Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
My dad went bald so early that even his pictures as a young groom show a seriously receding hairline. He always embraced it and I grew up thinking that male baldness was preferable to a full hair of head.
And a new study confirms that this is the way to go:
The study, conducted at the University of Trier in Germany, asked 160 men, ages 18 to 30 years old, how they coped with hair loss.
Those who tried hair replacement strategies were more stressed than those who did not.
Those men who tried medicine were often disappointed because of the side effects and cost. McKee said it can help a man to look toward a role model.“(Hair loss is) related to your mother’s father, there’s a hereditary link there. So my maternal grandfather was bald, and he was a great guy,” McKee said. “It didn’t seem to hurt him in life."
So there you go, bald men of Ricochet. The key is to embrace it. And then you'll look like Patrick Stewart here.
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Comments:
Mar '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
Here! Here! There is little so ridiculous as a man trying to conceal his true appearance. This vanity is reserved for women. Aging rock stars are some of the worst offenders.
May '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
Dare to be bald!!! Fly your testosterone flag proudly, you gorgeous, manly men!
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
My maternal grandfather took a full head of hair with him to heaven. I, on the other hand, ended up with a bald spot in the shape of a continent that was fast reaching "Too Big To Fail" status. So I dispensed with the whole enterprise. Nice to know I was making a fashion statement. I've also been told that I now bear a resemblance to G. Gordon Liddy. Wanna buy some gold?
Jul '10
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
Bald is so common that I don't know why it's an issue. I don't give a thought to a man's baldness, unless he's obviously trying to overcome it in an unnatural way. It's MUCH preferable to the comb-over which is especially amusing in even the slightest breeze. Do the comb-over guys think they're fooling anyone? Patrick Stewart looks happy and healthy.
Jun '10
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
About five years ago, one of my daughters said to me, "Dad, it's time you quit pretending to have hair." I went to the bathroom, pulled out the clipper, put the guard on 1/16", and buzzed it. It was the most liberating moment of my life (even better than getting my driver's license).
I can't read "A Christmas Carol" as well as Patrick Stewart, but we both spend the same amount of time each day on hair care: less than one minute for shampoo. Haven't been to a barber or "stylist" since.
Speaking of comb-overs, they're known in my family as the "sideburns from hell."
Edited on September 14, 2011 at 5:31pmFeb '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
As one with a full head of (graying) hair in my 50's, the only thing lamer than a comb-over or rug is a man with a bad dye job (which is pretty much ANY dye job in my opinion...)
Dec '10
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
I'm in the same camp as you, Pete. Going bald has never been a point of stress. But I've found myself over the past couple of years feeling a little envy to those that do the shaved look. I've grown to hate having to go get my hair cut. Don't know why, I just do.
And having said that, it's approaching 9 am PDT, which is when Supercuts opens, so I have to go.
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
I've got no problem with bald, either. My dad has always been bald, so I grew up thinking that was just the way men were supposed to look.
If a man's going to have hair though, he should never dye it. A head of gray or silver hair on men is very attractive.
Feb '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
Diane Ellis, Ed.: I've got no problem with bald, either. My dad has always been bald, so I grew up thinking that was just the way men were supposed to look.
If a man's going to have hair though, he should never dye it. A head of gray or silver hair on men is very attractive. · Sep 14 at 8:54am
What about women? Do you tell them to dye or not dye also?
Jun '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
My grandfather used to tell me that we were all born with the same male hormones, and he didn't want to waste his growing hair......
Jul '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
I'll see your Patrick Stewart and raise you a Yul Brynner.
Aug '10
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
tabula rasa: About five years ago, one of my daughters said to me, "Dad, it's time you quit pretending to have hair." I went to the bathroom, pulled out the clipper, put the guard on 1/16", and buzzed it. It was the most liberating moment of my life (even better than getting my driver's license).
· Sep 14 at 8:29am
Edited on Sep 14 at 08:31 am
I had the same liberating experience with the electric clippers, and I will never go back. If you let the fringe get too long, you get the "clown" look favored by liberal college professors everywhere. On the weekends, I play in a rock band, and while some of my peers in the local music scene feel it necessary to cover the pate with a hat (a la Paul Simon), I resist that impulse. It's easy for Patrick Stewart to let his bald flag fly because he's a seriously handsome guy. But look how much better even an average guy like Rudy Giuliani started looking when he stopped trying to "fake it".
May '10
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
What about younger men?
I've long been in the habit of shaving my hair down to about a quarter-inch every couple months. It saves me money and the hassle of having to worry about my appearance in the morning. But I have never shaved it completely off. I'm curious what scars lie beneath.
May '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
I lost my hair between 19 and 21 y.o. (Thanks Grandpa L.) All I can say to the study is
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May '10
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
Hmmm. What about those guys, like myself, who have a full head of hair and look as though they always will?
I agree with the overall premise that baldness is better than a comb-over. But is my hair somehow "less preferable"?
Mar '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
Balding, and entirely comfortable with it. If I was single, maybe it would be an issue. :-)
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
Brandon Zaffini: Hmmm. What about those guys, like myself, who have a full head of hair and look as though they always will?
I agree with the overall premise that baldness is better than a comb-over. But is my hair somehow "less preferable"? · Sep 14 at 9:40am
Different strokes for different folks, man!
Feb '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
The question I have is, is it Patrick Stewart's studly looks and bald pate that make him so attractive, or the voice? Just him saying, "Make it so, Number One" sends a tingle up my spine...
Mar '11
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
I shaved my head once and I assure you that I looked nothing like Patrick Stewart. My conclusion was: If your handsome, you'll be hansome bald; if not, you won't be. (I'd like to grow it back, but I can't get past the sticking-straight-up phase. So I'm stuck at a half inch. Not a pretty picture.)
May '10
Re: Science: Bald Really Is Beautiful
If only baldness looked okay on women... :-\