There's a reason why Lex Luthor is traditionally bald. Ok, the real reason is that a studio artist forgot to illustrate him with hair and it stuck, but there's a reason his baldness adds to his bite: Bald men appear more dominant, according to a recent study.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted three separate experiments asking participants to rate photos of men on various characteristics including dominance, confidence, and attractiveness. The study found that bald men were considered more dominant, taller, and stronger.
The study authors wrote that hair is a major form of self-expression, and without it, bald men are making a daring move that may translate to higher perceived dominance. In addition, bald or shaved heads "are often found on men in traditionally masculine professions, so dominance may emerge through stereotypical associations with these figures," according to the authors.
Though this may be good news for those whose hairlines are slowly receding into the ether, there is one unfortunate takeaway from the study: research found the effect only works if you're completely bald, as patchy hair or pattern baldness had the opposite effect and was seen as weak. But you can always shave off those patches and make God bend to your will.
