What do virtually all races and cultures have in common? The majority of the women have long hair while the men have short hair.
If you're wondering why that's the case, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll explain the many reasons why women have long hair.
Long Haired Women in Ancient Times
Humans' infatuation with long-haired women started very long ago, with the ancient Greeks and Romans (source) in the middle ages. Women of the time were viewed as more beautiful, more youthful, and even more likely to conceive if they sported longer hairstyles.
Women also wore their hair long in the Victorian age - it wasn't normal for women to get haircuts, so spotting a woman with floor-sweeping hair was not unusual.
If you look at pictures or portraits of women from these eras, you'll notice that their hair lengths are long and flowy or pulled back into a sizeable bun.
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The significance of a woman's hair was also apparent in biblical times. According to the Bible in the book of Corinthians, it is explained by St. Paul that hair is a woman's glory and a man's disgrace.
Women who believed in the teachings of the Bible allowed their hair to grow indefinitely, very seldom cutting it. Christianity has also shaped beliefs about male hair length, as men's hair is expected to be short according to the book of Corinthians and other books of the Bible.
Times Have Changed
Some like to think that today's ideals are more progressive than those of the past and they're right in part.
Even today, long hair is viewed as more feminine than short hair. Also, since sickness and age can cause a woman's hair to thin or break off, long hair may be seen as an indicator of health and vitality.
When a woman with long hair announces that she's going to cut her hair, chances are she'll hear, "Why would you do that?" The fact is that long hair is a very desirable physical trait among women.
A woman cutting her long hair is a really big deal. But at the same time, it's normal to see everyday women, especially older women, sporting short hairstyles and loving their hair.
The truth is that long hair is everywhere, and its persuasion is palpable. Models with long hair grace the pages of magazines, and celebrities and influencers wear long hairstyles to look their best.
The hair extension industry is booming, making billions of dollars a year, and the reason is apparent - people love long hair. It's a classic style that shows no sign of going out of style anytime soon.
Why Do Women Have Long Hair?
More often than not, women wear their hair long, and while some do it for biblical reasons, the majority have their own personal reasons.
Here are some of the most common reasons why women wear their hair long:
Enhance Beauty
Long hair is an accessory that can make you look or feel more beautiful. There's something about having long hair flowing down your back or swaying in the wind as you strut down the street.
Just ask anyone who's tried hair extensions for the first time or made the choice to grow out their hair - long hair makes you feel like a million bucks.
We are not saying that women who don short haircuts and styles are unattractive, but rather that long hair enhances any given woman's beauty. Perhaps it's because long hair frames the face, enhancing any woman's facial features.
Note: It's not uncommon to see men with long hair in today's times. Long haired men can be found wearing dreadlocks, afro, and many different long straight hairstyle. It's also common for mean to wear long beards nowadays.
Styling Capabilities
Most, if not all, women love to try out new hairstyles. Unfortunately, with short hair, it's not always possible.
On the other hand, long hair allows you to try out virtually any hairstyle, from roller sets to half-up-half-down styles, braided styles, and more. This makes long hair desirable to most women.
Attention from Men
The majority of men state that they prefer women with long hair. It's been documented in various polls and studies.
According to a poll conducted by the Daily Mail, more than 55% of men indicated that they prefer women with long hair. Ever since women have found out that most men prefer longer hair, many of them have considered wearing long hair to catch the right guy's eye.
A Luxurious Appearance
Long extension hair is synonymous with luxury and confidence - let us explain. Reality stars and celebrities are often seen wearing super-long extensions to show out.
And, especially in the United States, everyday women have followed suit, wearing super long, sleek extensions to look super glam while out with the girls or at an exclusive event.
This is one of the biggest reasons why younger women in their 20s and 30s wear their hair long or try extensions.
Cover Insecurities
Long hair has the power to catch anyone's attention, and when styled in a certain way, it can even draw attention away from facial imperfections and certain insecurities. So, on those days when you're not feeling your best, long hair can act as a pick-me-up.
Showcase Femininity
Though countless feminine women wear their hair in short styles, there's no denying that long hair is known to be feminine.
Back in the day, long hair was seen as feminine, and that hasn't changed over time. With long, flowing tresses, any given woman's femininity alert is on full blast. The reason why long hair is considered feminine is up for debate.
Sex Appeal
Women with long, flowy hair are thought to be sexy. In popular media, like movies and TV shows, when a man and a woman kiss, the guy runs his fingers through her hair, and the woman's hair falls seductively over her face.
Also, men like to play in a woman's long hair just as a sign of affection. So, if a woman wants to feel sexy or exude sex appeal, growing long hair is one way to do it.
Middle-Aged Women and Short Hair
You may be surprised to find out that middle-aged women don't usually wear their hair long, despite the historical and social significance of doing so.
Middle-aged women usually rock short haircuts and styles, and it's often for one or more of the following reasons:
- Long hair is a lot of work - Washing, drying, and styling super long hair can become a drag. Short hair is much easier to manage and style, so a lot of middle-aged and older women opt for shorter hair.
- Long hair on an older woman is uncommon - Since so many older women shy away from long hair, those who do may be considered rebellious. To avoid that type of attention, they go short.
- Long hair can make you feel hot. When women get older and begin to have hot flashes, having hair resting on your shoulders and back can make you uncomfortable. In this case, the less hair you've got to deal with, the better.
Other Interesting Hair-Related Questions
- What Ethnicity Has the Most Hair?
- Why Do Females Play With Their Hair?
- Why Is Someone With Red Hair Called Ginger?
- Does Hairstyle Matter in an Interview?
You Don't Need Long Hair
Long hair is universal and loved by many. But if you're a woman and you want to wear your hair short, we encourage you to do it! We are well aware that short hair is sexy and beautiful in its own way.
The ultra-short pixie and trendy bob are always on-trend, and celebrities like Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, and even Kylie Jenner have all flaunted their short hair with pride.
Though history favors long hair on women and short hair on men, our power lies in our diversity, and you have a right to showcase yours!
If that means you want to be a long-haired beauty - that's great... if it means you prefer to be a short-haired goddess - that's great too! We encourage you to be yourself unapologetically.
