Gustaph’s hair transplant: the story behind the hats
In April 2026 the Belgian Eurovision singer Gustaph told his followers that his famous hats had also been hiding hair loss, and showed the result of a hair transplant six months after the procedure. Here is what was reported, and what the procedure involves for anyone thinking about it.
What did Gustaph say about his hair transplant?
Gustaph (Stef Caers), who represented Belgium at Eurovision 2023 with “Because of You”, is known for his hats. In April 2026 he explained in an Instagram video that there was more to them than style. According to Newsmonkey, he told his followers that he had had a hair transplant after years of hair loss, and admitted that the hats were not only a fashion statement but also a way to hide his thinning hair, which he found hard to style. He showed the new hairline six months after the procedure, and described his first visit to a barber since the transplant as an emotional experience that made him feel like a “young foal” again.
That is the whole basis of this article. Gustaph’s words reach us through the report of his video; he did not describe the technique or the number of grafts, so we do not speculate about them. Where methods and timelines are explained below, they describe hair transplantation in general, not his treatment.
From hats to a haircut: what his openness means
Hats, caps and a clever parting are among the most common ways men deal with thinning hair. They work, but they turn an everyday thing — going out without a hat, sitting in a barber’s chair — into something to plan around. That is why the barber moment in Gustaph’s video resonated with his followers: the change he talked about was not only in the mirror, but in how relaxed he felt.
His story also shows a realistic time frame. He did not present the result the day after surgery, but half a year later. That matches how a transplant works: the transplanted hairs usually shed in the first weeks and regrow over the following months.
Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause in men. A transplant does not stop it; it redistributes resistant follicles from the back of the head to the areas that have thinned.
How a hair transplant works today
The procedure is performed in one day under local anaesthesia, and the patient goes home the same evening. Follicular units are taken from the donor area at the back of the head and the temples and implanted along the new hairline and in thinning zones. Designing the hairline is a key step: its shape and density decide how natural the result looks.
| FUE | DHI | |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Grafts harvested one by one, placed into channels made beforehand | Grafts implanted directly with a Choi implanter pen |
| Strength | Covering larger areas | Control over angle and direction, e.g. at the hairline |
| Incisions, stitches | None | None |
| Anaesthesia | Local | Local |
| Price at City Medical Centre | $2,200 | $2,500 |
The two can also be combined (FUE harvesting with DHI implantation, $2,700). Which method suits you is decided after the doctor has seen your hair and donor area.
Is a transplant right for you?
People usually consider it for a receding or high hairline, thinning temples or crown, low overall density, patchy hair loss, or hair loss after trauma, burns, illness or hormonal disorders. It is not suitable under the age of 18, or with trichotillomania, body dysmorphic disorder, cancer, epilepsy, severe heart disease, diabetes mellitus, a pacemaker, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C, a history of pulmonary embolism or intolerance to anaesthetics.
Preparation is straightforward. After the consultation and booking you receive a list of tests and instructions for the days before the procedure. It helps to plan a quiet period afterwards in which you can avoid tight headwear and intense sport, following the doctor’s plan for returning to training.
Recovery and the months after
The first ten days are for healing: crusts form and fall away, and you follow the washing and sleeping instructions. Between weeks two and four the transplanted hairs shed while the follicles stay in the skin. New growth begins after three to four months, density is clearly visible at six to nine months — roughly the stage at which Gustaph showed his result — and the final outcome is assessed at 12 to 18 months.
- Day of surgeryLocal anaesthesia, the hairline is marked, grafts are harvested and implanted; you go home the same day.
- Days 1–10The scalp heals and crusts come off; you follow the care instructions.
- Weeks 2–4Transplanted hairs shed; the follicles stay in the skin.
- Months 3–4New hair starts to grow.
- Months 6–9Density and the new hairline become clearly visible.
- Months 12–18The final result can be assessed.
A hair transplant at City Medical Centre
City Medical Centre carries out FUE, DHI and combined hair transplants for international patients. The first consultation is free and can take place online: send photos, and the doctor counts the grafts free of charge and names a price that is fixed in the contract, with no extra charges on the day of surgery. Included are a lifetime guarantee of hair growth, all dressings and check-ups, instructions on washing, sleeping and headwear, photo progress tracking and follow-up appointments at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Graft survival averages 98–100%. Patients from Belgium can find details on the hair transplant page for Antwerp.
To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Gustaph or his treatment. His video is simply an open example of a man who chose to talk about his hair loss.
Hair transplant prices in this article are the current offer, valid until 31 October 2026. Regular prices: FUE $2,700, DHI $2,900, combined method $2,900. The price that applies to you is confirmed at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Did Gustaph have a hair transplant?
Yes. In an Instagram video in April 2026 he said he had had a hair transplant after years of hair loss and showed the result six months after the procedure.
Why did Gustaph always wear hats?
According to the report of his video, he admitted that his hats were not only a fashion statement but also a way to hide thinning hair that he found hard to style.
Which technique did Gustaph have?
The technique and the number of grafts were not mentioned in the report, so we do not speculate. Most transplants today use FUE, DHI or a combination.
When can you see the result of a hair transplant?
Growth usually starts after three to four months, density is visible at six to nine months, and the final result is assessed at 12 to 18 months.
How much does a hair transplant cost at City Medical Centre?
From $2,200 for FUE, $2,500 for DHI and $2,700 for the combined method. The final price follows a free consultation and is fixed in the contract.
Sources
What the article says about the celebrity is based only on these public statements.
- Newsmonkey, 2026-04-09
Considering the same operation? Get a free consultation
Send your name and phone number, and a coordinator will call you back. You can also send photos and questions on WhatsApp.
- The first consultation is free, online consultations are available
- The doctor names the cost after the assessment, and it is fixed in the contract
- A personal coordinator guides you from the first message to recovery
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