John Cena just made hair-restoration news. In a recent People cover story and follow-up interviews, the 16-time (now 17-time) world champion and Hollywood star confirmed he underwent a hair transplant in November 2024, calling it “life-changing” and saying he only wishes he’d done it sooner. He even described the procedure in simple terms: surgeons “move your hair, one by one, from one area to another.”
That candor is huge for normalizing surgical hair restoration—and it raises the exact question patients ask us every day: Did John Cena have FUE or FUT? Below, we break down what he most likely had, the practical differences between the two gold-standard techniques (FUE and FUT), who each method fits best, and why most celebrities gravitate toward FUE. We’ll conclude with clear next steps and guidance on how to find a great, vetted surgeon in the Hair Transplant Network directory.
Did John Cena have FUE or FUT?
Cena hasn’t publicly named the technique. However, the way he explained it—moving hairs “one by one”—is the hallmark of FUE (Follicular Unit Excision/Extraction), where individual grafts are harvested and redistributed. By contrast, FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)—often called “strip”—removes a narrow strip of scalp first and then dissects grafts under a microscope. Cena’s own language mirrors the FUE workflow, so FUE is the most plausible interpretation of his surgery, even though that hasn’t been officially confirmed.
FUE vs. FUT: the essentials
What is FUE?
- How it works: A surgeon extracts individual follicular units (tiny bundles of 1–4 hairs) from the donor area using a micro-punch, then implants them into areas of thinning or baldness.
- Scarring: No linear scar; instead, hundreds to thousands of tiny, dot-like extraction points dispersed across the donor zone. (Important nuance: FUE is not “scarless”—it simply distributes scarring.)
- Recovery & styling: Typically faster recovery and the freedom to wear short hairstyles without worrying about a visible line.
What is FUT?
- How it works: The surgeon removes a thin strip of scalp from the back of the head, closes the incision, and the team microscopically dissects the strip into grafts.
- Scarring: Leaves a single linear scar that a patient can usually hide with slightly longer hair.
- When it shines: FUT can be highly efficient for large session sizes and may be favorable for certain donor-management strategies. It can also avoid shaving the entire donor area, which some patients prefer.
Why most celebrities choose FUE
Celebrities—wrestlers, actors, musicians, influencers—often have overlapping priorities: camera-ready downtime, flexible hairstyles, and discretion. FUE aligns neatly with each.
- Short-hair flexibility
Because FUE doesn’t leave a single linear scar, many patients are comfortable wearing a close-cropped haircut post-op—ideal for on-camera roles or live events. - “Less visible” scarring profile
Again, scarring is a concern with both FUE and FUT. However, FUE’s dot-pattern scarring is diffuse and usually harder to notice on set or under bright lights than a linear scar—especially if the patient prefers very short back-and-sides. (Surgeon skill and conservative harvesting matter here.) - Recovery optics and scheduling
While both procedures require healing, FUE patients frequently report quicker return to public life and fewer post-op activity limitations tied to a strip incision. When your next shoot or tour date can’t move, that’s material. - Camera scrutiny
4K lenses, still photography, and social media zoom-ins are unforgiving. The ability to blend donor extractions and minimize a telltale linear line is a practical reason public figures often pick FUE. (Plenty still choose FUT when it better matches their goals—see next section.)
When FUT might still be the right call
Even in celebrity circles, FUT isn’t obsolete. Depending on your goals and donor characteristics, a top surgeon may recommend:
- Maximizing graft numbers efficiently in a single session, or over a strategic sequence of surgeries.
- Avoiding a full donor shave, which can be preferable for certain schedules or hair lengths.
- Hybrid plans (FUT first, then FUE later) to manage the donor area prudently over a lifetime of potential hair loss.
The right choice isn’t about trends; it’s about matching the technique to the patient—age, pattern of loss, donor density/quality, hair characteristics, styling preferences, timeline, and long-term plan.
Reading Cena’s quotes like a surgeon
Cena’s “one-by-one” phrasing is practically a mini FUE explainer. In FUE, the “one-by-one” part happens twice: once in extraction (harvesting individual follicular units) and again in placement (implanting grafts into tiny recipient sites). That’s exactly how modern hairlines are rebuilt: thousands of meticulous moves that—when done by an expert team—create hairlines that pass the closest camera test.
Key pros and cons at a glance
FUE (likely what Cena had)
- Pros: No linear scar, short-hair freedom, typically faster recovery optics, excellent for blending with existing hair; can harvest from beard/chest in select cases.
Considerations: Over-harvesting risk if executed poorly; still leaves tiny scars; may require shaving donor zones; per-graft cost can be higher.
- FUT (strip)
- Pros: Efficient for large graft counts; no need to shave the whole donor area; can be cost-effective; linear scar is concealed by longer hair.
- Considerations: Linear scars limit very short hairstyles; incision care and some activity restrictions are required during the healing process.
Bottom line: both can produce world-class, natural results in the right hands. Technique is a tool; the surgeon’s planning and execution determine the outcome.
What Cena’s openness means for patients
Public figures openly discussing hair restoration chips away at stigma and sets realistic expectations. Cena also mentioned doing his homework on scalp and follicle health, as well as adjunctive care like minoxidil and light therapy—exactly the kind of comprehensive, long-term plan that top surgeons advocate. If you’re considering surgery, you’ll want a clinician who similarly looks beyond the day of the operation to protect and optimize your native hair over time.
Choosing between FUE and FUT: how to decide
- Start with a full diagnosis.
A proper consultation should include your hair-loss history, family history, medical review, scalp exam, magnified donor assessment, and realistic forecasting of future loss. - Map your lifetime plan.
Good surgeons think in decades. They’ll balance today’s cosmetic goals with tomorrow’s donor reserves, explaining whether FUE, FUT, or a staged combination best fits your trajectory. - Demand artistry and ethics.
Natural hairlines require micro-planning (angle, direction, curl, caliber, density gradients) and disciplined donor management. Avoid red flags like guaranteed graft counts without exam, or clinics that delegate core surgical steps to unlicensed staff. - Expect honesty about limitations.
Even Cena started with some miniaturization and a visible bald spot; not every crown needs to be carpeted on day one. The best surgeons will tell you what not to do as clearly as what to do.
Next step: find a surgeon you can trust
If Cena’s story has you thinking about your options, the smartest move is to consult a vetted, high-quality hair-restoration surgeon. The Hair Transplant Network directory curates experienced physicians worldwide who specialize in FUE, FUT, and combination plans. You can review real patient journeys, before-and-afters, and surgeon credentials—all in one place—then book consultations to compare recommendations.
Explore the Hair Transplant Network directory to learn the best solutions for your pattern of loss and to consult with the best surgeons in the world. A great outcome starts with a great plan—and the right team.