UPDATE: |Coronation Street star Colson Smith ‘so happy’ as he shares before and after hair transplant photos and tackles ‘stigma’ News

The ITV soap’s Craig Tinker star first noticed his hair loss at the age 22

Coronation Street star Colson Smith has revealed a string of before and after pictures, several months after undergoing a hair transplant.

The actor, who will soon be bowing out of the ITV soap as Craig Tinker after almost 14 years in the role, confirmed last year that he’d undergone the cosmetic surgery in a social media post.

At the end of July 2024, he posted a smiling picture of himself on Instagram in which he could seen sporting a different hairstyle than normal, with the front of his head shaved and some of his red locks remaining at the back.

Opening up about his decision to undergo the transplant Colson told fans: “Slightly different to my usual hairstyle… On Monday I had a hair transplant. A transplant has been on my agenda since I first noticed my hair loss at the age 22!

“Losing my hair at such a young age has been a tough thing for me to come to terms with, I instantly feel SOOO much better and more confident that I’ve taken a step to getting back my luscious strawberry blonde locks.”

He added: “When I first met @bessamfarjo in 2023 he helped me understand my hair loss and the future of my hair, I feel so lucky to now be on my hair journey with such a talented and friendly team based here in Manchester. @farjohairinstitute. No more comb-overs and baseball caps. Here’s to a future of having a cracking head of hair!”

The 26-year-old sought the expertise of renowned hair transplant surgeon, Dr Bessam Farjo, after a recommendation from fellow actor Alan Halsall, who Corrie fans will know for playing Tyrone Tobbs.

While he shared the news of the transplant last year, the journey actually began in November 2023 with an initial consultation at the Farjo Hair Institute. Recognising the potential for ongoing hair loss over the coming decades, Dr Farjo prioritised stabilising Colson’s condition by recommending medications such as Finasteride and Minoxidil.

These treatments are known to help prevent further hair loss and encourage regrowth in thinning areas. After observing positive results, a conservative hair transplant was planned to address the frontal bald areas, ensuring a natural and long-lasting outcome.

It was then on July 15, 2024, that Colson underwent a meticulous eight-hour Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure at the institute’s Manchester clinic on Quay Street. The dedicated team, led by Dr Farjo, carefully extracted and transplanted 1,879 grafts – 4,621 hair follicles – into Colson’s hairline and frontal region.

The procedure was designed to create a fuller, natural look while preserving the integrity of his existing hair and adjusting for the process of natural ageing and potential progression of male pattern hair loss.

Now, seven months post-operation, Colson is thrilled with the outcome. “I’ve started getting haircuts that purposefully show off the new growth. It’s been amazing for my confidence,” he shared.

Reflecting on his initial concerns about undergoing a hair transplant at a young age, Colson commented: “As soon as I met Dr Farjo, I knew I was in safe hands. I’m genuinely so happy. The boost in confidence regarding my hair and appearance is unparalleled. The compliments keep coming, and I’m all for it. I can’t wait to see how the progress continues.”

Dr Farjo also shared on the procedure’s success: “Colson’s results are fantastic. We adopted a conservative approach, ensuring the best possible outcome while keeping future hair loss in mind. Due to his age, his journey has been carefully planned, and we will continue to monitor his progress in the coming years.”

The transformation has also been a talking point among Colson’s fans and podcast listeners. As a co-host of On The Sofa, alongside his fellow soap co-stars Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price, as well as an active Instagram account, he has openly discussed his experience, breaking down stigmas surrounding hair transplants and male hair loss.

His decision to be transparent about the process has been praised by fans, with many taking inspiration from his journey. “I do think there’s less stigma attached to hair transplants these days,” Colson said.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’m more than happy to share my experience with others as I know hair loss is such a big concern for so many people.”

The Farjo Hair Institute is celebrated for its work with celebrities and VIPs, including Chris Bisson, Robbie Fowler, George Groves, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Shaun Williamson and many more.