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Josephus mentions the custom-still obtaining in the East-of sprinkling gold-dust on the hair in order to produce a golden shimmer ("Ant." viii. The prophet Isaiah derides the many aids used by the women in curling and tending their hair (Isaiah iii.). Women gave much thought to the care and decoration of their hair (II Kings ix. A woman's hair was never cut except as a sign of deep mourning or of degradation (Jer. Fashions Among Women.Īmong women long hair is extolled as a mark of beauty (Cant. 13, 19) indicate that this fashion obtained, for a time at least, in Israel. Samson's seven braids ("maḥlefot" Judges xvi. The Assyrians wore their hair in several braids reaching down to the nape of theneck. The Hebrews, however, did not follow the Egyptian custom of wearing wigs. There is no other information in the Bible concerning the care of the hair.Īs the ancient Egyptians had combs, and as the Assyrians, also, were very careful in dressing their hair, it may be due to mere chance that combs are not mentioned in the Old Testament. They were neither to shave their hair according to heathen custom, nor to allow it to grow uncut like that of the Nazarites (comp. It was never shaved save on special occasions the high priests and the priests in general were expressly forbidden to have theirs shaved. Absalom, proud of his thick head of hair, had it cut once a year only. The Nazarites allowed theirs to grow uncut for religious reasons. Fashion Among Men.įrom the Old Testament it may be gathered that it was customary for the men to have their hair cut from time to time. A bald head, therefore, was an object of mockery (II Kings ii. 25 et seq.) was considered not only as an ornament, but as a token of strength.

In the case of Samson, traced back to religious reasons (he having been dedicated to God), the connection of long hair and bodily strength was based on the current views. Long, heavy hair was considered as a sign of vitality. 42), this expression being also applied to Esau's hair (Gen. David is designated as "admoni" = "ruddy" (I Sam.

Black hair was in any case considered beautiful, black being the general color, while light or blond hair was exceptional. 8, § 1) that Herod dyed his gray hair black in order to appear younger. 10 black hair is designated as a sign of youth in contrast with the white hair of age. The hair of the ancient Hebrews was generally black (comp.