John Cena revealed that he has undergone two surgeries totaling more than 20 hours of surgery, saying the treatments have changed his appearance, confidence, and even the roles he can pursue as an actor.
The 49-year-old actor and former WWE star discussed his hair restoration journey with People at the San Diego Comic-Con, where he appeared with a freshly shaved head following his second procedure.
“The objective is to get more hair,” Cena said, explaining that his doctor, Ken Anderson, recommended shaving his head to improve the surgical process. “I love the guy. He totally changed my life.”
Cena’s decision to speak openly about his hair transplant comes as more men are discussing hair loss and its personal impact, drawing greater attention to the growing acceptance of hair restoration procedures.
More Than 20 Hours of Transplant Procedures
Cena said his first hair transplant lasted about 13 hours and 30 minutes, while his second procedure took approximately eight hours. He returned to his doctor about 15 months after the initial surgery, after noticing a small area he wanted to address.
The procedures used follicular unit extraction (FUE), a hair restoration technique in which individual hair follicles are removed using small surgical punches and transplanted to areas affected by hair loss.
Cena previously revealed in June that he had undergone his second FUE treatment, saying he had “went all in for best possible results.” He also credited his doctor and medical team for helping him through the process.
The actor said his decision to pursue treatment was partly influenced by his WWE fans, who openly pointed out his changing hairline as he tried to conceal his hair loss.
“As I was trying to hide my hair loss, the audience was bringing it to light,” Cena said in a previous interview.
He said fans’ reactions ultimately pushed him to learn more about scalp and hair health and explore his options.
Shame Kept Him From Doing It Sooner
Cena has been unusually candid about the emotional side of hair restoration, saying he wishes he had sought treatment earlier.
“I hate the fact that if there wasn’t so much shame around it, I’d have gotten it done 10 years ago,” he said.
While male-pattern hair loss is common, thinning hair can still carry a significant psychological burden, particularly for people whose careers depend heavily on their appearance.
For Cena, the issue was also tied to his work. He said having more hairstyle options could help him portray a wider range of characters and potentially open new opportunities in Hollywood.
“A different hairstyle can identify a part that can get me more work, do the thing I love to do,” he said.
Hair Loss Is More Than a Cosmetic Concern for Some Men
Hair loss is common, particularly among men, and can develop gradually over the years as the hairline recedes or the hair on the crown thins.
Male-pattern hair loss is generally linked to a combination of genetics adn sensitivity to hormones that affect hair follicles. However, hair thinning can also be associated with factors such as certain medical conditions, medications, nutritional deficiencies and significant physical or emotional stress.
Hair loss can affect more than physical appearance. Research has linked visible hair loss with concerns about self-esteem, body image and social confidence, although the emotional impact varies widely from person to person.
Cena has said he now follows a broader hair-care routine that includes red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, shampoo and conditioner alongside his transplant procedures.
FUE, meanwhile, has become a widely recognized hair restoration option because it moves a person’s own hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another rather than introducing artificial hair.
The procedure does not stop the underlying biological process responsible for ongoing hair loss, however, and results can vary depending on factors including the extent and pattern of hair loss, the availability of donor hair and the individual’s response to treatment.
For Cena, the decision appears to have been as much about confidence and professional versatility as appearance.
He said his hair restoration journey “completely changed the course of my life,” adding that he sees no reason for people to feel ashamed about choosing a procedure that uses their own hair.
After years of being one of the world’s most recognizable bald or closely shaved celebrities, Cena is now waiting to see the final results of his latest procedure and embracing the transition in public.
