How Do Hasidic Jews Curl Their Hair? The Deep Meaning Behind the Sidelocks

Have you ever walked through neighborhoods like Brooklyn's Williamsburg or Crown Heights and noticed the distinctive, often tightly coiled curls worn by Hasidic Jewish men and boys? Those aren't just a unique hairstyle. They're a centuries-old tradition, a visible sign of faith that sparks a lot of curiosity. If you've found yourself wondering, "How do Hasidic Jews curl their hair?" you've come to the right place. We're not just going to explain the method; we're going to dive deep into the beautiful meaning behind it. Let's unravel the story of those iconic curls, one strand at a time.

 It’s Not Just Hair; It’s a Commandment

First things first, we need to understand the "why." You see, those curls aren't about fashion trends or personal preference. For Hasidic Jews, they are a direct fulfillment of a biblical commandment found in the Torah, in the book of Leviticus (19:27). The verse states: "You shall not round off the corner of your head, nor destroy the corner of your beard." This is interpreted as a prohibition against completely shaving the hair at the temples. The word for these "corners" or "sidelocks" in Hebrew is `payot` (pronounced PAH-yut). So, the `payot` are left uncut as a physical reminder of God's law and a sign of their devotion. Think of it as a constant, wearable commitment to their faith, something they carry with them every single day.

 So, How Do They Get Those Perfect Curls? The Practical Methods

Now, let's get to the heart of your question. If they don't cut the `payot`, how do they form them into those neat curls? The process is surprisingly simple and often doesn't involve any heat or modern curling tools in the traditional sense. It's all about technique and patience. There are two primary ways this is done:

1.  The Natural "Wrap-and-Tuck" Method: This is the most common and traditional technique. It uses the hair's natural texture, length, and some product to create the curl.
2.  The Modern "Tool-Assisted" Variation: Some, especially younger boys or those with straighter hair, might use a simple tool to help set the curl.

 Let's Break Down the Classic Wrap-and-Tuck

Imagine you're twisting a piece of string around your finger—the process is very similar. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the classic method works:

   Step 1: Hair Length is Key. The hair at the temples is grown long, often reaching down to the chin or even lower. This length is absolutely essential for the curling process.

   Step 2: The Application of Pomade. A small amount of hair pomade, wax, or even gel is applied to the `payot`. This isn't just for hold; it helps define the hair strand and makes it more pliable. In the past, this was often a natural beeswax-based product.

   Step 3: The Twisting Motion. The individual takes a single `payah` (that's one sidelock) between their thumb and forefinger and begins to twist it tightly. They start at the root and twist all the way down to the end, creating one long, spiraled strand of hair.

   Step 4: The Coiling and Tucking. This is the magic step. Once the hair is tightly twisted, it naturally wants to coil. The person then wraps this twisted strand around itself, forming a tight coil or curl. The end of the hair is then gently tucked under or into the base of the coil near the ear to secure it in place. The pomade and the hair's own tension hold the curl together for the day.

For the tool-assisted method, some will use a `payot` roller—a simple, small, hollow roller. The hair is twisted, wrapped around the roller, and left for a short time to set the shape, after which the roller is removed. It's a low-tech way to achieve a more uniform curl, especially for special occasions.

 Not All Curls Are Created Equal

Did you know you can sometimes identify a person's specific Hasidic community just by looking at their `payot`? It's true! There's a fascinating diversity in styles. For example, many Lubavitch (Chabad) Hasidim are known for letting their `payot` hang down freely, sometimes with a loose curl, rather than tucking them tightly behind the ears. On the other hand, Satmar or Belz Hasidim often sport the iconic, perfectly tight and circular curls that sit neatly against the side of the head. These subtle variations are a rich part of their cultural identity.

The Daily Ritual of Care

Maintaining the `payot` is a daily part of a Hasidic man's grooming routine, often done after the ritual morning washing of the hands. It's a quiet, mindful moment. The curls are typically taken out and re-formed each day. And remember, the core principle is that the hair of the `payot` is never cut. This is a lifelong practice, starting from a boy's first haircut at the age of three, a ceremony known as the `upsherin`.

 Conclusion: More Than a Curl, A Covenant

So, the next time you see those distinctive curls, you'll know you're looking at much more than a hairstyle. You're witnessing a living tradition, a physical act of faith that connects a modern community to an ancient covenant. The method of curling the `payot`—whether by a simple finger-twist or with a little help from a roller—is a humble, daily ritual that reinforces a deep spiritual identity. It’s a beautiful example of how a physical appearance can be woven with profound meaning.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all Jewish men wear `payot`?

No, not all. It is most common and is a strict practice among Orthodox Jewish groups, particularly Hasidic and some other Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) communities. Many Modern Orthodox Jews may not grow visibly long `payot`.

2. At what age do boys start wearing curls?

Boys start growing their `payot` after their `upsherin`, their first haircut, which happens when they turn three years old.

3. Do Hasidic women curl their hair?

After marriage, Hasidic women follow the laws of modesty (`tznius`), which often includes covering their own hair with a scarf (tichel) or a wig (sheitel). The curling of hair is a practice specific to men based on the biblical commandment.

4. What happens if the curl comes undone during the day?

It's not a major issue. If a curl comes loose, the person will simply re-twist and re-tuck it. It's a practical part of their day.

5. Is there a specific direction to curl the hair?

There is no strict religious law dictating the direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise). It generally comes down to personal habit and what feels most natural for the individual.

6. Can they ever cut the `payot`?

No, the central principle is that they are never cut. They are allowed to grow indefinitely, though they are sometimes trimmed if they become too long and unwieldy, but they are never completely removed.

7. What kind of pomade do they use?

While any kosher hair product can be used, many prefer traditional, natural products like beeswax-based pomades.

8. Why are some `payot` so long?

The length is a matter of custom and personal or communal stringency. Some communities and individuals believe in letting them grow very long as a fuller expression of the commandment.

9. Is it disrespectful to ask about them?

While curiosity is natural, it's always best to be respectful. For Hasidic Jews, their religious attire is a normal part of life, and constant questions can be intrusive. Appreciating the tradition from a respectful distance is often best.

10. How is this different from Rastafarian dreadlocks?

While both involve not cutting hair for religious reasons, the traditions are completely different. Rastafarians grow dreadlocks based on Nazarite vows, while `payot` are specifically about not shaving the corners of the head and are often meticulously styled, not left to dread.