The Christian Woman and Bizarre Hair Styles

We know that the world daily pulls the Christian toward its way—a way that is far different from what God would want. This is clear to us by what the world says and what the Christian innately knows. Deep in your heart, you know that your hair style does reveal something of your inner being, doesn’t it!

Scripture says that “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matthew 12:34). Similarly, our outward being also reveals what is going on inside. This pertains to the style of clothes we wear, the color of clothes, the cost of clothes, the way our face appears (including makeup), the hair style that we choose, the length of our hair, and so much more.

After writing that our outward adornment must be carefully chosen, Paul says that instead of that, “rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Do you profess “godliness”? Are you involved in good works or deeds, as a Christian? The apostle says that this is what should occupy our attention and not our outward adornment.

Peter says something similar. This apostle says that we must guard against “external” adornment. Instead, it must be “the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4). A woman is to major on the internal character and not the outward appearance.

Just today, I visited a health store and picked up a free health and nutrition magazine. Prominently displayed on the front cover was a woman with her hair totally unkempt, as though she had just stepped out of the shower and allowed her hair to dry in place. Quite frankly, it was a complete mess! The poor woman should have been ashamed to be seen in public! But, amazingly, she proudly displayed her bizarre locks for everyone to see. Is this the way the Christian woman should be adorned? Is it what you—if you happen to be a follower of Jesus—want for your own appearance?

We do know that men have a problem in this area as well, but today let’s major on the appearance of women. Ask yourself:

  1. Is this the way Jesus would be adorned and prepare His hair? Paul wrote, “Show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12b). The Christian is to show himself to be an example of good deeds” (Titus 2:7). In other words, our example is an important part of ourselves that must be carefully guarded.
  1. Does this hairstyle really give the impression of modesty and discreetness (1 Timothy 2:9). Does this hairstyle emphasize the external (1 Peter 3:3) and does it draw attention to the woman’s heart and her gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4)?
  1. Does this hairstyle make the woman “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2)? Does it show that the woman is following the fashions and ways of the world? Does it involve “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1 John 2:16-17)?

These are just a sample of the questions that could be asked about the way a woman dresses and how she adorns herself. Also, remember that the way a woman fixes her hair is an indication of her perspective—whether it is worldly or spiritual! In the example that begins this little treatise, does this give one the impression that the person really loves Jesus, is following the Word of God, and loves other people? Or does it cause her to follow the fashions of the world? Actually, not all of the world for there are many in the world who would find such hairstyles an abomination. But it would probably appeal to a certain class of people who want to be worldly in their appearance.

I urge you to make sure that the way you adorn yourself, the clothes you wear, the way you appear in public, and the kind of hairstyle that appeals to you would all make your heart close to God and His will. Would Jesus approve of it? And would this please God in every way?

We’ve seen sweet and feminine woman clothed in a godly way and choosing hairstyles that surely would cause her to be more and more like God. Yes, this may take a little longer to do, but it is worth following the Lord regardless of the cost!

–Richard Hollerman