Jordan’s endorsement deals in the 80s and 90s set new standards for athletes’ commercial potential. One notable deal was with Johnson Products, a leading hair-care company.
However, this endorsement took an unexpected turn when Jordan began losing his hair 👀 – Keep Reading!
Why Did Michael Jordan Accept the Deal in the 1st Place?
The agreement with Johnson Products was particularly significant because it was a multimillion-dollar deal, a rarity for athletes at that time. 💰

The Hair Commercial
The Real Reason ⚠️ – Jordan’s involvement in the hair endorsement deal was a strategic move that ultimately opened doors to a multitude of future partnerships and ventures.
While it might have seemed incongruous for a bald athlete to endorse a hair product, this move was part of a larger strategy where Jordan began to take full ownership of his image and brand.

The hair product partnership, though seemingly out of sync with his bald look, was a clever way to assert control over his public persona and demonstrate his versatility in brand management.
This endorsement deal helped pave the way for future successes and brand expansions, proving that effective management of one’s image can turn even seemingly unrelated endorsements into valuable opportunities.
Jordan himself addressed this ironic twist in his endorsement journey:
“If I wanted to be a hard-nosed businessman, I could have been in a lot of deals, like the one with Johnson Products.
I had a deal with them for their hair-care products. I had two or three more years on that deal when I started losing my hair. So I forfeited the deal. But if I had wanted to be greedy, I could’ve said, ‘Screw you, you didn’t know my hair was falling out, so you owe me money.’ But I didn’t.”
Redefining the Image of Baldness
Jordan’s bald look became a defining aspect of his identity. As he continued to dominate the NBA, his clean-shaven head became an iconic symbol of confidence and power.
Comedian Marlon Wayans makes reference to Jordan’s transition to a bald head giving men confidence around the world.
The influence of Jordan’s bald look extended beyond the sports world. It was featured prominently in advertisements, magazine covers, and on his signature Air Jordan sneakers.
His visibility helped to normalize baldness, reducing the stigma that had previously been associated with it. For many men experiencing hair loss, Jordan became a role model who demonstrated that baldness could be stylish and attractive.