Why did men keep their hair long?

Author: Kale Towne  |  Last update: Friday, October 24, 2025

Long hair was a symbol of masculinity for men. The symbol of long hair had to do with lifetime, as well as victory and royalty. This also depended which region you lived in during the middle ages.

Why did men have long hair in the past?

Ancient Greece and Rome

In ancient Greece, long male hair was a symbol of wealth and power, while a shaven head was appropriate for a slave. The ancient Greeks had several gods and heroes who wore their hair long, including Zeus, Achilles, Apollo, and Poseidon.

Were men meant to have long hair?

In many places, long hair represented the pinnacle of manliness. There were exceptions, notably the Romans and Greeks. And their insistence on short hair spread through society so that it became the respectable look for men. Today, we have taken that to an extreme, where the vast majority of men keep their locks short.

When did long hair stop being masculine?

If we are speaking strictly for the 1990s then it was 1998 was when guys started cutting their hair, but there were still some people with long hair. Technically the 1970s had the most guys with long hair in the 20th century.

What does long hair symbolize for men?

Throughout history, since ancient times, the presence of great warriors and heroes whose distinctive hair has symbolized strength, virility, wisdom and social status has been highlighted in various civilizations and cultures.

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Why did native men have long hair?

For thousands of years, male members of our tribe have worn their hair long. It is our spiritual belief that a person's hair is a part of the spirit of the person. With his hair arranged in a long braid running down his back, Logan is confident and proud.

When did men start cutting their hair?

The shorter mens hairstyle started with WW1, and the need to eliminate lice on the troops. The style was emulated by Hollywood as the new norm.

What is the psychology behind long hair?

Evolutionary Psychology and Long Hair

This attraction is believed to be rooted in the association between long hair and reproductive capability. Longer, healthier hair is seen as a sign of youth, vitality, and fertility, making it inherently appealing to the opposite sex.

When did men start removing body hair?

Ancient Egypt – 3,000 BCE

In ancient Egypt, men removed all of their hair because it gave enemies something to grab onto during battle. One of the first-known razors, found in Egypt in 3,000 BC, was made of copper. There's also evidence that Egyptians used a sugary substance like beeswax to remove hair.

What is considered long hair in the Bible?

In this section of Scripture, Paul uses four words in reference to hair: Covering (or covered)—long hair. Uncovered—short hair. Shorn—extremely short hair (in modern terms, a buzz cut).

Why did Jesus have long hair?

Answer: The pictures we have of Jesus with long hair do not derive from any physical description we have of him in the Bible, because there is none. The basic image comes from a long artistic and iconographic tradition—influenced, among other things, by the Shroud of Turin.

When did long hair become feminine?

It dates back at least to ancient Greeks and Romans, and according to archaeologist Elizabeth Bartman, even despite the Ancient Greek ideal of a “bearded, long-haired philosopher,” women in that society still had longer hair than men regularly did.

What does the Bible say about men's hair?

Paul writes plainly, “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?” (1 Corinthians 11:14). All major Bible translations agree on the intent of this verse. God intended (and commanded) men to keep their hair much shorter than women.

What is the psychology of cutting hair short?

Short hair, especially the iconic pixie cut, is often associated with confidence and a sense of adventure. If you rock a pixie cut, you're likely seen as someone who isn't afraid to take risks and values simplicity. Pixie cuts are low-maintenance and exude a certain charm.

Did Vikings have long hair?

As we have seen from the (very limited) written accounts and the few period artifacts we have to pull from, Viking hair styles varied from short hair to long braided hair, and sometimes included shaved on the side and possibly even bangs over their eyes.

Why don't Koreans shave pubic hair?

In Korea, pubic hair has long been considered a sign of fertility and sexual health, and it has been reported in the mid-2010s that some Korean women were undergoing pubic hair transplants, to add extra hair, especially when affected by the condition of pubic atrichosis (or hypotrichosis), which is thought to affect a ...

Why don't men shave their armpits?

In the past, men shaving armpits has been seen as 'taboo' and not in line with traditional (and narrow) masculine ideals, but ultimately you should do whatever makes you feel most confident and comfortable. Trimming underarm hair can be easily done as part of your self-care routine, ideally before your shower.

Why did humans stop being hairy?

The most dominant view among scientists is the so-called "body-cooling" hypothesis, also known as the "savannah" hypothesis. This points to a rising need for early humans to thermoregulate their bodies as a driver for fur loss.

What hair length do men find most attractive?

Females with long hair are considered more attractive than females in short hair and healthier by men, especially if women are less attractive. Long hair, as it is harder to care for, it is associated with high phenotypic and genetic quality (Mesko and Bereczkei, 2004) . ... ...

What is the evolutionary reason for long head hair?

The likely original function of long scalp hair was to shield the sun-exposed head of upright-standing human ancestors.

What does a man with long hair symbolize?

Long hair has held a significant place in human history and culture, often symbolizing power, strength, and rebellion. From legendary figures like Samson in biblical times to rock stars and countercultural icons of the 1960s, long hair has been a symbol of nonconformity and defiance against societal norms.

What cultures don t cut boys hair?

Traditionally, Niuean boys do not cut their hair, which is lovingly cared for by sisters, mothers and fathers. When the boys become teenagers, a ceremony is held where women tend the hair for the last time before it is cut.

Why did men have long hair in the olden days?

Long hair was a symbol of masculinity for men. The symbol of long hair had to do with lifetime, as well as victory and royalty. This also depended which region you lived in during the middle ages. We also see this today in shows like “Game of Thrones,” “Vikings,” and “Lord of the Rings.”

Why did slaves cut their hair?

Hair styling was a way to communicate status, emotions, and beauty all across Africa. The forced removal of hair communicated that the Africans—whoever they were before they had been taken—no longer existed. Their cultures were to be stripped from them in the same way their hair had been.

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