Why Do Men Shave Their Heads?
Dear Ask a Stylist, Why do so many men shave their heads? —Richard
Dear Richard,
To shave, or not to shave: That is the question!
There are a few reasons a man might shave his head. The number one reason is because he is going bald. Men have also shaved to show support for loved ones going through chemo or to signify unity within a group or team.
Crescent LoMonaco
Beyond that, I think there’s an ulterior motive at hand. Perhaps the guy is on a journey to transform his look. What look is he going for? Let’s categorize a few bald heads to help us try and understand.
Category One: Fictional bald guys. Homer Simpson. Uncle Fester. Dr. Evil. It’s safe to say that most men would not want to fall into Category One. Fictional bald men may be funny, menacing, or evil. Apparently though, most aren’t taken very seriously. For that reason, I think most men do not shave their head in hopes of fitting into Category One.
Category Two: Sexy bald guys. Sean Connery (1989 People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive). Patrick Stewart (1992 People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive). Michael Jordan. Daughtry. Most men would happily fall into this category if given the option. To be sexy and not have to worry about having a bad hair day — who would argue with that?
Category Three: Bald guys who could kick your @$$! Ving Rhames. Vin Diesel. Bruce Willis. I’ve known a couple of “tough guys” in my day who shaved their heads hoping (although not admitting) to fit into this category. The look can be intimidating, especially when coupled with some menacing facial hair.
Category Four: Women who wish they were in Category Three. Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Sinead O’Connor, Sigourney Weaver. Enough said.
Category Five: Guys whose heads I’d like to personally shave. Donald Trump. Phil Spector. Dog the Bounty Hunter. I’m officially offering my professional services, free of charge, to shave the head any of the men I’ve listed in Category Five. No matter what your head looks like bald, it will be an improvement over what you currently have.
Ultimately, a man just won’t know what he’ll look like until he shaves his head. If you’re daring, go for it! It will grow back! Remember, no matter what you look like, you’ll always have someone “Who loves you, baby!”
Performance by folk-pop singer/songwriter, plus guests Joe Brooks and Tyler ... Read More
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Comments
Can't STAND the shaved head thing. It's just icky.
And now it seems every man is doing it...and they're even doing it to their children.
Can't wait for this fad to go away.
Holly (anonymous profile)
January 20, 2010 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's hard to understand why anyone would shave their head. It's funny looking, un-natural. But hair must have an evolutionary advantage, like it protects the brain from impact, from sun or cold. Does not make sense.
micaelm (anonymous profile)
January 20, 2010 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
some are not slaves to fashion and enjoy a rebirth that requires shaving your head. "If you’re daring, go for it! It will grow back! "
spacey (anonymous profile)
January 20, 2010 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I shave my head because it's a lot easier to take care of, and looks better than my white-boy fro... it's not to look like someone else, to fit into a group, or because I'm balding.
robert (Robert LeBlanc)
January 22, 2010 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)