Bald is beautiful??

With more men choosing to shave their heads these days, it's clear that 'bald is beautiful'. However, is it really so beautiful?

Male pattern baldness evolution

Male pattern baldness, the commonest cause of baldness, has been linked to age, genetics, sex hormones (testosterone) and high levels of a protein called prostaglandin D2 on the scalp.

The role of testosterone in premature balding has led to the myth that going bald is a sign of virility. However, men with male pattern baldness aren't any more well-endowed with testosterone than other guys. Their hair follicles are simply more sensitive to the hormones.

Frontal baldness

However, male-pattern baldness is linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, but only if the baldness is on the crown of the head (vertex) instead of the front, according to a data analysis.
Findings indicated that the severity of baldness affected the risk of coronary heart disease. Men with both frontal and crown-top baldness were 69% more likely to have coronary artery disease than those with a full head of hair, while those with only crown-top baldness were 52% more likely and those with only frontal baldness were 22% more likely.

Vertex baldness

Explanations for the reasons behind the association vary, but include the possibility that baldness may indicate insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes; a state of chronic inflammation; or increased sensitivity to testosterone. Each of those factors is involved directly or indirectly in promoting cardiovascular disease.


Although these findings are interesting, much more research is needed to confirm any link between male pattern baldness and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In the meantime, it's more important to pay attention to your waistline than your hairline.