Bald and Bearded: What’s the deal?

 Oh no, you think! I’m only 25, and my hairline is receding. Year by year, your hair retreats like land being lost to the sea. You cling onto hope. You try combovers; you grow out the fringe: to no avail. Then, one day, you bite the bullet. Bring on the shaver; you’re going full Lex Luthor. For many men, male pattern baldness is a difficult process: a condition you can’t hide. It’s seen as a misfortune.

But is it really?

There’s a classic look we’ve all seen: the bald and bearded. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Jeff Bridges, Bruce Willis, Patrick Stewart: Hollywood is packed with handsome hunks rocking the no hair, all beard aesthetic.

Indeed, it may be one of the best styles for men. Below we explore why.

It’s super attractive

Yes, you read that right. Far from being a turn-off, women love bald men with strong beards. In one survey, women reported finding men with beards more masculine, dominant, and stronger. They even thought they were taller too, by a full ½ inch!

Little wonder then those large swathes of women love the bald-beard look. It’s distinctive, powerful, refined. Think of the list of celebs above. Bruce Willis has been a sex symbol for decades, never more than when he sported a magnificent full-beard. Meanwhile, Fast and Furious stars Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, and Vin Diesel have all grown out their beards.

So, stop dreaming of a hair transplant. Bald and bearded won’t ever go out of fashion.

You grow better beards

What’s the science behind baldness? An imbalance between the male sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes DHT to attack hair follicles leading to atrophy and hair loss. As you age, the condition progresses until you’re completely bald.

But not all hair disappears.

The same hormone – DHT – that causes a drought of hair up top causes a thick and luscious beard. It’s a trade-off. That means you’re far less likely to deal with patchy growth like your full-headed kin. So, grow out your beard and be proud.

What’s the best beard for bald men?

Choosing a beard is like choosing a hairstyle. It all depends on your face shape and style. That being said, there are a few contenders worthy of our attention.

Here’s a rundown.

Full beard

Don’t mess around. Or, as the ladies might say, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Full-beards transform a face. They change the shape, the structure, the aesthetic. Just ask Bruce Willis. This universal style suits almost all men but does require quite a bit of TLC to keep it looking trim and clean. Still, you can’t go far wrong with this classic look.

Goatee

If it’s good enough for Bryan Cranston as the legendary teacher-turned-meth-dealer Walter White, then it’s good enough for us. Hell, even the Rock has gotten in on the style. It’s much easier to manage than a full beard but with a distinctive effect, it’s well worth trying it out.

Fancy a little bit more flair. Turn your goatee into a Van Dyke, complete with a handlebar mustache and pointed beard. Now that’s a look to turn heads!

Heavy stubble

Don’t waste your time with light stubble. Commit! Indeed, studies show that heavy stubble was judged most attractive by women: even more than a full beard. Plus, if you fancy going for a stronger look, you’re all set for a full beard. For men with a weaker jawline, however, heavy stubble may not change your facial shape sufficiently. Again, it’s all a matter of preference.

The only question is: what’s your next style?