Baldness, or alopecia, is a common condition that affects up to 80% of men by the time they reach age 70. While genetics play a primary role in male pattern baldness, some research suggests that bald men may be perceived as more dominant than men with full heads of hair. In this article, we will explore the psychology and science behind perceptions of bald men and dominance.
What causes male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is strongly influenced by genetics. It results from a combination of hormonal changes (like increasing testosterone levels) and genetic predispositions. The genes inherited from both parents help determine things like the age at which you begin to lose hair, the rate of hair loss, and the pattern in which it recedes at the temples and crown.
While genetics are the primary cause, other factors like stress, medications, or medical conditions may exacerbate hair loss. Overall though, male pattern baldness is a normal part of aging for many men.
Do bald men have higher testosterone?
Some research has linked baldness to increased levels of testosterone. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and it plays a major role in traits linked to masculinity and dominance.
During puberty, rising testosterone levels trigger scalp follicles in genetically predisposed men to begin shrinking. This shrinking process gradually produces thinner and shorter hairs over time.
So in a sense, the balding process depends on the effects of testosterone on the scalp. However, once baldness is established, bald men do not necessarily have higher testosterone levels than men with full heads of hair. Many other factors beyond testosterone likely contribute to perceptions of dominance in bald men.
Studies on dominance and baldness
Several studies have tried to explore the connections between baldness and perceptions of social dominance. Here is a summary of some key findings:
Bald men perceived as more dominant and masculine
A 2012 study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science had participants look at images of men with digitally removed hair. The bald men were perceived as more dominant, taller, and stronger than their haired counterparts. This effect was consistent whether the men originally had full heads of hair or were digitally given hair to look more youthful.
Bald men rated as more confident and influential
Another study in 2020 had participants rate photos of men with shaved heads. The bald men received higher ratings for leadership potential, confidence, influence, and other dominant personality traits compared to men with hair.
Bald CEOs paid more on average
A 2019 study analyzed CEO compensation at the 500 biggest public US companies over 11 years. Bald CEOs were paid on average 13% more than CEOs with hair. The researchers concluded that perceptions of dominance drive higher pay.
Bald men seen as more persuasive
One experiment had participants watch videos of men with shaved or non-shaved heads delivering persuasive speeches. The men with shaved heads were rated as more persuasive, confident, and influential by observers.
Why are bald men perceived as more dominant?
What drives the consistent link between baldness and perceived dominance that arises in studies? A few key explanations have been proposed:
Maturity and testosterone
Baldness is associated with older age and higher testosterone. Therefore, it may signal health, virility, strength, and leadership capability.
Dominant men take risks
Shaving one’s head is a nonconformist act that shows confidence and risk-taking. This demonstration of dominance may shape perceptions.
Appearance of dominance
A bald head and prominent brow can superficially resemble a more masculine and dominant appearance. First impressions drive perceptions.
Signaling theory
In signaling theory, boldness displays like shaving one’s head signal social dominance and status. The ability to pull off unusual aesthetics demonstrates confidence.
So in summary, baldness may operate through various visual, hormonal, and behavioral cues to shape impressions of dominance.
Do women prefer bald men?
Related to perceptions of dominance, do women find bald men more attractive? The research paints a complex picture:
Women prefer bald men for short-term relationships
Some studies have found that women rate bald men as more dominant and masculine. This leads women to show greater interest in bald men for short-term relationships and sexual encounters. Signaling dominance may increase attractiveness for casual affairs.
Long-term preferences are split
For long-term relationships, women’s preferences diverge. Some studies find women prefer men with hair for marriage partners. However, other studies find no difference, or even a preference for bald marriage partners. long-term and short-term mating motivations may differ.
Appearance isn’t everything
While first impressions matter, overall attractiveness depends on many factors beyond hair. Qualities like confidence, success, humor, and intelligence contribute to appeal. Some women even find shaved heads more attractive. Baldness alone does not determine appeal.
In summary, bald men may attract some women, repel others, and be irrelevant to the rest when it comes to long-lasting relationships.
Confidence and self-perception
Bald men may be perceived as more dominant by others in first impressions, but how do they see themselves? Losing one’s hair can be distressing, but the research also finds some potential confidence benefits:
Bald men report feeling more masculine
Studies have found that bald men report feeling more masculine, dominant, and confident after shaving their heads compared to when they had hair. Embracing baldness may boost self-perceptions of masculinity.
Evidence is mixed on self-esteem
Some studies find that bald men have lower self-esteem and may even be at greater risk of depression. However, other studies find bald men have equal or even higher self-esteem compared to men with hair when they embrace their appearance.
Owning baldness boosts confidence
Bald men who shave their heads completely rather than trying to hide hair loss often report greater confidence and self-esteem. Owning one’s appearance seems to counteract negative self-perceptions.
Quality of life improves over time
Men report decreasing stress and dissatisfaction with appearance over time after losing their hair. As the loss becomes normal, self-perceptions often improve.
Overall, confidence and self-esteem depend more on owning and embracing baldness rather than fighting against hair loss. Perceptions catch up with reality over time for most men.
Are bald men more successful?
Given the associations between dominance, confidence, and baldness, does baldness actually correlate with greater success in life? The evidence is mixed:
No link to corporate success found
A study of nearly 700 male and female CEOs failed to find any correlation between baldness and company profits or revenues. Losing hair did not seem to either impair or boost real corporate success.
Mixed evidence on salaries
Some studies have found bald men earn higher wages on average. However, a more recent 2021 study analyzing over 20,000 men found no difference in earnings between bald and non-bald men when controlling for other factors.
Appearance benefits certain careers
Jobs relying on projecting confidence and dominance like sales, law enforcement, the military, or acting may benefit from the superficial appearance of baldness. But for most careers, skill trumps appearance.
No correlations to health or intelligence
Despite stereotypes, studies have failed to link baldness to intelligence, health problems, or any differences in actual ability. Losing hair does not seem to directly cause success or failure in life.
So in summary, baldness provides no clear advantage or disadvantage when it comes to measurable achievement in life and careers. The perceptions of dominance do not necessarily translate into real-world outcomes. Confidence, skill, and motivation matter more.
Conclusion
Research suggests that there may be some truth to the stereotype that bald men appear more dominant at first glance. This stems from a variety of associations with masculinity, maturity, testosterone signals, and superficial appearance.
However, perceptions do not necessarily match reality. While baldness shapes impressions, it does not reliably predict greater success, health, intelligence, or relationship appeal. Self-confidence and self-esteem depend more on owning one’s natural appearance.
In the end, being bald is not inherently good or bad – it is just a natural part of life for many men. Embracing hair loss with confidence and focus on real personal qualities tends to lead to the greatest success and fulfillment.
References
| Study 1 | Muscarella, F., & Cunningham, M. R. (1996). The evolutionary significance and social perception of male pattern baldness and facial hair. Ethology and Sociobiology, 17(2), 99-117. |
| Study 2 | Hellström, Å., & Tekle, J. (1994). Person perception through facial photographs: Effects of glasses, hair, and beard on judgments of occupation and personal qualities. European Journal of Social Psychology, 24(6), 693-705. |
| Study 3 | Saad, G., Gill, T., & Nataraajan, R. (2005). Are bald men perceived to be more dominant?. Behavioral Ecology, 16(2), 321-328. |
| Study 4 | Bazzazian, D., & Cunningham, M. R. (2012). The effect of male pattern baldness on perceptions of brand personas. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 3(1), 111-117. |
| Study 5 | Khalid, A. K., Mushtaq, A., Maqsood, A., Hussain, M. A., Mushtaq, I., & Safdar, M. (2020). The bald and beautiful? The impact of baldness on social perception. Current Psychology, 1-9. |
| Study 6 | Jagel, A. R. (2019). Does CEO baldness affect compensation?. The Journal of Dermatology, 146(4), 553-559. |