Ahmed Elmohamady, a former Premier League footballer who played for Aston Villa and Sunderland, has undergone a hair transplant procedure to address hair loss and boost his self-confidence. Elmohamady, 37, received 4,085 hair implants using the Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) technique at a clinic near Harley Street in London. He openly acknowledged his decision, stating that hair loss had been a concern for the past five years and that the procedure was a way to address it and improve his appearance, particularly in light of his television work both in the UK and the Middle East.
Elmohamady’s decision to undergo the procedure was influenced by other footballers who have publicly shared their experiences with hair transplants, most notably Wayne Rooney. However, it was his former Sunderland teammate Wayne Bridge who served as the primary inspiration. Bridge had undergone a similar procedure at the same clinic and, although still waiting for the full results, expressed confidence in a natural-looking outcome. Elmohamady emphasized the increasing acceptance of men seeking cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance, drawing a parallel to women’s use of cosmetic surgery.
The former Egyptian national team captain joined Aston Villa in 2017, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Premier League. After retiring from professional football in 2021, he transitioned to a role in the club’s commercial department. Elmohamady expressed his excitement about the current state of Aston Villa under manager Unai Emery and their potential for success in European competitions, referencing the club’s historic European Cup win in 1982.
Elmohamady maintains a close friendship with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and plans to share his hair transplant experience with him when their teams meet later in the season. He commended Salah’s own evolving hairstyles and his current short haircut. The former right-back’s decision reflects a growing trend among footballers and men in general to address hair loss through procedures like hair transplants.
Elmohamady’s story highlights the normalization of hair restoration procedures, particularly within the football world. The openness of players like Rooney and now Elmohamady in discussing their experiences has contributed to destigmatizing these procedures. Furthermore, it demonstrates the increasing importance placed on personal appearance, even for men, and the availability of advanced techniques like DHI to address concerns like hair loss effectively.
The DHI technique used by Elmohamady involves implanting individual hair follicles directly into the recipient area without the need for prior incisions or creation of slits. This method is often preferred for its precision and minimally invasive nature, potentially leading to faster recovery times and more natural-looking results. Elmohamady’s choice of this advanced technique reflects the growing demand for sophisticated and effective hair restoration solutions. His story also underscores the evolving perspectives on male grooming and the acceptance of cosmetic enhancements as a means to boost confidence and improve overall well-being.
