Should women wear
only LONG hair?

Q. Why do some women wear only long hair to church and if another women comes in with short hair, they really make them feel uncomfortable? Does the Bible command that women ONLY have long hair, especially at church?

(Submitted by: Sissie)

A. I am just as frustrated as you are in regards to people judging others whether it is their hair, or clothing or even how they behave before they get to know the individual and understand why or who they are. This is not following the teachings of Jesus Christ which tell us to bear with one another and not to judge unless we want to be judged in the same way:

"Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.  'Judge not, and you shall not be judged.  Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven. . . .' " (Luke 6:36-37, NKJV throughout)

". . . with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, " (Ephesians 4:2).

I had short hair when I was younger because it was the easiest for me to take care of since I did not care as much about the latest in styles or making a fashion statement. I just wanted my wispy, fine straight hair to behave itself when I was out in public - whether at work or at play or at church. Now that I am retired and have little money to spend at a beauty salon I wear my hair long and pin it up into some kind of comfortable style that is neat and out of my face.

The apostle Paul did say that long hair was a glory to the woman and that her hair should be longer than a man's (1Corinthians 11:14-15):

"Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?  But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her;  for her hair is given to her for a covering." (1Corinthians 11:14-15)

It was worn that way to show respect and was likely a part of the culture at that time. Isn't it interesting to note how many young men like their women to have long tresses and yet do not understanding the amount of work it takes to keep it that way?

Is hair length a matter of salvation? No. Since the function of long hair is to show submission to another, and since in the spiritual sense we are all under the same authority of Jesus the Christ then it follows that all would have the same length of hair doesn't it? In a physical marriage the husband is the head of the wife and her hair is his glory, but the head of the husband is Jesus and his head is never to be covered. There is no marriage in the spiritual realm except a spiritual one between Jesus and his Bride the church so the whole question becomes moot (Matthew 22:30). We are to worship God in spirit and in truth, obey the law and meet out mercy and justice in a fair and balance way (John 4:24). This includes treating each other with love as we would like to be treated (John 15:12).

Wearing hair shorter or longer is a matter of personal choice. If you feel uncomfortable get away from those who make you feel that way or reassess why you do. Try asking them why they treat you differently. If you feel comfortable wearing your hair length anywhere between your ear lobes and your knees then wear it that way in faith and with a clean conscience.

". . . for whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:23)

Women should be proud of how God made them and enjoy their femininity.

In the final analysis, things like hair length, dress, jewelry and alike are only temporary. The apostle Peter, however, reminds us what IS lasting and what is truly the MOST important adornment we can possess:

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.  For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves . . . "  (1Peter 3:3-5)