In the late 1990s, a young Elon Musk stood on stage celebrating the launch of PayPal with a visibly thinning scalp and a deeply receding hairline. Today, the man behind Tesla, SpaceX and X sports a full, natural-looking head of hair that has become almost as famous as his rockets. So what happened? How did one of the most photographed men on the planet go from advanced baldness to a head of hair that looks better at 54 than it did at 28?

The answer lies in modern hair restoration — and The Wellness can help you access the exact same treatments right here in London.

Considering hair restoration? The Wellness offers complimentary consultations with our specialist team. We provide PRP therapy in-house and arrange hair transplant procedures with leading surgeons — giving you the same calibre of treatment that transformed Musk's hairline, but with 20 years of additional medical advancement.

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Elon Musk's Hair Loss Timeline: What Actually Happened

Elon Musk's hair loss followed a pattern that approximately 80% of men will experience to some degree. It is caused by androgenetic alopecia — male pattern baldness — driven by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT gradually shrinks hair follicles until they can no longer produce visible hair.

By examining publicly available photographs, hair restoration specialists have mapped out a clear timeline.

The Late 1990s: Norwood 3–4 Hair Loss at PayPal

During the PayPal era, Musk's hair loss was unmistakable. His temples were deeply receded, his frontal hairline had retreated significantly, and thinning was apparent across the crown. Experts place him at Norwood 3 to 4 on the Norwood-Hamilton Scale — the standard clinical measurement for male pattern baldness, ranging from 1 (minimal recession) to 7 (extensive loss).

Crucially, Musk's donor area — the hair around the back and sides of his head, genetically resistant to DHT — remained dense and healthy. This is one of the most important factors for a successful hair transplant, as it provides the raw material for the entire restoration.

2002–2007: The Transformation Begins

By the mid-2000s, something had clearly changed. Musk's hairline appeared noticeably fuller, particularly across the frontal area and temples. This type of reversal does not occur naturally with androgenetic alopecia. Once hair follicles have been miniaturised by DHT, they do not spontaneously recover without medical or surgical intervention.

Hair transplant specialists widely agree that Musk underwent his first surgical procedure during this period — most likely FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), the gold standard technique of the era.

2010s–Present: Continued Refinement and Density

Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, Musk's hair appeared progressively denser and more natural. Many experts believe he underwent at least one additional procedure — likely FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) — to refine his hairline and increase density. He is also widely believed to use maintenance medications such as Finasteride and Minoxidil.

What Procedure Did Elon Musk Have? FUT vs FUE Explained

Understanding the two main transplant techniques is essential for anyone considering restoration. Musk's journey involved both.

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) — Musk's First Procedure

FUT, or strip surgery, involves removing a narrow strip of scalp from the donor area. A surgical team dissects this strip under microscopes to separate individual follicular units, which are implanted into the balding areas.

Evidence that Musk underwent FUT includes a visible linear scar on the back of his scalp, identified in several public photographs. This scarring is the hallmark of strip surgery.

FUT advantages: Allows a large number of grafts (3,000–4,000+) in a single session, ideal for patients with extensive hair loss. The follicle survival rate is typically 95–98%.

FUT limitations: Leaves a permanent linear scar and requires a longer recovery — typically 10–14 days.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) — The Modern Gold Standard

FUE involves extracting individual follicular units directly from the donor area using a micro-punch tool (typically 0.6–1.0mm). Each graft is individually placed into the recipient area. This is believed to be what Musk used for his later refinement procedures.

FUE advantages: No linear scarring, faster recovery (5–7 days), minimal discomfort, and more precise placement for natural-looking results.

At The Wellness, we arrange FUE hair transplant procedures with leading specialist surgeons — ensuring you receive the highest standard of care from consultation through to aftercare. We also provide PRP therapy in-house, which is a critical complement to any transplant for maximising graft survival and long-term density.

Want to know which approach is right for you? Our specialists will assess your hair loss pattern, donor area density, and goals during a complimentary consultation — just like the assessment Musk's surgeon would have conducted before his first procedure.

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The Numbers Behind Musk's Restoration

Hair transplant outcomes are measured in grafts — each containing 1 to 4 individual follicles. Based on the visible transformation and his Norwood 4 pattern, experts estimate:

Starting hair loss level: Norwood 3–4 (significant frontal and temple recession)

Total grafts transplanted: 5,000–5,500 across multiple sessions

Technique(s) used: FUT (initial), then FUE (refinement)

Estimated number of procedures: 2–3 surgical sessions over several years

Estimated total cost: £30,000–£50,000 (US clinics, premium surgeons)

Current Norwood level: Norwood 2 (natural, age-appropriate hairline)

Maintenance treatments: Likely Finasteride, Minoxidil, and possibly PRP therapy

Why Maintenance Matters: The Treatments Behind the Transplant

A hair transplant is not a one-time fix. Transplanted hair is permanent because it comes from DHT-resistant donor areas. However, your existing native hair can continue to thin if left untreated. This is why maintenance treatments are essential — and why Musk's hair has continued to look good for over two decades.

Finasteride (Propecia)

An oral prescription medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Clinical studies show Finasteride stops hair loss progression in approximately 90% of men and promotes regrowth in around 65%.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

A topical treatment applied directly to the scalp that stimulates blood flow to follicles and extends the growth phase of the hair cycle. Most effective when combined with Finasteride.

PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP has become one of the most popular non-surgical hair restoration treatments available. It involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate growth-factor-rich platelets, and injecting it into the scalp. PRP stimulates dormant follicles, improves graft survival after transplant, accelerates healing, and strengthens existing hair.

PRP therapy is a cornerstone of The Wellness hair restoration programme. We offer it as a standalone treatment for early-stage hair loss and as an essential complement to hair transplant procedures. Our patients consistently report improved density, thickness, and overall hair quality following a course of PRP sessions.

Explore PRP therapy at The Wellness. Whether you are considering a transplant or want to strengthen your existing hair, PRP could be the treatment for you. Our clinical team will create a personalised plan tailored to your specific needs.

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What Elon Musk's Journey Teaches Us About Hair Restoration in 2026

Musk's transformation is remarkable, but he had his first procedure over 20 years ago. Hair transplant technology has advanced dramatically since then. Today's patients benefit from significant improvements across every dimension.

Smaller punch tools (0.6–0.8mm) mean virtually invisible donor scarring with FUE. Higher graft survival rates (95–98%) deliver denser, more natural results from fewer sessions. Sapphire blade technology creates smaller recipient channels for closer graft placement and more natural growth angles. PRP therapy improves graft survival and accelerates recovery. DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) allows even more precise placement without pre-made incisions.

If Musk were starting his restoration today, he would achieve even better results, in fewer sessions, with zero visible scarring. And those same results are available to you.

Can You Achieve Elon Musk-Level Results?

The good news is that Musk's level of restoration is entirely achievable for most men and women experiencing hair loss. The key factors are your Norwood level and hair loss pattern, the density and quality of your donor area, the skill and experience of your surgical team, and your commitment to post-operative care and maintenance.

At The Wellness, our specialist team evaluates all of these factors during your initial consultation. We create a bespoke treatment plan that may include arranging FUE transplantation with a leading surgeon, in-house PRP therapy, medical maintenance, and ongoing follow-up to ensure lasting, natural results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Elon Musk get a hair transplant?

While Musk has never publicly confirmed it, hair restoration experts widely agree that he underwent at least one FUT hair transplant between 2002 and 2007, likely followed by FUE refinement procedures. A visible linear scar on the back of his scalp and the dramatic transformation from Norwood 4 baldness support this conclusion. Many experts also believe he uses Finasteride and Minoxidil for maintenance.

What type of hair transplant did Elon Musk have?

Evidence strongly suggests an initial FUT (strip) procedure — the standard technique in the early 2000s — followed by FUE for density refinement. Today, most patients opt for FUE from the start, as it offers no visible scarring and faster recovery.

How many grafts did Elon Musk need?

Specialists estimate approximately 5,000 to 5,500 grafts across multiple sessions. This is consistent with restoring a Norwood 3–4 pattern to a natural Norwood 2 hairline.

How much did Elon Musk's hair transplant cost?

Estimates range from £30,000 to £50,000 for all procedures combined, reflecting premium US clinic pricing. Modern FUE hair transplants in London are significantly more accessible. The Wellness offers complimentary consultations to assess your needs and guide you to the right solution.

Can I get similar results in London?

Absolutely. Today's FUE technology is far more advanced than what was available when Musk had his procedures. The Wellness provides PRP therapy in-house and arranges transplant procedures with top specialist surgeons — ensuring you receive comprehensive care from start to finish.

What is PRP therapy and how does it help hair growth?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles, improve transplant graft survival, accelerate healing, and strengthen existing hair. It is one of the most effective non-surgical hair treatments available and a core part of The Wellness hair restoration programme.

Ready to Start Your Own Hair Restoration Journey?

The Wellness is London's premier hair restoration clinic. Our specialist team provides PRP therapy, comprehensive consultations, and arranges hair transplant procedures with leading surgeons — delivering natural, lasting results.

Book your complimentary consultation today.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Elon Musk has not publicly confirmed undergoing hair transplant surgery. The analysis is based on expert opinion and photographic evidence. Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified medical professional before undergoing any hair restoration treatment.

Published by The Wellness | Last updated: February 2026