Are bald men sexier and more virile than those with luscious locks? Or is this a myth guys just want us to believe?
Turkish barbers pride themselves in superior hair care skills. A team of Turkish researchers from the world of dermatology and Ob/Gyn decided to check out the long-held belief that bald men are more fertile.
The study examined 203 men, all aged around 31 years. Two groups were identified, one with mild, normal hair loss and the other with moderate to severe hair loss.
How do you establish how much hair loss is normal, I wondered. Simple – you use the Hamilton Baldness Scale to keep it all scientific. Male Pattern Baldness – MPB – for those of you with short attention spans is an Androgenetic Alopecia. Hormones and complex genetic factors affect hair growth – and loss.
Paradoxically, high levels of testosterone – and very low levels – contribute to male pattern baldness. MPB as it’s known, is associated with serious health risks including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Male Pattern Baldness and Fertility Study Results
The research data reveals that sperm counts are up to 60% lower in men with moderate to severe hair loss. Semen volume was also found to be lower in this group.
The Hamilton Baldness Scale
Developed by Dr Hamilton in the 1950 this scale was upgraded by Dr Norwood in the 1970’s and seems fit for purpose today.
Here are my 7 stages of baldness.
- Full head of hair. No worries.
- Hair receding from the hairline at either side of the forehead.
- Twin tracks ploughing back towards the crown. People commenting.
- Crown hair gets sparse. A ridge of hair remains on top. Toupee alert.
- Flyaway hair persists on top. Horseshoe pattern around sides and back of head. Risk of combover.
- The top ridge of hair fades. Get out the razor.
- Hair is wispy above ears and to the back.
There’s no scientific evidence yet that hair replacement therapy restoreS fertility. It wouldn’t surprise me if it does make a difference. As confidence and well-being soar hormones may surge.
The jury is still out on whether bald men are sexier than those with the full mullet.
Could it be  they just try harder and are better, more accomplished lovers?
