Hair factor Louis' €35k transplant

‘X Factor’ judge Louis Walsh has admitted having a hair transplant, it emerged today.

According to the Mirror, the music manager opted for the operation which costs a reported £30,000 (€35,117) after show boss Simon Cowell taunted him over his hair loss.

The procedure is said to have involved taking hair from the back of his head and implanting it in places where it was thinning.

Walsh, 59, described it as “maintenance”.

He is quoted by the newspaper as saying: “It’s not a wig or a syrup of figs or an Irish jig.

“It’s just me with my own hair, feeling better.

“It’s like going to the doctor and getting something done to your heart before it goes.”

Millions are expected to tune into the ‘X Factor’ final this weekend, but fans may not notice the results of the transplant immediately.

Walsh says it will take about a year before the transplanted hair comes through fully.

He reportedly decided to go public after stars including Wayne Rooney, actor James Nesbitt and Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner all confessed to having the treatment.