In that, they are part of a proud warrior tradition. Historically, long hair was a signifier of strength and virility among Vikings, Celts and Goths, explained Victoria Sherrow, author of Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History (Greenwood Press, 2006). Baldness typically indicated low social standing, even slavery. Scalping, once common on several continents, was symbolic emasculation, she said — the “in your face” slam-dunk of the ancient battlefield.
Now, even Anthony of ESPN, who has worn his head shaved since he squared off against Jordan in the early 1990s, feels the tug of changing fashion.
“Hey,” he said, “if I could grow hair, I'd probably do it too.”
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