JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning the proper care of a woman's hair.

We read in the Bible that "if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her" (I Cor. 11:15). Something that is a GLORY should be given special care and attention. Hair should be groomed and worn in a tasteful and attractive manner. If left on its own, it would soon become very unattractive.

At the same time, one ought to keep proper modesty in mind. Some have gone to extremes out of vanity, which, of course, is certainly not God's will. In I Timothy 2:9-10 we find these instructions: "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." Please also see I Peter 3:3. The "braided hair, or gold, or pearls" Paul mentions refers to a popular hairstyle of his day in which women piled their hair in an overdone, immodest set of braids interwoven with expensive jewelry.

Because Paul mentioned long hair, some have been afraid to cut or style their hair at all. Notice, however, that the text does not read "uncut hair"; it reads "long hair" (I Cor. 11:15). The Bible nowhere prohibits tasteful cutting, curling, styling, or setting of a woman's hair. Any length is appropriate if the hair is long enough to be a covering. Any style is all right as long as it is modest and looks feminine.

If we can be of further service to you in the future, please do not hesitate to let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT