Bald and Bad?

Abstract

Abstract. According to (a) the beauty ideal of a full head of hair and (b) the physical attractiveness stereotype (PAS; “what is beautiful is good”), bald men should appear less attractive than nonbald men, not only physically but also socially. To explain inconsistent results on this prediction in previous research, we suggest two antagonistic processes: the automatic activation of the PAS at the implicit level and its suppression at the explicit level, the latter process selectively triggered by individuating information about the target person. In line with this account, we only found negative social attractiveness ratings for bald men by same-aged women when individuating target information was lacking (Experiment 1). In contrast, irrespective of whether individuating information was available or not, we reliably found evidence for the PAS in different implicit paradigms (the implicit association test in Experiment 2 and a source monitoring task in Experiment 3). We conclude that individuating information about bald men suppresses PAS application, but not PAS activation.

Men’s Baldness Stigma and Body Dissatisfaction

“…We feel these findings are still notable; however, as men were only exposed to five images each and were only asked a single and specific question about facial expressions (i.e., instead of vague and/or multiple questions that could have influenced responses to baldness). These findings complement previous research that has also shown bald men to be negatively stereotyped relative to their non-bald counterparts [41][42][43][44] even when it comes to interpreting their facial expressions.…”

“…Such studies have typically found that men with baldness are rated as less attractive, unsuccessful and older. [41][42][43][44] Although some studies offer conflicting findings showing neutral or even positive connotations with baldness (including increased perceived intelligence and honesty). 41,45 For example, Mannes 44 found that participants rated bald men as more dominant, taller, muscular, older and less attractive than men with full heads of hair.…”

“…Baldness might be a concern only for some men. Previous studies have found 43,62 that those who are balding can and do develop positive perspectives on baldness (e.g., by comparing it with terminal medical conditions). As mentioned, the research on baldness' impact tends to have only studied biased samples of balding men who may be more likely to be distressed than other balding men (e.g., those recruited via a hair loss clinic 37 ).…”

Predictors and Moderators of Quality of Life in Male Users of Anti‐Aging Products

“…In general, when visible physical changes impact psychological and physical well-being, leading to impaired QoL, cosmetics may have a restoring effect on QoL (Ferreira et al, 2016;Rudolph et al, 2019). Male hair loss increases exponentially between the ages of 30 and 40 years (Budd et al, 2000), having a significant effect on QoL (Kranz et al, 2019). Face moisturizer, frequently used by women and men from all age groups, has been reported as appealing because skin is the most noticeable sign of aging, and health and appearance are a fundamental part of overall well-being (Buranasirin et al, 2019).…”

“Just Shave It Off”

“…Specifically, Theme 3 demonstrated resistance on the forums to the notions that baldness was distressing and/or stigmatised. Researchers have found 35,36 that those who are balding can and do develop alternative and more positive perspectives on baldness (including by comparing baldness to terminal medical conditions). Indeed Kranz 12 found that men who accepted their baldness were significantly less distressed than men who attempted to compensate or "reverse" their baldness, and that this was the case regardless of age, especially if baldness was more significant.The findings are particularly pivotal when considered in the broader socio-cultural context, where the idea that baldness must be devastating is widespread and extensively promoted through the process of "commercial medicalisation."…”