Love Island has always been a platform for showcasing confidence, charm, and eye-catching looks, but this season, Ben Holbrough’s transformation is turning heads for a different reason.
Before stepping into the villa, Ben decided to invest in a £3000 hair transplant, igniting discussions about men’s grooming, self-esteem, and the rising trend of cosmetic procedures among reality TV personalities.
Here’s everything you should know about Ben’s journey, the procedure he underwent, and how it’s impacted both his looks and public perception.
Ben Before the Hair Transplant: Dealing with Hair Loss in the Spotlight
Before his debut on Love Island, 22-year-old Ben Holbrough from Gloucester was already facing hair thinning—a struggle many young men deal with but rarely talk about openly.
With reality TV putting contestants’ appearances under close scrutiny, Ben’s choice to tackle his hair loss was both a personal decision and a strategic move, aimed at bolstering his confidence before gaining national attention.
Inside the Hair Transplant Process: Procedure, Cost, and Recovery
Ben opted for his hair transplant at 360 Clinic in Brighton, choosing a local procedure instead of traveling to Turkey, a popular destination for affordable hair restoration.
The procedure, called Follicular Unit Excision (FUE), involves carefully removing individual hair follicles from the back of the head and placing them into the thinning areas at the hairline.
The treatment cost Ben around £3000, which fits within the clinic’s price range of £2499 to £3394. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that typically only requires local anesthesia, allowing for a relatively quick recovery.
After the surgery, Ben followed a specific aftercare plan to aid in hair growth and reduce shedding, using specialized products recommended by the clinic.
@thathairlossexpert PART 1 – Ben’s Hair Transplant Journey Begins Before he made his way into the Love Island villa, Ben came to us last year to start his hair restoration journey, and we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look from the very beginning. In Part 1, you’ll see: ✍️ The surgeon’s design + mark-up stage ✂️ Full head shave 📸 Before shots showing where Ben was experiencing thinning These first steps are vital to a successful outcome. It’s all about detailed planning, expert execution, and building the foundation for natural, lasting results. Keep an eye out for Part 2 – where we get into the procedure itself 👀 ✨Book your FREE consultation today using the link in my bio! #LoveIsland #LoveIslandBen #HairTransplantJourney #HairRestorationUK #FUEtransplant #MensHairLoss #BeforeAndAfter #HairGoals #HairClinicUK #360HairClinic #HairTransformation ♬ Summer Too Hot – OJ The DJ
Ben’s Transformation: From Hair Loss to Confidence
Just six months after the surgery, the results were remarkable. Clips shared on social media by 360 Clinic highlighted Ben’s fuller, thicker hair, and he couldn’t have been happier—at one point, he was laughing excitedly at his new hairline, saying, “That’s sick” while admiring himself in the mirror.
This transformation not only enhanced his looks but also significantly boosted his confidence, a change the clinic noted in their posts: “We’re thrilled to see how the procedure has bolstered Ben’s self-confidence and self-love!”
Public Reaction: Changing Attitudes Toward Men’s Cosmetic Enhancements
Ben’s candidness about his hair transplant has sparked a lively discussion online, with many fans and commentators applauding his honesty and the stunning results.
The acceptance of cosmetic procedures among male reality stars marks a broader societal change—what was once considered taboo is now something to be embraced and celebrated. As one expert involved in Ben’s journey reflected,
“Before he entered the Love Island villa, Ben came to us last year to start his hair restoration journey, and we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look from the very start.”
What Is the Hair Transplant Process?
The FUE hair transplant process includes:
- Mapping out the thinning areas and shaving the head for accurate placement.
- Extracting healthy hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back of the head).
- Implanting the follicles into the designated areas at the front or crown of the head.
- Following a recovery and aftercare routine to encourage optimal growth and minimize shedding.
Most patients tend to see significant improvements within six months, with the full restoration of their hairline typically occurring within a year.
How Does a Hair Transplant Impact Self-Esteem and Public Image?
Hair transplants can significantly boost self-esteem, particularly for young men in the public eye. Contestants like Ben often report feeling more confident, youthful, and genuine—qualities that shine through both on-screen and off.
As more celebrities open up about their experiences, the stigma surrounding men’s cosmetic procedures continues to lessen, encouraging others to seek help for hair loss without feeling embarrassed.
