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Elton John

Elton John

Musician, Singer, Composer

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)Late 1970sConfirmed

Before & After Photos

Elton John hair transplant before and after comparison

Before

Elton John before hair transplant

After

Elton John after hair transplant

Before & After Analysis

In the mid-1970s, Elton John’s hair was noticeably thinning, with a receding hairline characteristic of early male pattern baldness. After his two hair transplant procedures failed, he began wearing a variety of hairpieces and wigs, which have become a signature part of his look. His hair now appears full, but this is due to a high-quality hair system, not the transplants.

Hair Restoration Journey

Elton John began experiencing hair loss in his late 20s and, concerned about his appearance, underwent two hair transplant procedures in Paris in the late 1970s. He has publicly stated that these transplants were unsuccessful, attributing their failure to the primitive techniques of the time and his own lifestyle, which included drug and alcohol use. Following this experience, he opted to wear wigs and hair systems, which he has done for decades, and has been very open about his hair loss journey in his autobiography and interviews.

Public Statements

I had hair transplants which didn't work - that was the early 'Louis Pasteur' version of a hair transplant... I don't like being bald. I look like Shrek and I don't like it. I decided to wear a wig and the first wigs I had were so bad, I remember the review when I came out for the Freddie Mercury concert at Wembley said I had a dead squirrel on my head... I'm very happy with it now. It looks good, I'm happy with it on. Yes, I am bald but I don't like being bald and so I wear a toupee.

Procedure Timeline

Year(s)Late 1970s
Pre-Op StageNorwood 3

Clinic / Doctor

Unknown (procedures took place in Paris)

Status

Confirmed

Quick Facts

NameElton John
ProfessionMusician, Singer, Composer
TechniqueFUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
Norwood StageNorwood 3
YearLate 1970s


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Dr. Blane Schilling, MD
Meet our medical reviewerDr. Blane Schilling, MDResident Medical Reviewer · Family Medicine Physician and Integrative Wellness Specialist