Jewish Hair Curl And Fringe: Cultural Connection? (2025)

The Jewish hair curl, or 'payos', is a result of the Jewish rule that men must not cut or trim their hair within a special facial region. This region is roughly between the middle of the ear and the eye, below the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. The hair in this region is often grown indefinitely, resulting in long side curls that visibly extend downward. The curls can be styled in various ways, such as twisting them into ringlets or wrapping them behind the ears. While the payos is a religious custom, the style in which it is worn is not based on scripture but rather on fashion and convenience.

The Jewish hair curl is a stereotype

The Jewish hair curl is a well-known stereotype, often associated with Jewish identity and seen as a defining feature of Jewish people. This stereotype is particularly applied to those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, who are known to have a variety of hair colours and curl patterns. However, it is important to note that not all Jews have curly hair, and having curly hair does not automatically make someone appear Jewish.

The origin of the Jewish hair curl stereotype can be traced back to Biblical scripture, which states that a man should not "round the corner of his head". This scripture has been interpreted by Talmudic scholars as a restriction on hair cutting, leading to the distinctive side curls or "payos" commonly seen among Ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish men. The payos are formed by allowing the hair within a specific facial region, bounded by the middle of the ear and the eye, to grow indefinitely without trimming or cutting. The result is long, conspicuous sidecurls that visibly extend downward.

The Jewish hair curl stereotype has been perpetuated and reinforced through various media and pop culture references. For example, the Jewish American Girl Doll, Rebecca Rubin, sparked controversy as some believed she looked "stereotypically Jewish". Additionally, Jewish comedy stars like Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill have popularised the "Jew-fro", associating it with the "funny guy" stereotype.

The Jewish hair curl stereotype has also been used to further antisemitism and discrimination. In Nazi Germany, for instance, specific measurements of skin, eye, and hair colour were used to "determine Jewishness", contributing to the mass genocide of the Jewish people. Even within Jewish communities, there is internalised antisemitism and insecurity, with some Jewish people straightening their natural curls to conform to Western beauty standards and avoid being perceived as "too Jewish".

Furthermore, the Jewish hair curl stereotype has been gendered, primarily applying to Jewish women. Jewish men with curly hair can choose to keep it cropped short or let it grow into a Jew-fro, while Jewish women often feel pressured to straighten their hair to fit the mainstream images of beauty portrayed in magazines. This pressure to alter one's natural hair texture to conform to societal norms and beauty standards is not unique to Jewish women and is also experienced by other racialised and ethnic groups.

Despite the persistence of the Jewish hair curl stereotype, it is important to recognise that Jewish people have a diverse range of hair textures and styles, just like any other racial or ethnic group. Embracing and celebrating natural curls can be an act of Jewish resistance and self-acceptance in the face of antisemitism and stereotypes.

The curl is connected to Jewish identity

The curl is deeply connected to Jewish identity. While there is no one-size-fits-all "Jewish hair", dark, curly, and often frizzy hair is a trait commonly associated with Jewish people. This perception is so widespread that people often assume that those with curly hair are Jewish.

The curl has been used to identify and harm Jews, with curly hair being used as a eugenics metric to identify and persecute Jews during the Nazi regime. Due to this history, the desire to straighten hair may be a manifestation of intergenerational trauma.

For some, the curl is a source of pride and a way to visibly embrace their Jewish identity. For others, it is a source of frustration and a reminder of their "difference". Some Jews with curly hair feel that they do not conform to Western beauty standards and feel pressured to straighten their hair to fit in. This pressure is not limited to the Jewish community, with Black people also facing legal issues and discrimination due to their natural hair.

The curl is a part of Jewish identity, whether it is worn naturally, straightened, or styled in other ways. It is a visible marker of Jewish heritage that can invite curiosity, connection, and unwanted attention.

The curl is a result of Jewish hair care practices

The curl is a result of various factors, including genetics, hair care practices, and styling techniques. Some Jews may naturally have curly hair due to their genetic ancestry, which can include people from any racial or ethnic background. However, not all Jews have curly hair, and having curly hair does not necessarily make someone "look Jewish".

For those who do have curly hair, the way they choose to style and care for their curls can also contribute to the formation of curls. Some individuals may use hair care products specifically designed for curly hair, such as shampoos, conditioners, styling gels, and hair oils. Additionally, styling techniques such as twisting or wrapping the hair around a pencil or finger can also create curls. In the case of Hasidic Jewish men, their sidelocks, known as "payos", are often curled using perms, gel, or even Vaseline.

The curl can also be influenced by cultural and societal factors. For example, some Jews may straighten their hair to conform to Western beauty standards or to avoid stereotypes associated with curly hair. On the other hand, others may embrace their natural curls as a form of self-expression and a celebration of their cultural identity. Ultimately, the decision to curl or straighten one's hair is a personal choice that can be influenced by a combination of genetic, cultural, and stylistic factors.

The curl is connected to Jewish masculinity

The curl is deeply connected to Jewish masculinity and is a key part of Jewish identity. The curl, or 'payos', is a result of a Jewish rule that forbids men from cutting or trimming their hair within a special facial region. This region is on each side of the face, roughly between the middle of the ear and the eye, below the zygomatic process of the temporal bone.

The payos are a distinctive feature of the Hasidic Jewish male appearance, and there are several ways to style them. The most conspicuous style is twisted curls that hang freely, wrapped circularly and hanging down from the wearer's head. Other styles include free-hanging curls, or wrapping the hair behind the ear. The different styles are not based on scripture but are simply fashion modes that have likely evolved for reasons of practicality and convenience.

The payos are a result of a Biblical scripture that states a man should not "round the corner of his head". Talmudic scholars have interpreted this to mean that there should be a hair-cutting restriction, and they have defined the details of these restrictions. The reason for the rule is not clearly known, but it is thought to be a commandment from God.

The curl has been used to further antisemitism through stereotypes, and for centuries has been used against Jews through labelling and identification. During the Nazi regime, curly hair was used as a metric to identify and harm Jews. Given this history, the impulse to straighten the curl could be seen as a manifestation of intergenerational trauma.

In recent times, the 'Jew-fro' has been popularised by Jewish comedy stars such as Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, becoming the mark of the 'funny guy' who gets laughs by making fun of himself and his Jewish heritage.

The curl is connected to Jewish femininity

The ""Jewish hair" issue is gendered, with Jewish women more likely to straighten their hair to conform to Western beauty standards. Jewish men, on the other hand, can choose to keep their hair cropped short or let it grow into a "Jew-fro". While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to embracing Jewish curls, doing so can be a powerful act of Jewish resistance and self-acceptance in the face of antisemitism.

For Jewish women, the pressure to straighten their hair is influenced by heteronormative aesthetic ideals and a desire to conform to Western beauty standards. This pressure is compounded by the lack of representation of Jewish women with natural curls in the media and the internalized antisemitism within the Jewish community. Straightening one's hair can also be a way to distance oneself from Jewish identity and avoid ethnic ambiguity, which can lead to racialized inquiries and inappropriate questions about one's origins.

However, embracing one's natural curls can be a powerful act of Jewish resistance and self-acceptance. It can be a way to celebrate one's Jewish identity and heritage proudly. Additionally, it can be a way to challenge Western beauty standards and break free from the intergenerational trauma caused by antisemitic stereotypes.

The journey to embracing Jewish curls is not always easy, and it often involves trial and error to find the right hair care routine. It requires self-acceptance and a willingness to challenge societal norms and beauty standards. Ultimately, the decision to straighten or embrace one's curls is a personal one, and what matters most is feeling good about oneself and one's Jewish identity.

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