Ranganathan and Joel Dommett, agrees and claims: “A full hairline is often associated with youth, vitality, and confidence, while hair loss is stigmatised as a sign of ageing or diminished virility. 

“There’s been a broader societal shift encouraging men to take care of their appearance, from skincare routines to cosmetic procedures. Hair restoration fits into this trend of self-improvement. 

“Men who undergo hair transplants frequently report feeling more confident, which can positively impact their personal and professional lives.

"In a world where first impressions matter, appearance plays a key role.”

The new BBL for men? 

Many hair transplant experts have claimed that the popular surgery has become ‘the new BBL for men’.

Dr Manish Mittal, a Hair Restoration Surgeon and Founder of The Mittal Hair Clinic stresses: “Hair transplants have become the male equivalent of the BBL because they represent a dramatic, transformative change that boosts confidence and aligns with modern standards of attractiveness. 

“Just as the BBL reflects body confidence for women, hair transplants empower men to reclaim their youth and redefine their look in a way that feels impactful and empowering.

“Hair transplants are more than a cosmetic procedure—they’re a confidence builder. A full head of hair can dramatically enhance a man’s appearance, making him feel more attractive and self-assured.” 

Dr Ducu, owner of Ducu Clinics, also shares: “The comparison to the 'BBL for men' is spot on. 

“A hair transplant isn’t just about vanity; it’s a transformative procedure that can enhance someone’s self-image and even their professional opportunities, especially for those in industries where looks matter.

“The stigma around hair loss treatments has diminished, and now men are seeing it as a cheat code not just for attractiveness but for confidence in all areas of life.”

Meanwhile, world renowned hair loss and hair transplant adviser, Spencer Stevenson, from Spex Hair also shares: “I think it’s become more acceptable in recent years for men to discuss hair restoration treatments in the same way women undergo treatments like a BBL. 

“But at the same time it has led to a social media epidemic of adverts and influencers enticing vulnerable people to go abroad and undergo these complex and dangerous procedures on the cheap. 

“It’s imperative that anyone considering going down this route should check on the professionals performing the procedures. 

“Are they legitimate? Are they eligible to perform the treatment? Do they have any relevant credentials? Is the patient in fact an eligible candidate; Mentally and physically?”