An Experiment in Baldness
My dad went bald at 25. While he’s worn the look well for years, I never thought I’d embrace it for myself. That is, until I thought I had no choice.
I’d long heard that the hair of the mother’s father determines baldness in offspring. My Nonno is 96 and has a full head of hair. He looks 75, and for years I hoped that I’d keep a full head of hair like his. Alas, ‘twas not to be. Soon after my 25th birthday in November, I noticed changes atop my head.
Clockwise (from left): Luca Rubinacci, Isaac Hayes, Jason Jules
My hairline’s slow recession began when I was 19, so further loss didn't shock me. However, a photo of my head taken in February revealed a bald spot on top. This discovery surprised me enough that I marched to my barber and shaved my head the day after it was snapped. Granted, the photo was shot in the aftermath of a rainstorm, so the weather exacerbated the spot. Yet when one-third of your hair appears absent, embracing inevitable signs of aging seems more logical than doing the Donald Trump and hiding hair loss with a combover — or so I thought. Vanity makes you do weird things.
Beside, three men whose looks I admire are (were) neatly buzzed or chrome-domed. Few men were more masculine than Isaac Hayes, who oozed sensuality with his shiny bald head, full beard, oversized sunglasses and flashy style. More restrained — but still fabulous — is Luca Rubinacci, who sports a tight buzz with colorful bespoke tailoring. He’s all the evidence you need that balding young isn’t a death sentence. And there’s Jason Jules, frequent Drake’s model, who looks downright elegant with his close cut and refined English wardrobe. Before going bald, I found their style and looks inspiring. Perhaps it was an inevitable sign that one day I’d be rocking a chrome dome, too.
At first, I was pleased with this decision. I thought I looked tough and mature, which was a welcome change from my refined, proper appearance with a side-part. Some people thought I looked great bald, while others thought I looked better and more youthful with my magnificent plume. I took stock of both camps’ praises and criticism, remaining unswayed by both until I woke up one morning missing the hair that had been there.
I reached this conclusion for a few reasons. For one, I discovered I had a dent in my head. While not unattractive, it stood out and made me do a double take every time I looked in
the mirror. Furthermore, walking outside in winter became less bearable. I no longer had my hair shielding my head from the elements, and the wool beanie I own proved itchy and irritating enough that I’d keep my head cold instead of wear it. And the maturity baldness lent my looks wasn’t a long-term asset — I grew tired of my aged appearance fast and decided I’d rather look 25 than 35.
Photo: Katie Smith
Unlike many men who go bald, I didn’t feel like I lost part of myself or my masculinity. Men often go into a funk or depression when they lose their hair since they associate a full head with manhood, but I enjoyed experimenting with the look (especially with a bushy beard). Once I decided to grow my hair back, however, I felt a part of me was regained (as opposed to rogained, which would bring back even more hair than I started with). While the bald, bearded look was fun, it wasn’t the truest expression of myself or my style.
I’m growing my hair out again. It feels right. I missed my side part and plume enough to embrace the faults that come with hair and testosterone, and wouldn’t consider going bald again until I have no choice. Whether that’s five, 10 or 20 years down the road doesn’t matter — all I care is that I enjoy my hair while I can.