Success looks different to everyone. To some, it’s carrying a briefcase and wearing a suit. To others it’s walking your child to school. But did you ever think it would have anything to do with how much hair you’ve got? Research has found that baldness can make you appear more powerful and intelligent. If you are bald, here’s why you should put down the serum and embrace that shiny head!
Studies on baldness
The University of Pennsylvania’s Albert Mannes conducted studies around the perceptions of bald men. He found that men with shaved heads were seen as more dominant, taller and stronger. The experiment even showed images of men with hair and the levels of dominance and strength were heightened when participants were shown digitally altered images of the same men with bald heads.
Another study by Ronald Henss of the University of Saarland showed that bald men were perceived as more intelligent and as better fathers. However, they were also rated as less attractive than those wearing toupees for the experiment.
In both studies, however, the same did not go for men with bald spots. Thinning hair was seen as less attractive and less successful. So, men with extremely thin or bald spots could arguably improve their image by shaving it off!
Read more: Being Happy Makes You Live Longer, Because Science
What does this mean?
There is no scientific proof that suggests your hair status has any real bearing on your current or future success. The people who matter in your life will care more about your personality and skills than how active your hair follicles are, so you aren’t limiting your prospects by retaining a head full of hair. Mannes argues that stereotypical associations could be the reason for these findings, with most people associating ‘traditionally masculine’ professions with men with shaved or bald heads. As these assumptions are based on looks alone, they’re only really useful for first impressions and are unlikely to have a lasting effect on how successful you’re thought to be.
How to look successful
If you’re not a bald man, fear not! There are, of course, other ways to exude professional success that don’t rely on genetics. Appearing successful isn’t all about looks, either. Here are some of the best ways to increase your likelihood of success from Entrepreneur.com.
Fake it ‘til you make it
This old saying may not work for everything but it does have some truth behind it. Forcing your body to act a certain way can trick your brain into believing it’s true. For example, smiling can make you feel happy when you weren’t before. Assuming the confidence and assured-ness of someone successful won’t change your fortunes overnight, but the positivity and determination you feel will help you in the long run.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help on your journey to success. If you don’t know the answer to something, it’s not going to present itself to you in a dream, and not knowing could cause you to come a cropper later. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Whether you ask a person or spend some time reading a book or flicking through search engine results, admitting what you don’t know and taking the time to learn will help you to earn the respect of your peers and propel you forwards.
Dress to impress
As these studies show, image does play a huge part in first impressions. Beyond your hair, what you wear can do wonders for the impression you make when meeting new people, so if you’re going for a job interview, meeting your partner’s parents for the first time or giving a presentation at work, looking the part can be the best way to help you feel the part, too. Whether it’s a well tailored suit or a casual combo, dress right for the situation, and it’ll give you the confidence boost you need to give it your best shot!
So, the key to success lies in your actions, not in a head of hair or a bit of baldness!
