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Bald male perceived as a sign of success and dominance
Hair loss is a common problem for men. Many men lose their hair completely over the course of their lives or the hair becomes thinner and thinner over time, until those affected are forced to shave off the rest of their hair as well. If you have similar problems with your hair, there is good news for you now: bald men are considered to be more self-confident, dominant, and successful.
In their recent research, the scientists found that most people perceive men with a bald head as more successful and dominant. The University of Pennsylvania reports in a statement on the results of the Shorn Scalps and Perception of Male Dominance study.
Hair loss is a common problem in men. But what to do if you are one of those affected and start losing your hair? And how do men without hair affect the people around them? (Image: Family Business / fotolia.com) Participants rate images of men with and without hair
In the study, the researchers created three different tests for female and male students. Participants were asked to rate pictures of different men for their attractiveness, trustworthiness and dominance, the experts explain. Some of the pictures showed the same man twice, where he was shown on a picture with full hair, in the other picture, the man had a bald head.
Bald-headed men were considered more dominant
The participants rated the bald men as more dominant and generally self-confident. In addition, the physicians found that the participants rated men without hair on average by almost an inch larger and also a little stronger. Since only the hair of the men were changed, other factors for the different evaluations of the pictures could not be considered.
Men without hair were rated lower in attractiveness
In terms of attractiveness, the bald men, however, did not fare so well. The attractiveness was rated lower among men with a bald spot by the subjects, compared with their full-haired images, the authors explain.
Are bald men more successful in negotiations?
One reason for the poorer attractiveness may be that a shaven or hairless head is atypical or unusual. Attractiveness correlates with what is prototypical or average, the researchers explain. The shaving or removal of the hair seems to have a complex effect on how men are perceived by their environment. Given the results of the study, the scientists speculate that bald men may be more economical or successful in negotiating because of their more dominant appearance. Apart from the diminishing attractiveness, the remaining results are good news for bald people.
Hair loss is widespread in men
About 85 percent of all men have significantly thinner hair at the age of 50 years. When men completely lose their hair, this process usually begins relatively early. In about 25 percent of men who suffer from baldness, hair loss begins at the age of 21 years, say the doctors.
Bald-headed men are generally considered older
However, there is still bad news for all people with a bald head. The physicians found in their study that the formation of a bald head in men leads to a misjudgment about the age of those affected. Bald headed men are on average four years older than men with head hair, say the scientists.
Expert advice: When the hair gets thinner, just shave off
If your hair starts to get thinner, the study researchers have a suggestion for you: just shave off all the hair. Instead of trying to reverse hair loss like millions of men, you should simply shave off the remaining hair. Thus, those affected could improve their well-being by ending what Mother Nature has already begun. A shaved head in men shows that they have actively taken a decision and stand by their baldness, according to the researchers. (As)