What do the Scriptures say about dreadlocks?

Question:

Hi,

There is a fashion trend among black males to plait their hair or have dreadlocks like rastas. What do the Scriptures say about this?

Answer:

It depends on the purpose of the hairstyling. I know that the tightly curly hair among those of African descent is often difficult to manage. Dreadlocks are one way to manage the hair without resorting to very short haircuts.

However, things like braided hair can be a vanity statement. Things in this life are not nearly as important as our spiritual life. "Do not let your adornment be merely outward -- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (I Peter 1:3-4). We have to keep proper priorities. What we should be noticed for is who we are as Christians and not for what we look like.

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