Why Women Find Bald Guys Attractive, According To Science
Men, it's time to take off that cover you've been wearing and let it all hang out. We're talking about the hat on your head. Genetics, hormones, and age are three main factors to take into consideration when it comes to male pattern baldness. According to Medical News Today, as hormone levels change, hair follicles on the scalp shrink, resulting in shorter hair until no hair is left. While this may leave some feeling insecure, according to science, it might not be in your best interest to be hiding your bald head. We know, it must be music to men's ears knowing that in addition to a 'dad bod' being attractive, a bald head can actually place you on a woman's radar. Here's why some women find bald men attractive.
Woman's Day reports that a study done by the University of Pennsylvania found that bald men were seen as more dominant and successful by everyone around them. The study's leader, scientist Albert E. Mannes (worth noting that he was also bald), showed 59 participants two photos of the same man. In one photo, the man had a full head of hair, and in the second photo, he was bald. The findings reported the participants found the same man to be more dominant, strong, and overall more successful with a bald head.
A shaved head can be a sign you're active with your decisions
Luckily for men who are debating on a 'power buzz,' or have already said adios to their strands long ago, being bald screams more about your decision-making skills than it does about your age. Tech-entrepreneur Seth Godin tells the Wall Street Journal, "I'm not saying that shaving your head makes you successful, but it starts the conversation that you've done something active," he says.
In addition to being seen as attractive and more dominant, a hair-free head can also make a man appear wiser. A study done by psychologist Ronald Henss, with over 20,000 subjects, alluded to findings that bald men are evaluated as being wiser and more intelligent, Woman's Day shares. Additionally, the University of Pennsylvania study found that men with bald patches or thinning hair were actually seen as less attractive than their fully bald counterparts.
A shaved head can be seen as a sign of better leadership skills
While bald men are seen as more dominant, they may also appear to have better leadership skills, according to the study from the University of Pennsylvania. According to CBC News, Mannes, the study's leader, conducted three experiments. In addition to showing some participants two photos of the same men with and without hair, Mannes also gave physical descriptions of the men to some participants without giving photos. Participants were then asked to give their impressions of the men.
In all experiments, participants perceived the bald men to have slightly better leadership skills. Bald men appeared to exude more power, the study revealed. As for Mannes, he decided to shave his head after starting to go bald in his 30s. "After fighting it for a while, one day I just decided to shave it off," he told the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business (via CBC News).
A shaved head can be seen as a sign of confidence
The University of Pennsylvania study had participants look at photos of men around the same age, some with and without hair, and then rank them over several categories (via CBC News). Some categories included leadership ability, attractiveness, and confidence. According to Psychology Today, study participants found bald men to be 6% more confident. Participants came to this conclusion during the second experiment of the study when they were shown photos of men with a full head of hair and then photos of them bald. The only difference between the photos was hair, and everything else remained the same, because hair was digitally removed.
Many men shave their heads because they're going bald while others shave their heads because of personal preference. Either way, by the time men turn 50, about half of them will experience some type of male pattern baldness. Plus, in addition to confidence, study participants, both men and women, perceived bald men to be a little more agreeable as well.
Other common perceptions the study revealed
Believe it or not, participants from the University of Pennsylvania study perceived bald men to also be a bit taller (via Psychology Today). It was during the second experiment of the study, when hair was digitally removed from the first photo, that participants rated bald men as being about an inch taller. Men with "thinning" hair seemed to fare the worst compared to both bald men and men with a full head of hair.
In addition to being taller, study participants also perceived bald men to be several years older than their actual age, according to Psychology Today. Participants came to this conclusion after the second experiment was conducted. Bald men were perceived to be nearly four years older after their hair was digitally removed.
So now that you have proof backed by science, don't be afraid to take the leap and commit to what is arguably the easiest hairstyle of them all. Besides your hair, what have you got to lose?
Celebrities embracing bald heads
From Bruce Willis to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, some celebrities have been rocking a bald head for years — and it's paying off. In 2016, Johnson, who is bald, was named PEOPLE's "Sexiest Man Alive," according to People. At the time, the "Rampage" star said it had taken him a lot of time to become comfortable in his skin. The now 50-year-old humbly believes his sense of humor and confidence are a couple of reasons why his fans love him, adding he also takes care of his skin by exfoliating it.
Some celebrities, like Bruce Willis, even sported a shaved head for a movie role, then never looked back. Insider reports Willis was originally a brunette until his hair started to thin. He ultimately shaved it, saying a bald head did not make him any less of a man. Willis, 67, even ranked third on GQ's list of the most powerful bald men in the world.
In addition to Willis, actors Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, and Samuel L. Jackson also made the list (via GQ). When Jackson started losing his hair, he went to his wig consultant for help (via Insider). After being told he could create any look with a wig, Jackson made the decision to completely shave his head.