I didn’t mean to imply that they were the same person.
However, now that it’s mentioned, there is a midrash that states that the two are one and the same. However, of course, you can always take midrashic statements with a grain of salt. 
Zev Steinhardt
David is also described as fresh-faced and with a nice complexion in his fight with Goliath, and Absalom’s hair is mentioned as one of his attractive qualities.
I missed it - where is Joseph described as bald? The only one I am aware of who is mentioned as bald is the prophet Elisha. But you are correct that baldness is presented as one of the signs either of leprosy, or of mourning.
Regards,
Shodan
Yes, but that’s because you’re thinking as a 21st century person. You can’t assign today’s morality to historical personages.
Zev Steinhardt
Oops, I was thinking of Jacob. Scratch that.
Where was Jacob described as bald?
Zev Steinhardt
Gen 27:11
I always thought Jacob was bald. Is that incorrect?
But look, this is supposed to be about Joseph. I’m wondering if it was volitional acts by Joseph that put him in his state of grace, or if God just picked somebody. Obviously Joseph had to not screw it up with too many bad reports and raping &etc, but I mean in the first place.
“Arbitrary” is a dangerous word to use about an omniscient deity, but there are plenty of Biblical examples of someone who is clearly favored by God before he does anything remarkable, at least that we know about.
Samuel selected David as God’s anointed before David had done anything but tend sheep. Even if he was the Best Sheepherder Ever, that seems like a pretty thin resume to me.
And John the Baptist was evidently blessed even before he was born.
On the other hand, there are examples of God favoring people who seem quite deceitful and conniving, like Jacob.
So all you can say is, maybe God sees something that humans don’t.
I think the plain meaning is referring to body hair, not head hair. Hence his mother dressed him in animal skins, so that if Isaac touched him, he would not be smooth.
Zev Steinhardt