Natural spiral curls free#

These different styles of wearing the payos sidecurls are not specifically based on scripture. This could also be convenient if conducting an activity where the payos hair might get in the way. One reason why this might be done is to make them less noticeable. The payos sidecurls are wrapped behind the wearer's ear, and therefore are less visible. These payos sidelocks could be kept thin and narrow, or they might be thick and bushy.

Natural spiral curls free#

Free hanging but not twisted or curled. Another possible way could be to wrap the hair around a stick or pencil. One way is to apply hair gel and then twist the hair into curls using a brush. There are various ways in which the hair can be shaped into curls. If they were stretched out fully they'd be longer. A common length would about 3-5 inches long, in their curled state. The payos are wrapped circularly and hang down off of the wearer's head. This is the most conspicuous style that attracts curiosity. There are numerous ways which payos ringlets are worn. Overall, many of the 613 Jewish commandments are based with logic or practicality (such as washing one's hands before eating) while other commandments are dictated with no explanation and the worshiper is expected to follow without questioning it. G-d simply instructed it, and devout Jews are expected to adhere. It is commonly thought that this is a type of commandment which G-d has provided no explanation for. This is also typically how Jewish laws work in general - as little as one single Biblical scripture has been analyzed by many sages and they define extensive, detailed guidelines and rules out of it.Īs for the reason behind the hair rule - the reason why the scripture dictates this restriction - there is generally not a clearly known reason. This is one possible reason why there is some variety among how strictly the restrictions are adhered to among different groups of Jews. Since the details were not extensively spelled out in the Bible itself, the scholars had a discourse - including debates and minor disagreements - about the precise parameters of the rule. Then the scholars went on to define the details of these sidecurl restrictions. The reason for Ultra-Orthodox males' hair and curl rules is the following: the original basis is a Biblical scripture which states that a man should not 'round the corner of his head.' Authoritative talmudic scholars have determined that the meaning of this scripture is that there should be a hair cutting restriction. These are the 2 extreme approaches to the payos rule. Then there is a Hasidic man with very long untrimmed sidecurls. Therefore, they have conspicuous, pronounced bunches of hair that protrude here.įirst there is an Orthodox man who has trimmed sideburns.

Finally, most of the strictest Ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jews do not ever cut their hair below the line. Then there are some who maintain their hair longer here beyond the line - so it's openly visible - but they trim it or cut it occasionally. So they will simply have fairly- typical sideburns which do not stand out or attract much attention. Many religious Jews will fully cut or shave their hair below this line. The question which Jews are not all unanimous about is: what do you do below this bone. According to Jewish law, you cannot cut, trim or shave the hair above this bone. The bone which delineates the forbidden boundary is called the Zygomatic Process of the Temporal Bone. Second image: a view of the bone that sets the forbidden boundary - called the Zygomatic Process of the Temporal Bone. You can see where they are located on the face. The result is long sidecurls that visibly extend downward.įirst image: a young man with long payos sidecurls.

Rather, they allow it to grow indefinitely.

They do not trim or cut their hair here at all. Other Jews - primarily Hasidic ones - go further with this tradition. Many Orthodox Jews simply do not trim their sideburns above this line. The boundaries of this prohibited zone are on each side of the face - roughly between the middle of the ear and the eye, below a bone which runs horizontally across there. The sidecurls are called 'Payos.' Here is an explanation: the Jewish rule is that a man must not cut or trim his hair within a special facial region. Why Do Ultra-Orthodox Men Have Side Curls? This article will explain more about the Hasidic Jewish male hair rules and customs.

The primary characteristic that often attracts curiosity is the sidecurls which men have on the sides of their heads. Ultra-Orthodox Jews are known for the unusual ways that they wear their hair. Image attribution: 'Jew by Nikita Kozin from the Noun Project'.