Bald men, new report says, seen as more powerful, better leaders
For women, one man might surmise, the future brings plenty of dread: wrinkles, laugh lines, sagging, um, appendages.
But where women may be too hard on themselves as they age – don’t you know that sensitive scientists report five in five women don’t know how beautiful they are? – the story is different for men.
We get old, we get fat and we get bald. Only one of these is under our control.
Fear not, though, brothers of bald. According to one new study, men that shave their heads are seen as more dominant, more athletic and better leaders.
Could it really be? One of the top schools in the U.S., the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, says so, publishing a study that quashes the notion men with thinning hair ought to feel a low sense of self-esteem.
*Bing: How much does a hair transplant cost?
Researchers at Wharton based their conclusion on one important experiment. Participants were asked to look at photos of various men, and rank them in categories like attractiveness, perceived size and strength, confidence, leadership ability and how much power they exuded.
Then, researchers showed participants photos of those same men, this time with the hair digitally removed, and asked them to note their same opinions.
The results? A bald man’s dream. Two of the three trials showed that participants viewed bald men as being an inch taller and able to bench press 13 per cent more, on average.
In all three, according to the researchers, the men with shaved heads were thought to have better leadership qualities.
Now, before the George Costanzas out there jump with joy, there is one important caveat. This study doesn’t show that balding people are more powerful and better leaders, but those that have tackled baldness and shaved their thinning hair entirely. So we’re talking Bruce Willis here, not Dr. Phil.
In either case, a world where we can scientifically quantify why people think “Stone Cold” Steve Austin may be strong and more powerful is a good one for balding men.
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: Steve | Oct 6, 2021 8:23:23 AM
If a study can make aging men who have lost their youthful vitality and hair feel good about the result surely, that's a good thing.
Even if the results don't match real world reality as sadly hair follicles loss is typically accompanied by the crushing weight of aging and for many, parenthood.
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So hurrah for you photoshop researchers! Bald men are "dominant, more athletic and better leaders" even if they are denied promotions, attractive women and discounts on conditioner.
Posted by: JML | Oct 6, 2021 1:12:49 PM
When I think of a bald man I immediately think of the one's who are partially bald and still trying to hang onto what's left of their hair by virtue of comb overs, growing what's left of their hair long and excessive facial hair (mustashes and beards). Nothings more unappealling than the aforementioned. You're bald get over it! Shave your head and perhaps you may get that promotion, get that attractive woman and discounts on conditioner.
Posted by: Dr. L. Madison | Oct 6, 2021 7:51:14 PM
@JML... the problem is you don't think. You are an absolute moron. I am partially bald and do not give a rat's behind about it. In fact 99.99% of the men I know are inthe same position, and no one cares. I don't need to shave my head either as you suggest because it is not necessary. Nobody has the right to tell me how I should appear, you moron. By the way, in terms of my career, I make $578,000 per year plus stock options, and other perks that would make you green with envy. So what do you do? Scrub toilets for a living?
Posted by: Vic | Oct 6, 2021 8:22:31 PM
Wow....Dr. Madison......you are apparantly financially successful, unfortunately though; your ability to converse is overshadowed by your egotistical arrogance! I would hope that your designation of Doctor doesn't put you anywhere in the vicinity of a living, breathing patient.
By the way, I started losing my hair at the young age of 17. By the time I was 25 I was wearing the beloved horseshoe of hair. I shaved my head shortly thereafter and have been wearing the opaque look for almost 30 years. I don't need conditioner, I won the wife lottery without the 578k and the stock options! And I have scrubbed toilets, which is better than having my head in it. Have a great day and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: IsItMe? | Oct 6, 2021 8:57:43 PM
Baldness and leadership: I thought I've heard it all!
Posted by: Peter Bains | Oct 6, 2021 9:27:35 PM
Bald guys have it better than fat girls. If you'r a kind thoughtful person you make a good impression on other people. The worst thing is a bald guy going for the comb over and a fat girl with real bad atitude.