You're staring at the mirror, running your fingers through thinning hair, wondering, will I look better bald or hold onto every last strand?
I've been there. At first, I tried to fight it by trying hair growth solutions that didn't work. Eventually, I shaved it all off and felt a sense of relief and freedom I hadn't experienced in years.
If you're still on the fence or ready to take the plunge, our insights may help you decide which style suits you and why it might be time to embrace a new look.
Why is Bald Better than Balding? The Pros of Being Bald
Before we settle this debate, let's define bald and balding first.
Bald can be fully bald like Vin Diesel, shaved using rotary, foil, or manual razors, or bald with a bit of stubble like Jason Statham, shaved using hair clippers or trimmers.
Balding is when you start losing your hair either through male pattern baldness, which has no cure, or temporary hair loss like telogen effluvium or getting treated for cancer.
Whatever the reason for hair loss, here's why bald is better than balding:
You Look Better and Younger
For me and most head shavers, shaving it off was the best decision we ever made. We look better and younger compared to balding. If you're in the late stages of male pattern baldness like me, it's better to shave it all off than sport a "power donut" or be bald on top with hair on the sides.
Late-stage balding looks untidy and makes you look older. Balding is always associated with old age. Just look at what George Costanza would look like if he shaved his head and grew some facial hair compared to what he looked like while rocking the balding look:
A study shows bald men are perceived as taller, more confident, and dominant. Men who embrace their baldness show confidence compared to those who hide it by wearing wigs or hats. Look at today's leading men like Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and Jason Statham; they all rock a smooth dome.
Other benefits of head shaving include:
Saving time and money on haircuts
Attract more women
Enjoy cooler summers
Highlight facial features
The Cons of Balding
I can't think of any pros of balding or losing hair, only cons. Unless, of course, you are going for the George Costanza look.
Once you start losing hair, you can experience:
shame
anxiety
stress
low self-esteem
insecurity
If, for some reason (like unsightly scars), you prefer not to shave your head, you can always wear a hat, put on wigs or try minoxidil. There are also head shapes that don't look good shaved, which is another reason for reconsidering a head shave.
The problem with wearing hats is what if you're indoors? You'll need to remove them from time to time. Minoxidil? It may help delay male pattern baldness, but you won't win in the end; you're still balding but delaying it. When you start taking minoxidil, you should take it for life for the best results. And what about the potential side effects? Wigs, what if you're out on a windy day and it slips?
Never do combovers, especially if you have significant thinning. For the best hairstyles for bald on top, click the link to see what suits you.
Should You Shave Your Head?
While 53% of men experience male pattern baldness between the ages of 40 and 49, it can hit you in your teens, too. I could imagine how you must feel if baldness hits you that young. You may think that your future is doomed!
Nope, hair isn't everything and is only a part of who you are. Shaving your head is a powerful choice, a statement of self-acceptance and confidence, no matter when pattern hair loss occurs.
I find it strange, but there are balding gents who prefer balding and sporting that power donut. To each his own. If you think you look better with combovers and horseshoe patterns at the back of your head, that's your choice and it's okay. The key is to rock it with confidence.
Some even think George Costanza's balding look is better than his bald look.
As long as you can rock it confidently and gracefully, that's fine, too.
So You've Finally Decided to Shave? Here are Your Options
Full Bald
If you're in the late stage of male pattern baldness, the only way to get rid of the dreaded horseshoe pattern is to go fully bald. The horseshoe is a sign of balding that makes us look untidy and older, and that's what we want to get rid of by shaving.
Before you shave, you need a tool if you prefer to DIY instead of going to the barber.
The Freebird FlexSeries Pro is what we recommend for a fully bald style:
It's an upgraded version of the best-selling FlexSeries classic with notable upgrades like:
A travel lock
An 8500 RPM Smart Adaptive Motor
Longer 90-minute battery life
IPX7 waterproofing
Enhanced four-blade design with independent foils
Larger hair capture chamber
Two-part blade system for easier cleaning
Anti-slip coating and rubber grips
You'll also get $60 worth of freebies, including:
Upgraded Precision Clipper
3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
Advanced Nose & Ear Trimmer
Micro Cleaning Brush
The FlexSeries Pro is a good investment for your bald-head journey.
Pick it up over here for only $69.95.
Buzz Cut
If you're in the early stages of the Norwood scale, a buzz cut is an excellent hairstyle to consider. Jason Statham is the best example of a bald man rocking a buzz cut.
A buzz is also a good transition haircut if going completely bald is too aggressive for you.
We recommend the BeardSeries Trimmer from Freebird. Its powerful 5200 RPM motor with sharp stainless steel blades can give you a buzz cut in minutes. The BeardSeries has a long 60-minute battery life and a travel lock for shaving on the go.
You don't need to buy another shaver if you decide to grow a beard. The beard series can groom your head, beard, and body.
Get one now for only $59.95.
For a step-by-step shaving guide, click the link to read our comprehensive guide.
The Bottom Line
Choosing to shave your head isn't only about aesthetics. It's a bold statement of self-acceptance and confidence.
While balding can lead to negative feelings of anxiety and insecurity, opting for a clean shave can boost your confidence and make you look better.
For the latest bald men's fashion, read our guide and look your best.
FAQs
What If I Don't Like My Shaved Head?
You can always grow your remaining hair back if you don't like how you look shaved. You can consider other options, like:
Scalp Micropigmentation
Hair transplants
Finasteride
Minoxidil
Wigs
Hats
Can I Still Wear Hats After Shaving My Head?
Absolutely! Many bald individuals enjoy wearing hats as part of their style. Hats are now a fashion piece and are used for extra sun protection and keeping your bald head warm. You don't wear them to hide your balding head any longer. Just remember to take care of your scalp by applying sunscreen outdoors to protect it from UV rays.
What If I Have Scars or Unevenness on My Scalp?
If you have concerns about scars or unevenness, consider consulting a dermatologist for treatment options. You can also experiment with different hairstyles or consider wearing hats until you feel comfortable with your look.
