With different trending hairstyles nowadays, people seem to join the bandwagon and show off how they nail it. You probably want to jump in as well but are still hanging on because you are afraid it may affect your faith. Aside from dyeing hair, and cutting it, people are also curious if it is a sin to braid hair. In this blog post, we will deep dive into this topic.
Bible Reference
These are the bible passages that probably make the faithful question the sinfulness of braiding hair.
“Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him “lord.” You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.”
Similarly, [too,] women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds.
When we take the scriptures in the proper context, the verses merely point to the need for a Christian woman to distinguish herself from other women who were worldly, by being modest and inner refined.
In Paul’s culture, he noted the practice of women who adorned themselves with braided hair, wearing gold, showing off wealth, vanity, or even class distinction.
This should not be the case, everyone should be equal, and no one is above the other.
Paul here is highlighting a spiritual lifestyle, and unity among the people, which can vanish when people put too much focus on outward appearances or show their wealth on their sleeve.
Braiding Hair is not a Sin
To answer the question.
Is it a sin to braid your hair?
No. Braiding your hair is not a sin. The Catholic Church does not have any teaching on braiding one’s hair. Therefore, you are free to braid your hair.
Although the scriptures explicitly mention not to braid hair, if taking it in the proper context, it is actually not prohibited and therefore not a sin.
Conclusion
So, in our own times, it is up to you to find out how to dress properly to both honor God and feel good about yourself. Modesty can be achieved easily without compromising a personal sense of style.
Just do what you think will make you look good.
Note that at the end of the day, what matters is not what others can see but what is within.
As Catholics, we are allowed to be both beautiful inside and out.
As long as we are giving God honor in everything that we do, it’s all good!