A recent study reports bald men are found to be more attractive, confident and dominant.

For years I’ve been urging listeners and patients to embrace their receding their hairline and shave their heads rather than struggling to maintain their precious locks.  So many men who’ve donned the clean-shaven look have overshadowed their hairy competitors. Just look at Bruce Willis (image above).

Now a study out of the University of Pennsylvania confirms that people find bald men more attractive.

Researchers asked male and female college students to rate attractiveness, confidence and dominance after viewing pictures of men with hair and then their hair digitally removed.  Although shaving one’s head made the subject appear 4 years older, they were found to be at an advantage in all categories.

Maybe it’s because we grew up seeing Mr. Clean with his bald head and ripping muscles make our mom’s giggle when she cleaned the house.  Maybe its because of the myth that balding could signify high testosterone.

What causes baldness?

Hair is made in follicles within the skin and grows for about three years until it sheds and new hair grows.  Hair loss (alopecia) occurs when hair follicles shrink and smaller, thinner hairs grow, lasting shorter and shorter times.

Genetics play a huge factor, with the most influential genes coming from mother’s X chromosome, which came from her father.  So maternal and paternal genes can both be responsible for baldness.

Sex hormones, androgens, can cause male pattern baldness.  Medications (such as anabolic steroids), illness such as low thyroid and diabetes, and cancer can cause hair loss as well.   A recent study found Prostaglandin D2 protein may block hair growth in those who suffer male pattern baldness. It’s believed 80% of men under 70 will have some receding hairline.

Although hair offers many protective elements, especially from the sun, male pattern hair loss is not considered dangerous.  And study authors suggest rather than spending time, money and energy on hair loss treatment, embrace the scalp.  It's sexy….

Yul Brynner, The King and I

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Daliah Wachs is a guest contributor to GCN news.  Doctor Wachs is an MD,  FAAFP and a Board Certified Family Physician.    The Dr. Daliah Show , is nationally syndicated M-F from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm and Saturday from Noon-1:00 pm (all central times) at GCN.