John Cena reveals hair transplant journey: How the WWE star regained his hair with red-light therapy

WWE legend John Cena has opened up about his hair loss and the hair transplant he underwent last year, calling it a life-changing experience. The 48-year-old wrestler and actor told People magazine that the procedure not only boosted his confidence but also helped his acting career. Cena decided to go ahead after WWE fans noticed his bald spot. “The audience held up signs calling me ‘the bald John Cena’,” he said. “They didn’t let me ignore it — and I’m grateful.”

John Cena’s hair transplant

Cena described the procedure simply: “They don’t do anything except move your hair, one by one, from one area to another. If somebody’s going to sweat me for that, I don’t think there’s any shame in that. It completely changed the course of my life.”

He now follows a strict hair care routine that includes red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, and specialised shampoo and conditioner. “If there wasn’t so much shame around hair transplants, I would have done it 10 years ago,” he said. “It’s worth the effort.”

How red-light therapy helps hair growth

Red-light therapy uses low-level lasers or LED lights, usually around 650 nanometers, to penetrate the scalp. This increases blood flow and stimulates hair follicles, encouraging them to enter the growth phase. It also reduces inflammation around the follicles, slowing hair loss. Studies have found it effective for common male and female pattern baldness, but results require regular sessions over weeks or months.

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where hair is moved from thicker parts of the scalp or body to areas that are thinning or bald. It is usually considered when other treatments, such as topical ointments, fail. Experts use mini- and micro-grafts to ensure the transplanted hair blends naturally with the surrounding scalp.

How does a hair transplant procedure work?

Hair is mostly taken from the back of the head. The area is sterilised and numbed with a local anaesthetic before the procedure begins. Two main methods are used:

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Also called follicular unit strip surgery, this involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of the head. The strip is divided into smaller pieces, and tiny holes are made in the balding area where the hair is transplanted.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): In this method, individual hair follicles are removed from the back of the head after shaving the area. The surgeon then makes small holes in the scalp to graft the follicles. The surgical site is covered with bandages or gauze after the procedure.

Is a hair transplant safe?

Experts say hair transplants are generally safe when performed correctly. Common side effects can include scarring, infections, scalp pain, inflammation, and uneven hair growth. Rare complications may involve nausea, dizziness, irregular heart rate, or swelling.