Elon Musk Hair Transplant: Before, After and His New Hairline 

Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, is a well known figure for his innovations and business acumen. However, his hair transformation has been just as striking.
In the late 1990s, Elon’s photos showcased noticeable thinning and loss, but the man of today sports a much fuller and defined head of hair. This dramatic change suggests he likely underwent a hair transplant procedure.

Has Elon Musk Been Open About Having a Hair Transplant?

No, Elon Musk has not yet publicly confirmed undergoing hair transplant surgery. However, many experts believe that he has undergone one (or more) procedures to restore his hairline. 

Comparing before and after photos over the years, many speculate that he likely had a high-quality hair transplant using either the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) technique or Follicular Unit Excision (FUE).

When Did Musk Have His Hair Transplant?

While the specific timing of his Musk’s procedures are not public knowledge, based on close analysis of photographic evidence he likely had surgery in the early 2010s. At that time, he would have been roughly 40- 42 years old. 

It is thought that he underwent one or more hair transplant procedures during this period, and the result is a now thicker, natural-looking head of hair. 

Elon Musk Before and After Hair Transplant

At the age of 25, Musk was on the path to success and on the brink of co-founding Paypal. During this time period in the 1990s, he was seen to be suffering from early signs of hair loss and thinning, especially in the temples. This pattern of hair loss is characteristic of male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. This form of hair loss is caused by a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages hair follicles. 

Musk is not alone in this predicament. Over 25% of men begin experiencing some form of hair loss in their 20s, with half of men experiencing loss by their 50s. 

Throughout his late 20s and early 30s, Elon’s hair loss continued to progress.At the point of seeking a hair transplant, our Surgeons assessed his hair loss as a 4 out of 7 on the Norwood Scale, a popular tool used for grading advanced hair loss.

This level of hair loss is illustrated in the image below, showing noticeable recession at the temples and along the frontal hairline – similar to Elon Musk’s appearance in his mid-20s, if you’ve seen photos from that time.

Around the 2010s, when Musk was in his early 40s, his hairline underwent a dramatic transformation. These permanent changes could only have been achieved with a hair restoration procedure. 
In the latest pictures, we see his temple recession in the corners restored to a fuller and more youthful hairline, and the top of his scalp looks thicker. 

Hair transplants can be life-changing, and Elon’s case is no exception. For those who have undergone a hair transplant, a big area that patients find most beneficial is improved confidence, as well as improved wellbeing in social situations, easier styling routines and hair that they can enjoy and work with as they wish.

Has Elon Musk Had a Hair Transplant and Why?

Although Musk has not been open about having a hair transplant, given the evidence presented our experienced surgeons believe that he has undergone a hair transplant to restore his hairline recession and thinning. 

While medication is a good first method to thicken up existing hair, this type of transformative restoration is unlikely to have occurred only by taking 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 showbiz, appearance is important, and those in the public eye 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 Elon Musk Have in His Hair Transplant?

Our award-winning surgeons estimate that as part of his hair transplant, Musk would have required large graft numbers (more than 3000 grafts) transplanted into his hairline and crown in order to achieve the coverage he currently has, with each graft producing 2-4 hairs on average.

This type of temple recession would require a minimum of 200 single hair grafts to be placed into the frontal hairline and blend seamlessly with existing strands to create a natural-looking appearance.

Check out our gallery section to find more examples of other 2000+ graft hair transplants, for similar areas like the hairline, temples and crown. 

The Treatment Rooms London Graft Calculator is also useful for seeing just how many grafts you might need to produce an aesthetic result.   

What Type of Hair Transplant Did Elon Musk Have?

There is limited evidence to suggest that Musk shaved his hair for his hair transplant, and a longer cut would have allowed a more subtle and easily disguisable recovery. Having looked through sequential years to assess his hair length, our team of Surgeons believe that he would have had what is commonly referred to as an unshaven hair transplant procedure. This technique better hides post-operative healing, which is ideal for public figures.

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE): FUE is a meticulous technique which removes individual hair follicular units from the back and sides of the head (also known as the safe donor area) to an area of recession, like the hairline and temples. In each follicular unit, also known as a ‘graft’, there are 1-4 hairs on average.

The hair that is relocated is resistant to the balding process, and when transplanted, grows unhindered and potentially permanently.

This FUE method has become highly popular due to its minimal scarring, natural-looking results, and shorter recovery time. Most public figures opt for this method as it allows them to get back on screen and resume public appearances soon after their hair restoration procedures.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): 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 (and other public figures like Elton John and Donald Trump). However, FUT does leave a linear scar at the donor site, which is one reason high-profile clients often prefer FUE for less visible scarring.
These are techniques which are routinely performed at The Treatment Rooms London, where minimising the areas of shave can allow for a seamless recovery back to normal life with minimal evidence that a hair transplant procedure was performed.

Evidence of Scarring?

Musk’s longer hairstyles help to disguise the fact that he may have undergone surgery. Hair transplants leave scars of varying types depending on what surgery you opt for. 

An FUE hair transplant generally leaves minimal “dot-like” scarring on the back and sides of the head, as this technique involves individually removing hair grafts in this region. 
Each dot-like scar ranges from 0.7mm to 1.00mm in diameter. This is unlike an FUT strip hair transplant, which generally leaves a single linear scar in the donor area after the hair-bearing strip of skin is removed.
Hair lengths longer than a Grade 2 and above can successfully hide the fact that surgery has been performed, as the remaining hair in the donor area covers over any scarring present.

Where Did Elon Musk Get His Hair Transplant?: Choosing a Surgeon-Led Clinic Matters

While Musk keeps this information classified, we can infer that he would have chosen a reputable clinic, as his results reflect surgeon-led precision. While a hair transplant is relatively risk free and straightforward, having the surgical procedure done well and in a natural-looking way requires the surgical skills and artistry of experienced surgeons and a highly trained professional team of experts.

Looking at Musk’s suspected hair transplant, the overall design of the hairline is conservative and age-appropriate, making for natural-looking hair growth. Further steps have also been taken to ensure his newly transplanted hair will look natural at the microscopic level. Single hair grafts were placed at the very front of the hairline, making it appear soft and fluffy, in keeping with a natural hairline. When surgery is done poorly, larger grafts are often placed in the frontal hairline, leaving that person with a plug-like, harsh hairline like the machine hair sewn onto a doll.

The other element which suggests that this would have been a premium hair transplant is the close attention to natural hair directions. It is not uncommon to see hair transplants where grafts stand up vertically, leaving a very unnatural appearance. 

In Musk’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. 

At The Treatment Rooms London we have mastered the medicine, artistry and the surgical skills required for quality hair restoration surgery. We offer our patients world-class care before, during, and after their procedure. Our skilled surgeons pay keen attention to factors such as hair texture, curl pattern, and natural hairline progression to create a seamless transition from existing hair to transplanted areas.It is important when considering surgery to select a reputable, surgeon-led clinic. Top-tier clinics like The Treatment Rooms provide and prioritise personalised assessments, employ a highly skilled medical-surgical team, and utilise cutting-edge technology to ensure precise, natural-looking results.

Considerations For Transplanting Elon’s Hair

• Hairline restoration: Musk’s receding hairline required careful design to ensure a youthful yet natural appearance.
  
• Density enhancement: Strategic graft placement was necessary to achieve even coverage and avoid an artificially thick look.
  
• Donor area utilisation: Hair was likely extracted from the back and sides of the scalp from safe areas resistant to balding.
  
• Angle and direction: Proper follicle orientation helped maintain a natural flow, avoiding an unnatural or pluggy look.
  
• Gradual transformation: His hair restoration appeared to be done in stages, ensuring a seamless transition over time.
  

Elon Musk Hair Transplants FAQ

1. Did Elon Musk undergo a hair transplant?

Yes, Elon Musk is widely believed to have undergone a hair transplant procedure to restore his hairline and address hair thinning, especially around the front and crown of his scalp.

2. What type of hair transplant did Elon Musk have?

Musk likely had a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant, a technique that involves removing individual hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back and sides of the scalp) and transplanting them to thinning and balding areas.

3. When did Elon Musk get his hair transplant?

While Elon Musk hasn’t publicly confirmed an exact date, it is speculated that his transplant occurred in the early 2010s, with noticeable improvements in his hairline seen around 2012-2013.

4. What changes can be seen in his hair after the transplant?

Before the transplant, Musk had noticeable thinning and a receding hairline. Afterward, his hairline was restored to a fuller, more youthful appearance, with better density in the front and crown areas.

5. Does Elon Musk do anything to maintain his hair after the transplant?

While there are no official reports, it is likely Musk follows a maintenance routine which may include medications like finasteride or minoxidil to prevent further hair loss. He may also use laser therapy or other treatments to enhance follicle growth and health.

6. How natural does Elon Musk’s hair look?

Musk’s hair appears natural as the transplant appears well-integrated with his existing hair. The procedures were likely designed with careful attention to the natural direction, angle and density of his hair growth.

7. Is a hair transplant for everyone?

Hair transplants are generally more successful for those who have sufficient donor hair and realistic expectations. Individuals with extensive hair loss or limited donor hair may not be ideal candidates for the procedure.

8. How much does FUE surgery cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hair transplant surgery. Several factors go into determining the overall cost. At The Treatment Rooms London, hair transplant costs start at £3000, and rise with graft requirements on an average of £5-6 per graft. 
If you are considering having a hair transplant procedure and want to work out the cost, feel free to explore our hair transplant finance options.
The Treatment Rooms London Graft Calculator is also useful for seeing just how many grafts you might need to produce an aesthetic result.   

Interested in More Celebrity Hair Transplant Journeys?

If you found exploring Elon Musk’s hair transformation interesting, you might also enjoy reading about other well-known figures who may have 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?
• Prince Harry Hair Loss: Speculations, Treatments, and Possible Transplant Options
• Gordon Ramsay Hair Transplant: Before, After, and His New Hairline