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What does the bible say about braiding hair? This is a question that many people ask themselves when they are considering how to style their hair. 

The bible doesn’t specifically mention braids, but it can be inferred from certain verses what God thinks of this hairstyle.

The Bible has a lot to say about women’s hairstyles in general, and how men should react to them. 

In 1 Corinthians 11:3-5, Paul talks about how women need to cover their heads while praying or prophesying because “it is disgraceful for a woman” (KJV) or “a man” (NIV). 

He also says that if she wants her head uncovered then it should only be done while she prays and not in public.

In the book of Song of Songs 6:5-9, it says “Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead” (NIV). This alludes to how she has put on strength and honor for her head, which could be interpreted that braided hair is considered an expression or sign of beauty. 

In Proverbs 31:22, King Lemuel’s mother states that women should not cut their own long hair because this would bring degradation upon themselves. 

It can also be inferred by these verses that God does not approve of women with short hairstyles such as crew cuts or pixie haircuts. 

All of this information makes it clear what God thinks about braids being by both men and women – it is a sign of beauty and strength.

More Bible verses on what the Bible say about braiding hair;

a).  In Exodus 28:40, it says that Aaron’s sons were to bind their hair in braided strands before offering a sacrifice.

b). In Leviticus 19:27, God commands the Israelites not to cut off the sides of their heads or trim their beards because this is detestable to Him. 

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c). In Deuteronomy 22:12 women are forbidden from wearing men’s clothing and vice versa for men in order “to turn away from them” (KJV) or “so as not to follow after them” (NIV). 

This verse could also apply to hairstyles shared by both genders – this would include braids which have been worn across history by both sexes since ancient times.

d). In Ezekiel 44:20 it says that priests should not shave their heads or let their hair grow long but to trim it.

e). In Daniel 14:36, King Darius’ decree states that all men must “cut off the hair of your head” (NIV) in order to be distinguished from other people and thus forbidden from worshiping any god except for him. 

This could mean that he is only supposed to have a hairstyle like this if they are going bald – something similar can be inferred with Samson’s haircut in Judges 16:17-19 where his strength was derived from his hair. 

Lastly, there is no mention of braids being specifically prohibited anywhere within the bible which makes them totally acceptable by God.

Scriptures on hair in the Bible

1 Peter 3:3-4 - Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;   
1 Timothy 2:9 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1 Peter 3:1-22 - Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;   
1 Timothy 2:9-10 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;   
Deuteronomy 22:5 - The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

More scriptures on what the bible say about braiding hair;

1 Peter 3:4 - But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Proverbs 11:22 - As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Proverbs 31:30 - Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1 Corinthians 11:15 - But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
1 Peter 3:3 - Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Isaiah 61:10 - I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
1 Corinthians 14:34 - Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1 Timothy 2:10 - But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Matthew 5:13-18 - Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.   

What does the bible say about hair length?

The bible has a lot to say about hair length when it comes to both genders. In Leviticus 19:27, God tells the Israelites that they should not cut their beards or let them grow long because this is detestable to Him.

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In Deuteronomy 22:12 women are forbidden from wearing men’s clothing and vice versa for men in order “to turn away from them” (KJV) or “so as not to follow after them” (NIV). This verse could also apply to hairstyles shared by both genders – this would include braids which have been worn across history by both sexes since ancient times. 

What does braided hair mean in the bible?

In Exodus 28:40, Aaron’s sons are to “bind the hair in a braided strand” (NIV) before offering sacrifices.

In Isaiah 47:23 it says that her head is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead and alludes to how she has put on strength and honor for her head which could be interpreted as signifying beauty. 

In Proverbs 31:22 King Lemuel’s mother states that women should not cut their own long hair because this would bring degradation upon themselves and thus inferring God does not approve of short hairstyles such as crew cuts or pixie haircuts. 

All of these bible verses make it clear what God thinks about braids being worn by both men and women – it is a sign of strength and beauty.

I hope you found our insights on what the bible say about braiding hair helpful. Let us know in the comments below

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