Do you like bald men with ponytails? If the answer is no, then this blog post is for you.
The topic of bald men with ponytails has sparked a heated debate on whether or not it’s a good or bad men’s hairstyle. The answer seems obvious to those not wearing the bald ponytail. Let’s get the answer.
What is the definition of a bald man with a ponytail?
A bald man with a ponytail is a man who has no hair on his head but wears his remaining hair in a ponytail. This look is often considered being bad because it can be seen as a form of balding denial. Those who have this hairstyle are often seen as eccentric and aging hippies who have not accepted their hair loss.
This look is also not usually accepted by other bald men, who view it as being out of date and irrelevant.
Where does this Hairstyle Originate From?
The style is popular throughout history and is found in many parts of the world and cultures. Seen most often in warrior cultures.
Egyptian Sidelock
The bald men with ponytail hairstyle originated from the Egyptians. The style was given to the pharaoh’s son but would always be cut when they came of age and became pharaoh.
Japanese Chonmage
In Japanese culture, the Samurai would wear a similar style – the Chonmage and is most commonly associated with the Edo period (1603–1867). The shaved head and ponytail knot originated as a way of using hair to hold a Samurai Kabuto helmet steady atop the head in battle.
Over time, it became a status symbol among Japanese society. In its traditional form, the top of the head is shaved and the remaining hair is oiled and waxed before being tied into a small tail folded onto the top of the head in the characteristic topknot.
Today, the Chonmage is sometimes worn by sumo wrestlers and variations seen in fictional stories like Avatar.
Viking Shaved Bald with Ponytail
In Norse warrior culture, the Viking men were believed to wear a ponytail with a bald, shaved head.
There’s some evidence to the contrary, but shows like Vikings and Ragnar Lothbrok and Floki have sensationalized the look.
Vikings also wore braided styles like the one below. It requires a shaved head with intricate braids wrapped into a ponytail. The style is intense and wouldn’t work for the office or casual settings.
Think a Bald Head with a Ponytail Looks Good?
There are so many hairstyle options for balding men and the ponytail is not one of them. A ponytail with a bald head is almost as bad as a comb-over because it screams the same thing – I’m trying to hang on to my hair. It just doesn’t work.
In my opinion, the buzz cut is one of the best alternatives to shaving it all off completely and would look better than the image below.
Let’s be Fair… the Bald Ponytail can Work
While with some extreme styles like the one below, many men might have trouble pulling the style off. He’s also shaved and not bald – so it’s a beast look with the full beard. It totally works under these circumstances.
Why is the Bald and Ponytail Look so Bad?
Many people find the bald head ponytail look awkward and believe it’s not in style. The hair is pulled back into a small bun at the nape of the neck, which gives the worst bald head look.
This style is not popular, and never was, plus few men can pull it off. The ponytail is typically wispy and curly, then it becomes easily greasy and unclean, making the man look even more unkempt.
People can also be very insensitive and judgemental. Even making Genie from Aladdin references. It’s better to embrace being bald than be at the “tail” end of a cruel joke.
Does Pulling Hair in a Ponytail Cause Hair Loss?
Hairstyles that pull on hair in a ponytail are not healthy and can cause damage. While you may not experience hair loss immediately, in time, the continuous pulling can damage your hair follicles from traction alopecia.
If you damage your hair follicles, your hair cannot grow back, so you develop permanent hair loss.
So, if you are looking for a hairstyle that will maintain your hair health, it is best to avoid pulling your hair into a ponytail.
Does Being Bald Make you Look Older?
The research found that men who had suffered from hair loss looked an average of 8 years older than their chronological age, while those with a full head of hair looked an average of 2.9 years younger. When it comes to looking old, hair loss is therefore more aging than wrinkles, gray hair, or having a pot belly.
So with that being said, going bald can make you look older, depending on the way you go about it. Check out this Reddit. The classic horseshoe bald look is when you are bald on top, but you allow your hair on the sides and back to continue growing. This look is often associated with being older.
Balding and adding a ponytail will make you look even worse and older. If you shave your head bald, you can actually look younger. See Jason Statham below – he looks amazing with a buzzed, bald haircut.
What’s the Best Hairstyle for Bald Men?
According to the Pros, keeping your hair short is the best style for balding men with receding hairlines. The shorter styles minimize the appearance of balding and also give your hair some lift, which makes it look like you have more hair.
Clean shaven is also a great option for men with receding hairlines because the completely bald look is a focal point of this hairstyle.
- Short bald haircut is best for men with receding hairlines: Short styles minimize the appearance of balding and help you lean it to your hair loss.
- Keep your hair short: The General Rule.
- Clean shaven: The completely bald look is a perfect option and help gain confidence.
- Other balding man haircuts: A buzz cut, crew cut, or high and tight cut. These styles don’t require a lot of maintenance.
