If a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering. 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 quite unattractive. Any length is appropriate if the hair is long enough to be a covering and feminine. Any style is proper as long as it is modest and looks feminine.

The Bible prohibits shaving or cutting hair in specific ways that were part of heathen rituals to honor pagan deities. For instance, ancient Egyptians would crop or shave their hair to form a circular pattern on the head and shape their beards into a square to worship the sun god Ra. Similarly, creating a round bald spot on the head was another ritualistic practice forbidden by the Scriptures. These practices are distinct from normal grooming, which is not condemned in the Bible.

In discussing head coverings, the apostle Paul addresses the length of hair as a symbol of authority and submission. He states in I Corinthians 11:14-15 that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, while long hair is a glory to a woman, given to her as a covering. Paul emphasizes that a woman should wear her hair long enough to be recognized as feminine, showing her submission to the man. Conversely, a man should wear his hair short to reflect his God-given position of authority. If a woman wears her hair short like a man, she dishonors the man by not displaying the symbol of submission, akin to having her head shaved. Paul clarifies in I Corinthians 11:6 that if a woman has the wrong attitude about this, she might as well have her head shaved. The issue is not about wearing a hat or veil, but about the length of hair as a distinction between genders. For women, long hair should be groomed and styled to enhance femininity, while men must avoid long hair to maintain a masculine appearance. This distinction in hair length is a significant line of demarcation to God, reflecting His established chain of authority.

God has a perspective on all aspects of life, including personal appearance such as hair length, which reflects His standards and point of view. From His viewpoint, hair length serves as an external symbol of internal spiritual state and gender roles, demonstrating respect for His established order. For a man, long hair is deemed disrespectful to his governmental Head, who is Christ, while for a woman, short hair shows disrespect to her head, which is man, and ultimately to the Father and the Son. Hair length, therefore, acts as a visible sign of submission to God's government and covenant, distinguishing roles between male and female as He intended. Throughout history, hair has carried symbolic significance, often indicating one's health or spiritual condition. In specific contexts, such as with priests in Ezekiel 44, hair length was regulated to reflect proper service to God, neither too long nor shaved bald, aligning with His standards rather than pagan extremes. Similarly, in cases like Absalom, long hair symbolized vanity and a deceitful heart, while Nebuchadnezzar's long, wild hair reflected a vain and untamed spirit until God humbled him. These examples underscore that external appearance, including hair, mirrors what resides within the heart. God desires that hair length adheres to His formal arrangement, with a woman's hair long enough to hang down, covering the back of her neck when wet, and a man's hair short, not covering the neck, to clearly distinguish gender roles. This distinction is not about extreme styles or prohibitions on cutting hair but about maintaining a modest appearance that glorifies Him. Such standards are a silent witness to one's submission to God, akin to other signs of respect for His authority, and are intended to avoid causing offense or becoming a stumbling block to others.

As part of the foundational truths essential for preparation for the Kingdom of God, the subject of hair length carries significant weight in understanding reality versus appearance. In common artistic depictions, Jesus Christ is often shown with long hair, yet God's word indicates that for a man to have long hair is a shame. Since Jesus always did what pleased the Father, it is clear that He would not have permitted Himself to have long hair. This distinction between perception and reality underscores the importance of aligning our understanding with the truth as revealed by God, rather than relying on deceptive appearances.

The Bible addresses the length of hair in relation to societal norms and honor. In I Corinthians 11:14, the apostle Paul states that nature itself teaches that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him. During the first century, society viewed long hair on men as shameful, as evidenced by the short hair depicted in busts, statues, and art of that era in the Roman style. Representations of Jesus Christ often show Him with long hair, which contradicts the cultural standards and descriptions of masculinity associated with Him in the scriptures.

The Bible provides timeless principles for modesty in dress, which extend to considerations of hair length as part of one's overall appearance. In I Timothy 2:9, Paul addresses women's adornment, emphasizing that hairstyles should not be extravagant or consume excessive time, as such practices can reflect immodesty. The focus is on moderation and propriety, ensuring that outward expressions, including hair, align with a heart devoted to God's standards of righteousness. Just as clothing should reflect purity and humility, so too should the styling and length of hair avoid excess and sensuality, maintaining a modest and respectful demeanor in both worship and daily life. These principles guide believers to present themselves in a manner that honors God, preparing them as future kings and priests for the Kingdom of God.

As the redeemed of God, our choices in matters of appearance, including hair length, carry significant spiritual weight. God has ordered a visible external evidence through hair length to serve as a witness of our identity and submission to His standards. This small but meaningful sign reflects our obligation to align with His will, demonstrating on the outside what is in our hearts as part of the larger spiritual-redemption picture. Just as clothing and other external symbols are used to signify our status as His children, hair length is a deliberate marker of our commitment to His ways, reminding us of our duty to glorify Him in all things.

Absalom's remarkable physical beauty, particularly his magnificent head of hair, was a significant aspect of his persona. It was a feature that undoubtedly drew much attention and admiration, enhancing his ability to charm and manipulate others. His hair, described as something any girl in the kingdom would have desired, became a symbol of his vanity and self-focus. This long hair, which he likely tended to with great care to maintain its perfection, ultimately became the snare that entrapped him, leading to his tragic end as it got caught in a tree during his flight, making him a target for his enemies. His tender concern for his hair reveals a perversion in his thinking, prioritizing personal glory over righteous character. As noted in the broader context of his life, Absalom's failure to use his God-given gifts for anything beyond self-aggrandizement highlights the devastating consequences of such misuse, with his hair serving as a poignant emblem of his misplaced priorities.

God provides guidance on many aspects of life, including even the length of hair, as a point to consider in aligning with His word. He offers numerous opportunities to evaluate whether what is normal to us conforms to His standards, emphasizing the importance of being in His word and trembling at it to bring about change in ourselves, so that we may effectively teach our children.

Our dress and grooming reflect much about us as individuals and as Christians, and God expects us to groom ourselves properly to set a good example for others. The Bible provides clear guidance on hair length, indicating appropriate distinctions in I Corinthians 11:2-16. As we grow in humility, modesty, and holiness through the grace and knowledge of God, our engagement with questionable practices should lessen and ultimately cease.