Pop Idol star Gareth Gates is hoping to return to his iconic spiky hair - by having a hair transplant.

The 33-year-old singer says his hair loss has dented his confidence so badly he has been forced to hide under hats for years.

Gareth, who shot to fame as runner-up in the first series of the talent show in 2002, says his thinning hair is 'getting him down' and making him self-conscious.

But he is hoping the operation at KSL hair in Maidstone will return his hair to its former glory and give his stage career a boost.

Gareth said: "As a younger pop star, I was always well known for my hair - I had that ridiculous spiky formation for many years.

"I had a big deal with the hair company Wella and I was known for having this great hair.

"However as I've got slightly older, my hair is starting to thin a little bit.

"I'm not bald, but I am quite conscious about my hair line and the fitness of my hair.

"It's only been fairly recently that my hair has really started to get me down a bit and I've been really self conscious about it - the past year or so.

"I'm constantly on stage and so image is a big, big thing for me and I have to look my best.

"As I'm getting slightly older I want to try and maintain a good head of hair.

"In terms of research, I watched lots of stuff on YouTube and looked into who does them, but it wasn't until I met Lloyd and Simon that I started to feel comfortable and relaxed with the idea.

"I was quite nervous and agitated about the thought of having a hair transplant, but they educated me about the procedure and what it would entail and made me feel at ease with everything."

The Follicular Unit Extraction procedure can take up to eight hours in three stages - incisions, extractions and implants.

Hair root cells are removed and transferred onto hair lines or in balding areas.

It is the least invasive of hair transplant methods and can be completed in just one day.

Follicles taken from the nape of the neck can be used for the procedure and it can also be performed on eyebrows, moustaches and beards.

The singer, who has most recently been touring the UK in musical Footloose, says he has been forced to wear hats because he is so anxious about his thinning hair.

He added: "I'm nervous but I'm really, really excited as well.

"I can't wait to get it done and lose all that self-consciousness about my hair thinning.

"My hair means a lot to me so I have mixed feelings at the minute - it's a big thing but it'll definitely be worth it.

"The thing I'm looking forward to the most is having beautiful locks - long, flowing hair - and not feeling that shame.

"I constantly wear hats these days because I'm hiding what's beneath but I look forward to being free.

"In terms of hairstyles, who knows?

"I've always wanted long hair, but I'll be happy with dense, thick hair with a better hair line - maybe I'll even go back to my spiky days."

Since Wayne Rooney's transplant in 2011, hoards of men have had transplants, which can cost up to £9,000.

But despite a huge rise in men having hair transplants, Gareth believes there is still a stigma attached to the procedure.

He said: "The hardest thing for men is actually getting through the doors into somewhere like KSL and admitting you have something you're not happy with.

"The procedure can make you feel better about yourself and KSL is the perfect place for that.

"Simon and Lloyd have had their hair done and that for me means a hell of a lot as well - if they've had it done and look great I can too.

"Women have their lips done, faces lifted or boobs done and this now is the new thing for men and I don't think there should be any shame about it."

KSL Hair Managing Director Lloyd Hume said: "We get a lot of people Gareth's age in.

"Male pattern baldness is genetic, and we at KSL provide the most viable permanent solution.

"Having a full head of hair is a great confidence booster, and the smile on Gareth's face after the procedure just goes to show that.

"Gareth is very much looking forward to being able to choose any hair style he wants rather than being limited on options - even if he does stick with his trademark spikes."

He follows in the footsteps of other well-known people who have had a transplant at the salon, including former X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden and Michael Hassini from TOWIE.