Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Robert Price

It’s an indisputable fact. Women love the feel of a slick-bald head between their . . . fingers, of course!

However, not everyone is a good candidate for a shaved head.

That’s just the unfortunate reality.

Chances are, you’ll look decent bald.

But there is a small possibility that you’re in the unlucky minority, and that you have no business buzzing your head, ever — like me.

To find out once and for all if you’ll look good bald, read on!

In this detailed but reader-friendly post, you will:

• Discover the five ways to know, once and for all, if you’ll be handsome as a bald guy.
• Look at seven real-world examples of famous and attractive bald men, so you can examine what’s working for them and why.
• See my “not-so-hot” list of famous bald guys to help you adjust your “approach” to baldness, if desired.
• Find out your odds of looking good bald based on the one and only factor you can’t control to some degree.
• Learn a little bit about bald dating, owning your new style, the alternatives to baldness, shaving it all off for the first time, and much more!

Before I begin this post in earnest, take a quick look at the graphic below.

The Two Extremes – Which Guy Looks More Like You?

Bruce Willis and Butterbean (wrestler, entertainer).

You’re probably younger and less famous than either of the gentlemen pictured above.

Nevertheless, Bruce Willis is slick bald and, at the same time, sexy as hell by almost anyone’s measure. Butterbean, not so much (although he looks okay for a bigger guy).

They’re two extreme cases, featured as real-world examples for reference.  If you look more like a younger version of Bruce than a younger version of Butterbean, then chances are, the shaved style will suit you just fine!

Note: I wrote the initial draft of this post long before Willis’s recent dementia diagnosis.

Okay, now let’s dive right into the ranking factors…

Will You Look Good with a Shaved Head?

The Five Factors To Consider

Whether or not you look handsome with a bare scalp will mostly be contingent on the following:

1. Your Head Shape

This is factor number 1, of course. The nine most common head shapes are oval, round, square, heart, triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, diamond, and oblong. Picture below.

Yes, I realize they’re butch women, not bald men, but you get the idea. Photo credit: Gurl (source).

I’d say the heart and oblong faces probably look the worst shaved, though there are exceptions. Some guys with oval-shaped heads have a distinct “egg head” appearance when they buzz off their hair. That’s typically a bad look.

And finally, if you have a cone-shaped head (i.e. an unusually high crown) like I do, then keeping some hair on your dome is recommended, if possible. Most men have decent head shapes. If you’ve ever cut your hair very short and looked good, then you’re probably fine.

I would look something like this with a shaved head. Not good.

2. Head Symmetry

This is fairly straightforward. Nobody has a perfectly symmetrical head, but if the features on each respective side of your head and face—ears, cheek bones, brows, etc.—are mostly congruent, then you’ll probably have no issues rocking a bald head.

3. Your Skin Tone

Generally, tanned dudes look better bald than those who are pasty or albino-like. Why? Dark skin conceals flaws and other abnormalities more effectively than light skin. That’s why black guys pretty much always look good bald.

I know the PC police may come after me for that last point, but that’s alright; I’m not scared of them.

You’ll have less margin for error if you’re pale, but you can still look sexy bald, I assure you. Case in point: Bruce Willis. Jason Statham isn’t exactly a tan fellow, either. But if you’re a pasty dude and looking to shave your head, adding a little pink to your color will probably help your cause.

4. Your Physical Condition

As I state in my article featuring the top 12 dating tips for bald men, staying in shape is critical! It can help you compete with your more follicly blessed peers. The bald and uber-successful comedian Bill Burr agrees with me, by the way.

Remember what I said earlier: women love the feel of a slick-bald head between their . . . you know. 

Especially if the slick-bald head belongs to a fit guy!

Assess your hair loss using the Norwood Scale.

Some “beefy” guys can pull off the buzzed look, granted. But ideally, you should try to stay in shape if you’re going to keep your dome bare. Excess weight may build up in your face and neck otherwise—and that extra girth will be much more noticeable without your hair. You don’t need to get ripped; you just want to avoid getting fat, if possible.

Take control of your psychical well-being. It’s one of the 10 things you absolutely MUST do when you realize you’re going bald.

5. Your Skull “Abnormalities”

Does your head have unusual peaks, valleys, dents, or inclines? Mine sure does!

And if you’re like me and your head shape is similar to Mr. Conehead’s, then buzzing off your locks is likely not your best option. And that’s okay.

You have a variety of receding hairline styling options to consider—and of course, there are hair loss treatments available if you’re interested, such as minoxidil and finasteride. Keep in mind that your facial and head scarring, if applicable, will also be more conspicuous if you shave your head.

Bonus – Your Ears

I touched on this topic earlier in the congruence section, but it perhaps deserves one more mention. If you have “Dumbo” ears that made you the subject of ridicule at recess, baldness will likely accentuate that characteristic.

Next, we’ll look at some real-world examples of stylish bald men who are sexy by anyone’s measure!

A “Hot” Bald List for Reference – Seven Handsome and Hairless Dudes!

In this list, I’m going to exclude some of the more obvious candidates from the bald roster, like the Rock, Jason Statham, and Bruce Willis.

I’ve already mentioned those gentlemen in this article, and those “action stars” are always the first names people cite when referencing attractive bald celebrities. There are plenty of other handsome entertainers, athletes, and actors for us to emulate as we consider “taking the plunge” and shaving it all off. For reference, here’s my “hot list” of bald celebrities:

1.  Billy Zane

Actor Billy Zane, perhaps most famous for his role in Titanic.

Classically handsome, with or without hair, Billy Zane is a talented actor from the UK who oozes sex appeal. He’ll throw on a hairpiece if needed for a role and occasionally let his “fringe” grow out, but overall, he’s an excellent representative for the bald community.

Unlike many if not most of his follicly challenged peers, Zane usually opts to keep his face clean shaven. No offense, but most of you probably aren’t quite as handsome as Mr. Zane and will want to consider, at minimum, growing out a “stubble beard” or goatee of some kind to frame your face once you’re officially bald. More on this later.

2. Andre Agassi

Tennis legend Andre Agassi.

Notorious for his hard partying and mullet in the 80s, famous wives, and passionate performances on the tennis court, Andre Agassi sported a toupee prior to embracing his baldness!

The look suits him, no doubt—so much better than the mullet!

3 and 4 – Pitbull and John Travolta

Actor John Travolta and rapper Pitbull.

It was Pitbull who encouraged Travolta to shed his thinning locks and unlash the action star within him, so that’s why I included them both in this entry. Two handsome bald guys for the price of one!

Travolta’s one of those celebs who’s obviously struggled with hair loss over the years—and he’s likely undergone multiple procedures to address the “problem.” He debuted his sleek new style to widespread acclaim in 2019 and is further testament to the point that I’ve made throughout this piece: If you were handsome with hair, then you’ll probably still be attractive after you shave your head.

Pitbull’s darker skin tone and symmetrical features also make him an ideal fit for the bald style. Like Billy Zane, Bruce Willis, and many other famous bald men, he’s so handsome, he doesn’t even “need” to grow out a beard.

5. Terry Crews

Actor and former NFL player Terry Crews.

Terry Crews is a jacked and proud Black man! And muscle-bound dudes typically look good—or at least “hot”—regardless of their follicular statuses.

Black and ripped, in particular, is an excellent combination!

6. Patrick Stewart

Legendary bald British actor Patrick Stewart.

Known for his role on Star Trek and theater performances, Patrick Stewart is proof that older guys can look amazing bald too!

Despite his slightly “cone-like” head shape, Stewart’s been a brilliant ambassador for bald men for decades now—and he’s still handsome today, even at the ripe age of 80!

7. Chris Daughtry

Singer Chris Daughtry.

After gaining fame on the fifth season of American Idol while still in his 20s, Chris Daughtry went on to form his own band and write a string of chart-topping hits. He’s rocked some variation of the bald-and-bearded look ever since, which is always a fashionable combination!

Moving forward, this next section is a little less uplifting…

The “Not-So-Hot” Bald List

Now that you have some best-case scenario reference points, here are a few other case studies for your consideration.

Granted, I didn’t include anyone in this list who is “ugly.” It’s not that any of these guys are even bad looking. Rather, these are just men who I—and perhaps society, generally speaking—wouldn’t necessarily say look attractive bald, so keep that in mind. Here’s the not-so-hot list:

1. Moby

Techno star and animal rights activist Moby.

Once mocked by rapper Eminem in the 2001 hit “Without Me,” Moby’s one of those guys who likely came out of the womb bald and has pretty much stayed that way eternally. Forever bald, I guess you could say.

It’s not that he’s ugly, again. He’s just super pasty and puny with a slightly “cone-like” head—and in certain pictures, he looks a bit sickly to boot. This is his style though, and it works for him!

Earlier this year, Moby made headlines throughout the word while promoting his book, in which he discussed dating Hollywood actress Natalie Portman. I’m sure this old, strange, and sophisticated techno musician still gets plenty of action these days, too, even though he’s well into his 50s.

Moby makes weird music and he’s a weird-looking dude.

I don’t have a problem with that and neither should you.

Honestly, he’d probably look strange with hair too. Moving on…

2. John Malkovich

Actor John Malkovich.

While he’s certainly better looking than Moby, most people probably wouldn’t classify John Malkovich as handsome. He’s certainly not unsightly and his bizarre, unpredictable personality makes him an intriguing character, no doubt.  I’m a fan, actually!

Even with his protruding ears and “block-like” head, bald doesn’t look bad on him. But this article is about looking good bald, and I don’t think John quite qualifies for the handsome list.

3. Billy Corgan

Singer/guitarist for the Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan.

As an older millennial and one of the few remaining rock fans in the country, I love Billy Corgan’s music! He looks a bit like an alien or something with his slim physique and super round bald head, especially when he sports one of his signature avant-garde outfits.

In a past life, Corgan opted for the “receding-hairline rocker” hairstyle. And he looked kind of weird with long hair, too.

Notice a theme here?

Anyway, “1979” is the best mainstream rock song of the 90s. Who’s next?

4. Bill Burr

Popular stand-up comedian Bill Burr.

I’m a fan of everyone on this list so far, sans Moby. Burr isn’t ugly either. But with his ginger beard and slightly “pin-like’ head, most women probably wouldn’t consider him a bald guy I’d like to…you know.

But overall, the look suits him just fine, and he doesn’t care what you or I or anything else thinks about him anyway, so his hair (or lack thereof) is irrelevant.

I wrote an entire article about Bill’s essential tips for overcoming hair loss, if you’re interested.

5. On the Hot-Not Border – Ben Kingsley

This one is debatable. Kingsley has a rather menacing, intense look, which many people find attractive. His large head has some dents and dings in it, but he undoubtedly has a masculine appeal about him. I don’t know; I’m conflicted about Sir Ben. What do you think?

Let’s move on to the next section, which features additional suggestions to help ensure your transition to baldness is a smooth one.

Before You Bust Out the Clippers, Here are Five Essential Life and Style Tips…

1. Consider Leaving Some Stubble

Maybe take it down to a #1 guard instead of shaving it all off completely. Whether you have a mature hairline, type III receding hairline, or you’re a full type 6 (e.g. Louis CK) on the Norwood Scale, a little stubble can make a big difference.

2. Pay Extra Attention to Your Facial Hair

A well-groomed beard or goatee can compensate for your lack of hair elsewhere. So if you’re going to sport facial hair, make sure it’s well-groomed and crumb-free.

3. Hit the Gym a little Harder

This can’t be emphasized enough. Fit bald guys are always in-demand with the ladies. This is optional, but staying in shape will increase your confidence and your level of perceived manliness. Without question, staying fit is one of the best ways you can deal with hair loss.

To get more dates despite having less hair, check out this bald dating guide.

4. Accessorize

Again, you probably don’t want everyone to focus exclusively on your bald head, even if it looks fantastic. A nice pair of glasses may be the ticket—even if you don’t need them. Non-prescription lenses are dirt cheap. Invest in some cool shades while you’re at it.

You could also take a cue from some of the world’s best country singers, who hide their baldness behind cowboy hats.

Not a cowboy? No worries, neither are they! Of course, a regular ball cap will work just fine, too. And if your wardrobe’s outdated, give it an upgrade.

5. Find Bald Inspirations and/or a Mentor

Just do some basic Google Image searches. See if you can find good-looking bald dudes with your head shape, and take inspiration from them.  Or seek advice from a confident, well put-together bald man in your area. Chances are you can find several bald mentors at your local gym.

A Fun Graphic

Breaking it Down by Race

The best-case scenario: You look something like one of the guys on this poster! Most races are represented here.

What Percentage of Men Look Good to Decent Bald?

All these figures are approximate. Yes, this is the second politically incorrect section you’ve read in a row, and there’s another on the way! I’m on a roll. Here goes. I would say:

• 97% of black men look fantastic bald—that’s why so many black guys with full heads of hair elect to shave it all off!
• 87% of Latinos look good to okay without hair.
• 80% of whites
• And 75% of Asians. No offense intended. It’s just some bald Asian guys give off a distinct “monk” vibe. If you’re Asian, you’re much less likely to go full-on George Costanza, so that’s the good news.

Another Worst-Case Scenario

You Look Like a Cancer Patient...

When weakly, pale white guys shave their heads, they can, unfortunately, resemble cancer patients in some cases. But of course, you can fix that problem by getting yourself into shape. Ultimately, what’s worse: looking like you’re on chemo or looking like Prince William? I don’t know either.

To discover 7 things you should know before you buy a laser device, check out my laser therapy review. 

But if your hair loss is really getting out of hand and you’re rocking a sloppy-looking Prince William or David Axelrod-like style, shaving it all off may be your best option, no matter how white or weak you are—and even if you’re sporting one of the five worst head shapes for bald men.

Photo credit: ABC News. Political analyst David Axelrod. Some men are just dealt a bad hand, and they have no great options. If that’s the case for you, as Joe Rogan says, you should probably let your hair go. In time, you’ll learn how to adapt your style to complement your bald head and maximize your appearance. There’s no reason to rock a miniaturized combover!

Closing Thoughts – Will You Look Good with a Shaved Head?

The only way to know for sure is to try it.

Face your fear.

I’d say the majority of men look perfectly fine bald.

Sure, they may lose a point or two on the looks scale, but that’s okay; men don’t have to be pretty! A smaller percentage of guys look good to excellent bald. If you were handsome with hair, you’ll probably be handsome without it, too.

And then, finally, approximately 10-15% of us have no business buzzing our heads, ever. We’re the unlucky minority, as I said earlier!

Let’s wrap this up. Undoubtedly, there are many benefits to embracing hair loss—and thankfully, there are effective hair loss treatments available for coneheads like me.

When I realized I was going bald in 2021, five years after starting this site, I immediate began using minoxidil, AKA Rogaine. And of course, finasteride, the medication with that one rare but horrifying side effect everyone knows about, can stop hair loss in its tracks for 90% of men. But letting nature take its course is still the best (and certainly the cheapest) option for many people.

Do you agree with the look good bald parameters I set forth in this article? Do you think you’ll look awesome or horrible with a shaved head? Leave a comment and we’ll compare notes.

You May Also Like:

• The Most BOSS Hairstyle for Balding Men – Big Cojones Required!
• 10 Signs It’s Time to Shave Your Head and Embrace Baldness
• The Top 9 Receding Hairline Styling Techniques
• 12 Steps to Dating Success for Bald and Balding Men
• The Top 7 Hair Loss Treatment Options of 2023
• Norwood Scale – 7 Degrees of Baldness, with Celebrity Examples
• The Five Worst Looks for Bald Men
• Well, I’m Finally, Officially Going Bald – Here’s What I’m Doing About It

Robert Price

Robert Price is a writer, consumer advocate, and hair loss researcher with thousands of hours of experience in the field. His goal is to keep you out of the hair loss rabbit hole, underworld, or whatever you want to call it. He founded Hair Loss Daily, the unbiased hair loss blog, in 2016. You can learn more about Robert in the my story section of this website.