Amish women never not cut their hair, following the Biblical teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, which suggests that long hair is a woman’s glory. They typically have long hair, often reaching down to their waist and wear it in a bun, covered with a bonnet or prayer covering.
1 Corinthians 11:14-15
Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
The Amish interpret this in a way that applies to all hair, which means Amish women traditionally do not shave their legs or armpits.
The Amish interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:5-15 in the Bible is that it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved:
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.
In Amish culture, styling hair is seen as a form of vanity, which they avoid as part of their religious and cultural beliefs.
Amish women cover their hair in public to maintain modesty, as their hair is considered too attractive. They can leave it uncovered at home.
In Amish culture, a man is allowed to see his wife’s hair down only in the privacy of their home.
The Amish don’t dye their hair, allowing grey hairs to show naturally.
Amish men do not cut their beards after they are married, as beards are a symbol of manhood and marital status in the Amish community.
However, they do trim their mustaches, as mustaches are historically associated with the military, and the Amish are pacifists.
These practices are part of the Amish commitment to living a simple, humble life, in accordance with their religious beliefs.
Why Do the Amish Cut Their Hair the Way They Do?
Amish boys and men often have bowl cuts because it’s a straightforward, modest style that fits their traditional values. This haircut is easy to do at home, removing the need for a barber.
It’s low-maintenance and helps them show their identity as Amish.
In the Amish community, the length of men’s hair can vary depending on the specific community. Some Amish communities may have men wearing their hair longer than in others.
For example, in the Byler Amish communities, men wear their hair to their shoulders.
Long Story Short
In Amish culture, hair and beard styles are deeply rooted in religious beliefs and traditions.
Men grow their beards after marriage as a symbol of adulthood and marital status, but they trim mustaches due to their association with the military.
Women don’t cut their hair, in line with Biblical teachings, and keep it covered in public to maintain modesty.