What is your opinion and experience with women with short hair?

[prudent_commenter]

In my personal experience, there is a big difference between women with long hair and women with short hair.

As per the scripture, a woman's hair is her glory. Her beauty comes from her hair, and is a gift from God simply because not all women can grow long hair.

What I've noticed about women with short hair is the desire to go against their nature. The hair is simply a noticeable change, but with the hair comes others changes that one doesn't see. Whenever I see short hair on a woman. I see it as a question: what brought it up? Or who brought it up? In today's society, it is known that after failed marriages|relationships, women tend to desire radical changes that seem to be out of impulsiveness.

It's curious that this should exist because the majority of men love long hair on women. Cutting it short would certainly fit the agendas in place by society. It is bad for multiple reasons: 1. they make women look like men; 2. they make them "forget" their own nature. In both cases, it sin. Apart from the agendas, it also seems to be consuming a lot more. From a logical standpoint, short hair would consume less products, and take less time. But it doesn't. Quite the opposite: more time, and more products. (And we live in a society of consumption.) So women that say it's easier, it doesn't seem right. Easier is going with the nature, and not opposing it.

On top of this it just doesn't look good. I deduced last year that, without their long hair, all of their imperfections are more pronounced. It's the forcing of imperfections, where there are none to be seen. And I have also linked it to their so-called female intuition. It would appear you are at your best when you are embracing your true self, as God has made you.

Thus, the women I've talked to, or have observed them, it seems to be those with long-hair do things naturally, they ease into it, and think before they act. On the opposite, short-hair tends to be impulsive, forceful.

As for me, I am a man with long-hair and long-beard for two reasons: 1. I consider them a gift from God; and 2. God told me to leave the hair alone (for now anyway).

 

[ozso]

It depends. Older women tend to wear their hair short. But there's definitely a difference between a woman's short but still feminine hair style, and a woman who has a masculine "butch" haircut.

 

[pastorwaris]

In my personal experience, there is a big difference between women with long hair and women with short hair.

As per the scripture, a woman's hair is her glory. Her beauty comes from her hair, and is a gift from God simply because not all women can grow long hair.

What I've noticed about women with short hair is the desire to go against their nature. The hair is simply a noticeable change, but with the hair comes others changes that one doesn't see. Whenever I see short hair on a woman. I see it as a question: what brought it up? Or who brought it up? In today's society, it is known that after failed marriages|relationships, women tend to desire radical changes that seem to be out of impulsiveness.

It's curious that this should exist because the majority of men love long hair on women. Cutting it short would certainly fit the agendas in place by society. It is bad for multiple reasons: 1. they make women look like men; 2. they make them "forget" their own nature. In both cases, it sin. Apart from the agendas, it also seems to be consuming a lot more. From a logical standpoint, short hair would consume less products, and take less time. But it doesn't. Quite the opposite: more time, and more products. (And we live in a society of consumption.) So women that say it's easier, it doesn't seem right. Easier is going with the nature, and not opposing it.

On top of this it just doesn't look good. I deduced last year that, without their long hair, all of their imperfections are more pronounced. It's the forcing of imperfections, where there are none to be seen. And I have also linked it to their so-called female intuition. It would appear you are at your best when you are embracing your true self, as God has made you.

Thus, the women I've talked to, or have observed them, it seems to be those with long-hair do things naturally, they ease into it, and think before they act. On the opposite, short-hair tends to be impulsive, forceful.

As for me, I am a man with long-hair and long-beard for two reasons: 1. I consider them a gift from God; and 2. God told me to leave the hair alone (for now anyway).

Dear Brother, thank you for sharing your personal reflections so honestly. It’s clear you’ve taken time to observe, reflect, and connect your experiences with Scripture. I’d like to humbly respond both as a fellow man walking in faith and as a pastor charged with rightly dividing the Word of truth.

First, let’s be clear: the Bible does say a woman’s long hair is her glory. That’s found in 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.” No disagreement there. It is indeed a beautiful part of God’s design. However, we must be cautious about going beyond what is written.

What I hear in your comment is a mix of personal experience, cultural observation, and theological assumption. While your experiences are valid as your experiences, we need to be careful not to make them universal moral standards for all women.

1. Hair Length Is Not a Salvation Issue​

Let me gently remind us that salvation and sanctification are not determined by hairstyle. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not rest on inches of hair. Romans 10:9 says: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
It doesn't say “...and have long hair” or “...and dress a certain way.”

2. God Looks at the Heart​

The Lord spoke clearly in 1 Samuel 16:7, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
A woman could have hair down to her ankles and still be prideful, rebellious, or ungodly. Another woman could have short hair due to illness, necessity, or preference and still carry the gentle, submissive, wise spirit that pleases the Lord.
We must remember that external appearance doesn’t automatically reflect internal virtue or vice versa.

3. Let’s Be Cautious With Judgments​

When you say, “Short-haired women are impulsive or forceful,” it risks crossing the line from observation into judgment a generalization that Scripture warns against.
James 4:11-12 says, “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers... Who are you to judge your neighbor?”
Paul also reminds us in Romans 14:4, “Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.”

You mentioned you grow your hair because God told you to. That’s beautiful. And if God told a sister in Christ to cut her hair or if she did it prayerfully and with a clear conscience before God, who are we to assume it was out of rebellion, pain, or vanity?

4. Cultural Influence vs. Biblical Instruction​

It’s true that modern culture often distorts God’s design for manhood and womanhood. We see agendas that blur the lines. But we need wisdom to discern the difference between actual rebellion and personal style or practicality. A woman with short hair isn’t necessarily “trying to look like a man.” Sometimes it’s a matter of health (chemotherapy, alopecia), convenience, or simply a different expression of who she is in Christ.

Let’s not mistake personal preference for spiritual principle. Otherwise, we risk creating man-made standards and putting burdens where Christ has offered freedom.

5. What Defines a Godly Woman?​

Proverbs 31:30 says: “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Whether she has long locks or a pixie cut, what matters most is: Does she fear the Lord? Does she walk in the Spirit? Does she love the Word? Does she build her home, respect her husband, and serve others in humility? That’s her true beauty. And if her heart is aligned with God, her outward choices will reflect that, in one way or another.

As a man and a pastor, I love seeing women embrace their identity in Christ whatever their hair length. Let us affirm women in their godliness, encourage them in truth, and avoid disqualifying or questioning their motives based on surface-level choices.

And I say this in love: be careful not to project your own story onto others. What God told you about your hair is for you. Let’s trust that the same Holy Spirit can lead our sisters just as faithfully.

May we all remember: We are not saved by hairstyles but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

---

Grace and peace to you in Christ,
Pastor Waris
Romans 12:10 – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
pastor.waris777@gmail.com

 

[prudent_commenter]

Dear Brother, thank you for sharing your personal reflections so honestly. It’s clear you’ve taken time to observe, reflect, and connect your experiences with Scripture. I’d like to humbly respond both as a fellow man walking in faith and as a pastor charged with rightly dividing the Word of truth.

First, let’s be clear: the Bible does say a woman’s long hair is her glory. That’s found in 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.” No disagreement there. It is indeed a beautiful part of God’s design. However, we must be cautious about going beyond what is written.

What I hear in your comment is a mix of personal experience, cultural observation, and theological assumption. While your experiences are valid as your experiences, we need to be careful not to make them universal moral standards for all women.

Which is why I have said "in my personal experience". Cultural observation would mean that I am observing a specific culture, and work with that. What I described is a drastic change, that is happening in many places, not just a single area. And that would apply if it were something done for hundreds of years. That would be cultural. But when something changes drastically over a few years? And in most places for that matter?

1. Hair Length Is Not a Salvation Issue​

Let me gently remind us that salvation and sanctification are not determined by hairstyle. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not rest on inches of hair. Romans 10:9 says: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
It doesn't say “...and have long hair” or “...and dress a certain way.”

I didn't say anything of salvation. Salvation is between an individual and God.

I said that women are appearing more like men. And it is forbidden. A woman must be clearly distinguishable from a man. It is forbidden for a woman to have the same apparel as men.

2. God Looks at the Heart​

The Lord spoke clearly in 1 Samuel 16:7, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
A woman could have hair down to her ankles and still be prideful, rebellious, or ungodly. Another woman could have short hair due to illness, necessity, or preference and still carry the gentle, submissive, wise spirit that pleases the Lord.
We must remember that external appearance doesn’t automatically reflect internal virtue or vice versa.

Agreed. But, as mentioned, I observed these things, and made a connection with their hair. Not all could be this, but what I saw, is the case. I know the tree from its fruit. But if in the majority of the cases observed there is a pattern, should I ignore it?

3. Let’s Be Cautious With Judgments​

When you say, “Short-haired women are impulsive or forceful,” it risks crossing the line from observation into judgment a generalization that Scripture warns against.
James 4:11-12 says, “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers... Who are you to judge your neighbor?”
Paul also reminds us in Romans 14:4, “Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.”

You mentioned you grow your hair because God told you to. That’s beautiful. And if God told a sister in Christ to cut her hair or if she did it prayerfully and with a clear conscience before God, who are we to assume it was out of rebellion, pain, or vanity?

Judgement would mean that I made up my mind and consider all women to be this. I said in my post that it raises questions. How those questions are answered, it depends on them. I test everything I deal with, specifically because you never know what could be hidden below the surface. As per the scripture.

4. Cultural Influence vs. Biblical Instruction​

It’s true that modern culture often distorts God’s design for manhood and womanhood. We see agendas that blur the lines. But we need wisdom to discern the difference between actual rebellion and personal style or practicality. A woman with short hair isn’t necessarily “trying to look like a man.” Sometimes it’s a matter of health (chemotherapy, alopecia), convenience, or simply a different expression of who she is in Christ.

Let’s not mistake personal preference for spiritual principle. Otherwise, we risk creating man-made standards and putting burdens where Christ has offered freedom.

Well, if a woman that comes from a failed relationship decides to cut her long hair, what is that to you? If it was 1 year after the break-up, let's say it's a personal choice. But, in the first month after?
Practicality would be, if it were true.

And personal style is consistency. God adds, not demolishes.

5. What Defines a Godly Woman?​

Proverbs 31:30 says: “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Whether she has long locks or a pixie cut, what matters most is: Does she fear the Lord? Does she walk in the Spirit? Does she love the Word? Does she build her home, respect her husband, and serve others in humility? That’s her true beauty. And if her heart is aligned with God, her outward choices will reflect that, in one way or another.

As a man and a pastor, I love seeing women embrace their identity in Christ whatever their hair length. Let us affirm women in their godliness, encourage them in truth, and avoid disqualifying or questioning their motives based on surface-level choices.

And I say this in love: be careful not to project your own story onto others. What God told you about your hair is for you. Let’s trust that the same Holy Spirit can lead our sisters just as faithfully.

May we all remember: We are not saved by hairstyles but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

---

Grace and peace to you in Christ,
Pastor Waris
Romans 12:10 – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
pastor.waris777@gmail.com

So do I. But society teaches them that fine to sin, and the majority believe it. It also teaches them that it is much easier to start a new than to repair. Where do you think they learned this from? The tree is known by its fruit.

By your "own story", I suspect you mean a bias. I don't have it, because I remained pure. Stayed away from women, at God's directive. So, there is nothing to influence my views on the matter. Besides, you can only tell these things when you are not involved.

 

[prudent_commenter]

It depends. Older women tend to wear their hair short. But there's definitely a difference between a woman's short but still feminine hair style, and a woman who has a masculine "butch" haircut.

And once the hair goes, gold and silver start to make their appearance. It's the most peculiar thing: you remove something that naturally beautifies you, in exchange to cover yourself with man-made greed. This another thing I observed: short hair is usually accompanied by necklaces, earrings, and the like.

In my opinion, femininity and masculinity are a set of rules of what each gender can and cannot do. And that is based on their physical nature. It takes into consideration their strengths and weaknesses, of which the rules are based on. The issue is not about femininity but the confusion with a man. If, from the back, I cannot tell if that person is a man of a woman, it is very bad.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I disagree with most of OP. Granted, I think many (most?) men find long hair on women sexually alluring, but I don't think a woman's biggest goal in life should be to exist to satisfy men. But, I am curious how women who are Hasidic Jews fit into this equation for their custom of shaving their head upon marrying?

 

[PloverWing]

On top of this it just doesn't look good.

Different people look better in different hair styles. Much depends on the shape of your face, and the type of hair you have (straight or curly, coarse or fine).

When you meet a woman that you want to date and marry, you could ask her to grow her hair long and see if she's open to that. Everyone else, I think, should get to pick the hairstyle that best pleases them (and their partners, if they have them).

Thus, the women I've talked to, or have observed them, it seems to be those with long-hair do things naturally, they ease into it, and think before they act. On the opposite, short-hair tends to be impulsive, forceful.

I have not noticed any correlation like this. I agree that some people seem to be more impulsive, and others more slow and thoughtful; and that some people seem to make decisions based more on emotions and others more on rational analysis. But I haven't seen any correlation with hair style.

As for me, I am a man with long-hair and long-beard for two reasons: 1. I consider them a gift from God; and 2. God told me to leave the hair alone (for now anyway).

I'm glad you've found a hair style that works for you. I like long hair on men, in general. Of course, much depends on the shape of one's face and the texture of one's hair; different hair styles look good on different people.

 

[Michie]

As someone with long hair, it’s not easy carrying a load of hair around all the time. I have no issues with women cutting their hair. I wear mine long but I keep it to a certain length. No way I’m going to let it grow to impractical lengths. A lot of men fetishize hair. Literally. They have a romanticized version of it just like they do with breasts, etc. women that cut their hair cut it for a certain style or because as they age it becomes thinner. None of that takes away or makes the woman forget their femininity. Women often do these things to enhance their femininity and feel more attractive. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Bob Crowley]

At least you've got hair. I'm afraid I'm like this bloke.

"My friend went completely bald years ago, but he still carries a comb with him.​

​

He just can’t part with it."​

 

[prudent_commenter]

I'm glad you've found a hair style that works for you. I like long hair on men, in general. Of course, much depends on the shape of one's face and the texture of one's hair; different hair styles look good on different people.

Style is an exaggeration. Both the beard and hair are placed in a ponytail, because according to the scripture, I am not allowed to adorn it in any way. Braids are also forbidden, so the pony was the only one accepted. The beard had to be done because, without it, could be confused for a woman, and that is another sin.

 

[prudent_commenter]

As someone with long hair, it’s not easy carrying a load of hair around all the time. I have no issues with women cutting their hair. I wear mine long but I keep it to a certain length. No way I’m going to let it grow to impractical lengths.

Depends on your definition of long. Long to me is tail-bone.

A lot of men fetishize hair. Literally. They have a romanticized version of it just like they do with breasts, etc.

It's the love of nature. Whatever is from God, is to be admired.

women that cut their hair cut it for a certain style or because as they age it becomes thinner.

Sure, but even then long looks better than cut.

None of that takes away or makes the woman forget their femininity. Women often do these things to enhance their femininity and feel more attractive. Different strokes for different folks.

Hair is one thing that you can't change without repercussions (i.e cut it, takes a long time to grow back). Whereas simple changes (clothing, makeup), can be undone in no time. This doesn't tell anything about femininity.

 

[A New Dawn]

Which is why I have said "in my personal experience". Cultural observation would mean that I am observing a specific culture, and work with that. What I described is a drastic change, that is happening in many places, not just a single area. And that would apply if it were something done for hundreds of years. That would be cultural. But when something changes drastically over a few years? And in most places for that matter?


I didn't say anything of salvation. Salvation is between an individual and God.

I said that women are appearing more like men. And it is forbidden. A woman must be clearly distinguishable from a man. It is forbidden for a woman to have the same apparel as men.

Agreed. But, as mentioned, I observed these things, and made a connection with their hair. Not all could be this, but what I saw, is the case. I know the tree from its fruit. But if in the majority of the cases observed there is a pattern, should I ignore it?

Judgement would mean that I made up my mind and consider all women to be this. I said in my post that it raises questions. How those questions are answered, it depends on them. I test everything I deal with, specifically because you never know what could be hidden below the surface. As per the scripture.

Well, if a woman that comes from a failed relationship decides to cut her long hair, what is that to you? If it was 1 year after the break-up, let's say it's a personal choice. But, in the first month after?
Practicality would be, if it were true.

And personal style is consistency. God adds, not demolishes.

So do I. But society teaches them that fine to sin, and the majority believe it. It also teaches them that it is much easier to start a new than to repair. Where do you think they learned this from? The tree is known by its fruit.

By your "own story", I suspect you mean a bias. I don't have it, because I remained pure. Stayed away from women, at God's directive. So, there is nothing to influence my views on the matter. Besides, you can only tell these things when you are not involved.

The problem with your observations and comments is that you lump together every woman with short hair into the same category.

This follow-up post suggests that what you’ve noticed in the most recent history of women starting to wear their hair short and taking on the appearance of men is not how you phrased the comments in the OP, which was very judgmental in nature about short hair, in general, on women. It’s good to know that you have a preference for one over the other, but as a woman with short hair for most of my life, I find your opinions to be judgmental and of little value since you don’t seem to understand conditions that generally factor into why a woman chooses short hair in the first place.

Maybe, instead of being judgmental about women with short hair, you should actually take the time to get to know some so you come to some understanding, or at the very least, open with the concerns you stated in your follow-up post instead of painting with a broad brush.

You did ask for comments.

 

[seeking.IAM]

When you meet a woman that you want to date and marry, you could ask her to grow her hair long and see if she's open to that.

I had a reaction to this, but I reckon it depends upon how one asks and how long the list is. I once dated a woman delightful in every way were it not for repeated suggestions about how she thought I should appear differently. We had uproarishly good times full of laughter while it lasted, yet I always knew it was going nowhere because all the ways she wanted to change me (those shoes, that shirt, these pants) seemed to reflect a lack of acceptance for the person I was. I didn't see myself dealing with that for the rest of my life. Then I met a girl that accepted me just the way I am.

As for me, I have a list of appearance related things I value or devalue in a woman that are more important to me than the length of her hair.

 

[PloverWing]

We had uproarishly good times full of laughter while it lasted, yet I always knew it was going nowhere because all the ways she wanted to change me (those shoes, that shirt, these pants) seemed to reflect a lack of acceptance for the person I was. I didn't see myself dealing with that for the rest of my life.

That's a good point. I meant only that I might take into account the preferences of someone I'm trying to attract, but random men in general don't get a say-so in how I style my hair.

 

[prudent_commenter]

The problem with your observations and comments is that you lump together every woman with short hair into the same category.

If it's a choice, it's a choice. If it's a problem, it's a problem.

This follow-up post suggests that what you’ve noticed in the most recent history of women starting to wear their hair short and taking on the appearance of men is not how you phrased the comments in the OP, which was very judgmental in nature about short hair, in general, on women.

People always look at the surface.

It’s good to know that you have a preference for one over the other, but as a woman with short hair for most of my life, I find your opinions to be judgmental and of little value since you don’t seem to understand conditions that generally factor into why a woman chooses short hair in the first place.

What I like is what God made. I like the real side of things, as they are.

You see, if I were to be a man that only had short hair, I would probably agree. But with long-hair I know the struggles of it. And I do not see them as struggles. Now, if there were medical issues, other problems, I understand. But this I-don't-want-long-hair-because-it-is-a-lot-of-work does not move on me. I know the work implied by long hair.

Maybe, instead of being judgmental about women with short hair, you should actually take the time to get to know some so you come to some understanding, or at the very least, open with the concerns you stated in your follow-up post instead of painting with a broad brush.

Can't do that. God wouldn't like it, and it's also against the scripture. And I dislike it as well.

You did ask for comments.

I did. And you ignored it the topic.

 

[prudent_commenter]

I had a reaction to this, but I reckon it depends upon how one asks and how long the list is. I once dated a woman delightful in every way were it not for repeated suggestions about how she thought I should appear differently. We had uproarishly good times full of laughter while it lasted, yet I always knew it was going nowhere because all the ways she wanted to change me (those shoes, that shirt, these pants) seemed to reflect a lack of acceptance for the person I was. I didn't see myself dealing with that for the rest of my life. Then I met a girl that accepted me just the way I am.

As for me, I have a list of appearance related things I value or devalue in a woman that are more important to me than the length of her hair.

Exactly. People have this weird notion that they change their partners in a relationship/marriage. You do not take people to change them. For one thing, you'll live a lie. The person changes for your sake, only. He doesn't like it, he doesn't sees himself in the change. And whatever is forced, is prone to failure. And second, whatever you do by force, is a chore, is a nuisance. Instead, if it's something that is part of you, you do it without thinking about it, without effort.

This is why I will never show my interest to any woman that doesn't suit my values. I will never try to take something, and change it.

 

[Hentenza]

I’ve been married to my beautiful wife for over 41 years. God blessed me with her. I don’t care how she cuts her hair because that is her choice. Throughout our marriage she has alternated between long, mid, and somewhat short.

 

[pastorwaris]

Which is why I have said "in my personal experience". Cultural observation would mean that I am observing a specific culture, and work with that. What I described is a drastic change, that is happening in many places, not just a single area. And that would apply if it were something done for hundreds of years. That would be cultural. But when something changes drastically over a few years? And in most places for that matter?

Brother, I respect your concern. You're discerning a shift, and I believe you're doing it out of a desire to uphold godly values. Just don’t let discernment become discouragement toward others in the body of Christ who may walk differently than you do in appearance but walk just as faithfully in heart.
As a pastor and a fellow believer, I’d encourage all of us men and women alike to focus more on what’s growing in our hearts than what’s changing on our heads.
Galatians 5:6 – “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

With love and grace,
Pastor Waris

 

[pastorwaris]

I didn't say anything of salvation. Salvation is between an individual and God.

I said that women are appearing more like men. And it is forbidden. A woman must be clearly distinguishable from a man. It is forbidden for a woman to have the same apparel as men.

I believe God is far more interested in transformed hearts than outward hair length or fashion labels. When the inside is submitted to Him, the outside usually follows suit, naturally and without force.

So yes let’s encourage distinction. Let’s speak truth. But let’s also leave room for grace, context, and the quiet work of the Holy Spirit in each life.
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Blessings and strength to you!

 

[pastorwaris]

Agreed. But, as mentioned, I observed these things, and made a connection with their hair. Not all could be this, but what I saw, is the case. I know the tree from its fruit. But if in the majority of the cases observed there is a pattern, should I ignore it?

You clearly care about holiness and God’s order. That’s a good thing. Just don’t let that concern turn into a filter that causes you to miss the beautiful exceptions those people who may not “look” like the part, but who are walking closely with Jesus in quiet faithfulness.

Let’s keep watching the fruit but let’s also keep checking our own hearts in the process.
Proverbs 3:3 – “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

With grace and truth,