Several studies showed that baldness in males produced neither perceptions of dominance or aggression; rather it often indicated a lack of socially desirable traits such as attractiveness and assertiveness. This leads one to believe that balding individuals presented a non-threatening, often undominant opponent. This may seem contradictory to the age related status hypothesis of balding. The dominance indicated through balding may differ somewhat from a threatening dominance. The perception of a bald male presents one of nurturing wisdom (as seen in the often bald figures of teachers and priests). Lack of hair in older males may present a decrease in physical threat, but compensate with raised social status and maturity.
The policies of groups, like those of other primates, often depend on an older, wiser male to pass on important information. This information may include food sources, shelter and nearby dangers. Baldness may have been a signal for a ‘dominant-nurturing’ male. These males may have seemed far les intimidating that their younger counterparts, and therefore more approachable and nurturing. Baldness may not have contributed to reproductive advantages or attraction of mates; perhaps it occurred after sexual and social competition had finished. Baldness may have aided the survival of older males, and protection form younger males attempting to rise in social status.
Ultimately, it seems that the role played by male pattern balding was relatively minor in human evolution. There have been many theories, but the balding’s role remains in speculation.
