Este Medical Group

Famous Footballer Gareth Bale’s Man Bun Replaced by Alleged Hair Transplant

Gareth Bale

Posted: September 26, 2025

Former Real Madrid star and ex-Wales captain Gareth Bale has made headlines for his offer to buy Cardiff City. But that’s not the only reason people are talking about him. There is online chatter that Gareth Bale had a hair transplant, despite no confirmation or denial. Let’s explore why this might be a possibility.

Just because Gareth Bale is one of the most highly decorated players of the modern era does not mean he has ignored his appearance off the pitch. Many UK footballers take great care in their personal grooming, especially when it comes to their hair. Think of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and of course David Beckham. Their style off the pitch is just as noted as their talent on it.

Gareth Bale has sported a variety of hairstyles over the years. His most recent change, going from a man bun to a fuller head of hair with a stronger hairline, has naturally given way to speculation about hair grafts or some other procedure to restore his hair loss. It may have something to do with the fact that Bale is married to a hairdresser, whose professional advice could have played a role in his approach to being proactive about balding. Whether a hair transplant is involved or not, Gareth Bale’s evolving style shows how seriously footballers take their image.

Gareth Bale’s Changes In Style

This new look isn’t the first time Gareth Bale has changed his hairstyle. When he first started out playing football, he often opted for traditional short haircuts. In his early career, there were no signs of hair loss, and his style was low-maintenance to suit his active lifestyle.

One look Bale became especially fond of was the man bun. Over the years it turned into his personal trademark, and at the time, many other men were rocking this popular hairstyle. The man bun allowed him to have longer, more stylish hair while keeping it out of his face during matches. In Gareth’s case, though, there may have been another reason for holding on to the look – perhaps to conceal thinning hair at the crown.

It’s possible that the pulled-back style actually drew more attention to Gareth Bale’s hairline. If you compare Gareth Bale before and after photos, the man bun era shows the start of hairline recession. The high ponytail or topknot hairstyle can also contribute to hair loss in the form of traction alopecia – a condition caused by repeated physical tension on the hair follicles – which may have played a role in Gareth’s changing hairline.

By this stage in Gareth’s hair journey, the shape of classic male pattern baldness was starting to form, and hair thinning at the crown hinted at a future bald spot. It’s easy to imagine that Gareth and his hairdresser wife discussed options and decided some type of hair restoration treatment was the smartest next step.

Then The Man Bun Was Gone: What Gareth Did Next?

We can only speculate, but to address the type of male hair loss Gareth Bale appeared to be experiencing, a FUE hair transplant seems the most likely explanation. Many people – from pro athletes to reality TV stars – choose hair grafts for thinning hair. These days, it’s nothing like 20 or 30 years ago, when the only option was obvious-looking hair plugs or the old-fashioned FUT method, which could leave scars and didn’t always deliver the most natural results.

Modern hair transplants can even be performed robotically. Whether in the UK, Turkey, or Dubai, hair grafting is far more advanced and accessible than ever before. We really have footballers to thank for helping to normalise the procedure and promote the idea of self-care for men.

At Este Medical, we’ve helped countless men restore their hair – and with it, their confidence. They go on to feel happier, more self-assured, and even more successful in their personal and professional lives. Hair transplants aren’t just for footballers; they’re for anyone who wants to take back control of their hairline.

Visit our photo and client testimonial gallery to see how many people we have helped with successful hair restoration procedures: Este Medical Group Hair Transplant Before & Afters!

Male Hair Loss and Options Available for Replacing Lost Hair

Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. There are many ways to address it, including DHI Robotic Hair Transplant, FUE Hair Transplant, and Stem Cell Hair Transplant. Non-surgical treatments such as Mesotherapy, PRP and PRF hair injections, and laser light hair regrowth therapy can also help stimulate growth and strengthen existing hair.

Other types of hair loss include alopecia, general thinning, excessive shedding, receding hairlines, hormonal hair loss, and stress-related hair loss. Severity can range from mild changes to significant hair loss, and it’s important to remember that not all cases are the same.

At Este Medical, our UK hair loss experts have seen it all – from hair loss caused by accidents or injury, to shedding due to ageing, illness, or genetics. Whatever the reason, we will guide you through your hair restoration journey with care and expertise. We go beyond just the procedure; our team takes the time to understand your concerns, relate to your challenges, and support you every step of the way. By the end, it will feel like family helping you get back your confidence, vitality, and sense of self.

You’ve Got Options at Este – Join Us to Kickstart Your Hair Loss Journey

Having a hair transplant is easier than you might think, with so many effective options available today to restore thinning areas or reboot hair growth. Someone like Gareth Bale, who has reportedly undergone cosmetic ear surgery in the past, is the perfect example of someone who could embrace a hair transplant, already understanding the benefits of subtle cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures. More and more people are turning to professional treatments to restore lost hair or define a hairline, as hair restoration becomes increasingly accepted.

Hair loss affects all kinds of people — even celebrities. If your goal is fuller, healthier-looking hair you can style with confidence, contact Este Medical today to book your consultation!