Oh, Who are You Trying to Kid?

There’s been a bit of research done that suggests that men who shave their heads are perceived as stronger, more virile, more masculine, even macho as compared to their before shaved head image.  Speaking as an appreciator of the male form in all its variety, I can honestly say that it ain’t necessarily so.

Some men with a full stock of hair will shave their heads, but it’s more commonly men who have a less than ideal hereditary hairline who will take this path.  For what?  Do you hate the hair that’s still there or something?  Maybe you’re trying to get it over with earlier than it would have happened anyway?  In either case, Gentleman, trust me – unless you’re a slave to keeping your skull skin absolutely clear of stubble, everybody knows where your line of genetically determined demarcation begins and ends. 

The study further suggested that the possible explanation as to why those who chose to shave their heads are perceived as stronger and more virile is because they chose to shave it in the first place, that it takes chutzpah to make the decision to not accept the process as it’s handed down, grab the razor or shaver and take it all off, Baby.  I get that.  It can be a solid statement of defiance against what society sadly perceives as looking older and less than perfect, with the man instead turning his appearance into something of his own choosing.  If that’s the case, then I applaud the decision.  But, if it’s because he’s only trying to disguise the fact that his hair is disappearing faster than a glacier in warm weather, then he’s doing it for the wrong reason.

I’ve always appreciated men who can see beyond the surface and can do no less for them.  I don’t care so much about what’s on or not on their heads so much as what’s in them.  Intelligence, wisdom and humor mean more to me than a full head of hair, a balding pate or a shaved skull ever could.  Like a car, the body may be a little rough, but it’s what’s under the hood that counts.

So, Gentleman, shave that head or don’t, but do it knowing you’re not impressing me as any more virile by what you look like after the choice is made.  Self-confidence doesn’t necessarily come from what we do to ourselves, so much as what we do for ourselves and others.