For me, it really depends on the character. If I'm going for realism, then I usually wont use a mane(unless I'm being a male lion, then I'll use a mane depending on the age), but I will usually use tufts. If I'm being unrealistic, or using my artistic liberty, I'm going to use whatever fits that character, and 99% of the time, they have a mane lol
I do have a few "bald" characters too, such as Shortkit, my joke Warrior Cat oc, who I actually grew really attached to...
But really, it just depends on the person and their preferences. So long as someone is happy with their character, that's all that matters! c: