Hair Restoration Seattle

Do you follow bodybuilding? Then you already know Chris Bumstead, known to millions as “CBum.” He is one of the most recognizable faces in the sport with five Mr. Olympia Classic Physique titles to his name. What this means is that his look gets noticed, including everything from his physique to his skin. But recently, fans and followers have been noticing a different, more subtle detail: his hair. Online forums and social media are buzzing with a simple question: “Did CBum get a hair transplant?” Let’s find out the truth behind these searches. 

Did CBum Actually Get a Hair Transplant?

It has been a while since CBum became a center of conversations around hair transplant, but the strongest public-facing statement that people often consider evidence is a quote attributed to an Instagram post. The article includes a direct quote: “Sad times not being able to train for 30 days post hair transplant…” That is the main reason CBum is often mentioned in hair transplant discussions. Beyond that quote, there has been no detailed public confirmation about the clinic, technique, or treatment plan. 
Chris Bumstead in 2023-2024
Chris Bumstead showing signs of his hair transplant, in Dec 2023 (left) and March 2024 (right)
Chris Bumstead in 2025
Chris Bumstead in 2025

CBum Hairline Before and After

If you look at photos of Chris Bumstead from his earlier career, around 2017-2018, you can see the beginnings of a classic, mature male hairline. There’s a slight but noticeable recession at the temples, creating a soft “M” shape. This is completely normal for a man in his early twenties and is the first sign of androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. His hair was healthy, but the pattern was starting to emerge. Now, fast forward to today. CBum’s current hairline is remarkably different. It appears straighter, stronger, and significantly denser, especially at the temples. The corners that were once receding have been filled in, creating a more youthful and robust frame for his face. The change isn’t dramatic or unnatural; in fact, that’s what makes it so impressive. It looks like the hairline he should have always had. This type of subtle-yet-significant improvement might be the result of a masterfully executed hair transplant. 

Why Would a Pro Athlete Consider a Hair Transplant?

This again leads to multiple questions, such as “Why would a young, incredibly fit athlete like CBum even experience hair loss?” It’s completely valid for fans to ask this. But the answer is not simple.  Even for elite athletes, hair loss is common. Genetics is the main reason for many people, and stress, hormone shifts, and other factors can play a role. For public figures, hair loss can feel significant because:
  • Photos and videos are constant
  • Lighting is harsh (stage, gym, studio)
  • People compare “before vs after” every year
So, if we speculate that CBum did undergo a procedure, how would it have been done to achieve such a natural look? The answer is almost certainly Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

The FUE Method: The Most Likely Procedure

FUE is a revolutionary, minimally invasive technique that has become the gold standard in hair restoration, and it’s perfect for active individuals like athletes. Here’s how it works:
  • Individual hair removal: Hair follicles are taken one by one from the back or sides of the head, where hair is usually more resistant to hair loss.
  • Careful placement: The follicles are placed into thinning areas like the hairline or temples. The surgeon controls the direction and spacing so the hair looks natural.
  • No long scar: FUE does not leave a straight scar on the back of the head, which is helpful for people who keep their hair short.
  • Shorter recovery: Healing is usually faster and more comfortable compared to older strip methods.
The FUE transplant was likely done to reinforce his hairline and proactively combat any further recession, keeping him at the top of his game both on and off the stage.

Bottom Line

CBum’s name comes up in hair transplant talk because his look is public and people notice changes.  If you’ve noticed your hairline starting to change and want to explore your options, you don’t have to do it alone. At Hair Restoration Seattle, Dr. Sajan offers advanced transplantation techniques like FUE hair transplant in Seattle. Call us at (206) 672-4353 to discuss your needs. Read more: Choosing Between FUT and FUE Hair Transplants in Seattle Hair Transplant Cost in Seattle  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Sajan
Dr. Sajan

Dr. Javad Sajan is an expert hair restoration specialist who offers many techniques and methods for in-depth care. With decades of experience and training in hair restoration, Dr. Sajan is known for his incredible results with hair transplants and other unique hair treatments. Dr. Sajan is a leading hair restoration provider and works to create ideal results for every patient.