What Does the Bible Say About Hair?

The Bible offers clear instructions regarding hair for both men and women, particularly in 1 Corinthians 11, where the Apostle Paul addresses the significance of head coverings and natural hair as symbols of divine order, authority, and worship reverence.

For Men:

Spiritual Headship and Hair Length

The Bible teaches that men should not have long hair, as doing so dishonors their spiritual head Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV):

“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”

This passage outlines a divine hierarchy, where man is under Christ’s authority. As a visible expression of this spiritual reality, Paul teaches that men ought not to let their hair grow long:

1 Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV):

“Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?”

In the Greco-Roman world, long hair on men was often associated with vanity or effeminacy, and Paul appeals to natural order and cultural norms that reflect God’s design.

Covering the Head in Worship

Paul further instructs that men should not cover their heads during prayer or worship, as doing so symbolically dishonors Christ:

1 Corinthians 11:7 (NKJV):

“For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”

This reflects the creation order found in Genesis 1–2, where man was created first and then woman as his helper.

Application:Men are not to grow their hair long or cover their heads during worship.They are not to adopt feminine or ornate hairstyles (e.g., braiding, excessive grooming), as such practices detract from their role as reflections of God’s glory.

For Women:

Long Hair as a Sign of Glory and Covering

Contrary to men, women are taught that long hair is a symbol of beauty and divine honor:

1 Corinthians 11:15 (NKJV):

“But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.”

Here, Paul links a woman’s long hair to modesty and submission, as well as to the cultural and spiritual expectations of femininity in the worship setting. The long hair functions as a natural covering, though in public worship, an additional head covering (such as a veil or scarf) is also encouraged as a sign of submission and reverence.

1 Corinthians 11:6 (NKJV):

“For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.”

Paul uses strong language to emphasize the seriousness of this symbolic act. For a woman to pray or prophesy with her head uncovered is as shameful as having her hair cut off, which was culturally associated with disgrace or immorality (e.g., temple prostitutes or convicted adulterers).

Because of the Angels

Paul adds a mysterious yet important reason for head coverings in worship:

1 Corinthians 11:10 (NKJV):

“For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”

This reference likely points to the presence of heavenly beings during worship (see Matthew 18:10, Hebrews 1:14), emphasizing the seriousness and sanctity of corporate gatherings. It suggests that proper behavior and appearance in worship reflect cosmic realities, not just earthly customs.

Adorning with Modesty

Paul also addresses the issue of outward adornment for women:

1 Timothy 2:9–10 (NKJV):

“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.”

This passage, echoed in 1 Peter 3:3–4, emphasizes inner beauty over external appearance. While not forbidding hairstyles or jewelry outright, Paul warns against vanity and worldly displays in favor of modesty and godliness.