I'm a singer in an alternative rock band which plays original music. The particular genre we're in favors male singers who are both attractive in the face and somewhat androgynous in appearance. I have a female-ish voice and everything was perfect for this band - great songs, great players, a fanbase, style, etc etc.
Then my hair starts balding. On top. That simply doesn't work. I cannot be balding and play this kind of music, appeal to these sorts of fans - like it or not, the image of a man changes the perception of him in totality.
It sucks. I'm very disappointed at the timing of this condition.
My long, stylish hair is now a thing of the past, as I have shaved my head to reveal my baldness. But I will continue to play music. I will start a band in which either a shaved head or crazy, overgrown and balding appearance will work and keep doing some form of what I love to do - like many others before me. Beyond that, I will continue to better myself and enjoy life as much as possible for the time I have left.
I encourage anyone who feels defeated by their baldness to focus on getting their mind, body and spirit into shape. Be academic, be creative, experience your existance beyond the social constructs which you may be used to. Whether this is reading philosophy, taking night classes, joining a church or a non-for-profit organization, or even joining the local YMCA - make some kind of positive and progressive change in your life.
Even one small step could send you on a path that ultimately offsets any of the negative qualities of being bald. That doesn't mean you wouldn't look better with hair, or that you won't think about your baldness every day of your life - it just means that you'll be ok.
Bon Iver

Built to Spill

Michael Stipe

The Jealous Sound

Samiam

When I think of successful bald people whom I admire, these guys stand out. They are not necessarily my favorite musicians, but they are real artists who chose not to let their baldness remove them from the spotlight. I never thought much about that until I started losing my hair.
Sorry if I sound preachy :/
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