Thinning hair is fine and mocking someone for it is mean and unhelpful, and body positivity is being cool if someone decides to stick with it. However it's not contradictory to say "given your situation you would look better bald tho".

A white lie is good when it's about something one can't (easily) change or when criticism is uncalled for. This is the opposite situation where the criticism is called for and the straightforward advice to go for it is cheap&easy to implement.

In fact if someone is actively seeking advice, I would argue that unconditionally saying "you look great don't change anything" is a form of toxic positivity.

It's complicated.

Society generally treats you better when buzzed compared to overly thinning, especially when dating. Ultimately it's a personal choice, but most guys are happy with the results and wish they did it sooner.

Part of why it's important for people is their feeling of agency in their appearance.

The body positivity comes from the acceptance and welcome for what is seen as a very difficult hurdle for men to grasp and accept. R/Bald does that without ridicule or judgement.

Am bald btw.