Men with shaved heads are perceived as more dominant and masculine than other gents, but also seen as taller, stronger and better leaders, according to new research.
University of Pennsylvania researcher Albert Mannes conducted three experiments.
In the first, about 60 people looked at a series of photographs of men of a similar age and wearing similar clothes. The only difference was some were shaved on top while others had a full head of hair. Each man was rated in terms of how powerful, influential and authoritative looked. On average, the shaved heads topped the rankings.
In another study, participants were shown photographs of four men. Each snap was shown twice, once with hair and once without. Each man was perceived as more dominant when they were digitally balded. They were also seen as nearly an inch taller and 13 per cent stronger.
In the final study, Mannes gave participants verbal and written descriptions of men. Some were described as having thick hair, other shaved. Participants were asked to rate masculinity, strength, dominance and leadership potential.
