Study: Baldness Can Make Men Appear Dominant, Strong
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- For many men, thinning hair causes anxiety and low self-esteem, but now, incredible new research about baldness that could stop the insecurity and boost your confidence at work and at home.
As CBS 2's Maurice DuBois reported, it goes without saying that few men claim to like going bald.
"It's hard to accept," said Dr. Richard Mizuguchi, "because it's the one thing that everybody sees. It's the first thing they notice when you walk in a room."
But now, being bald may have its advantages, according to a new study out of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
"Men, when pictured with shaved heads, are viewed as more dominant, more masculine and in some cases even physically taller and stronger than men with hair," said Wharton Professor Al Mannes.
Mannes conducted the study. He showed test subjects photos of the same men -- with and without hair -- and found bald men were considered more dominant -- even physically stronger -- than those with fuller manes.
Perceptions on hair -- it would seem -- are changing.
"I think that it can be, it can be a sign of strength," one woman said.
When one thinks about famous bald men everybody knows – such as Bruce Willis, Yul Brynner, and Magic Johnson -- in many cases, they do bring to mind strength and leadership.
Men spend millions of dollars a year on hair transplants, pills, hair regrowth serums and shampoos. But Mannes says save your money and shave it all off, because he found people feel the act of head-shaving--feeds into the perception of dominance--especially with women.
"I think it's sexy. I think it says you are confident enough, you don't need hair on your head, and you're not straggling on o those last couple strands of hair trying to make it work," one woman said.
But not every man agrees with the results of this study.
"I think men got it all wrong," a man said. "Masculinity has nothing to do with how much hair you have on your head. It's how you interact with people, how you treat people; your self-confidence."
According to the research, bald men do enjoy more power and respect. But Mannes also found being bald doesn't mean you are handsome.
According to the study, men with shaved heads were considered less attractive and older-looking than those with thick heads of hair.
"They may be viewed as more dominant and more masculine, but they are viewed as less attractive, so hair is still a symbol of beauty," Mannes said.
Mannes says he hopes his findings helps balding guys feel better about themselves and stop feeling self-conscious about their shiny scalps.
Do you think there are benefits to baldness? Leave your comments below...
