I got a recommended YouTube video the other day of an Orthodox Sephardic woman going to a jewish women’s clothing store and explaining the rules for dressing and aspects where it differed from regular women’s clothes stores and so on. Apparently she’s done at least a few of these explanatory videos, for how her kitchen is arranged, how her family prepares for sabbath, and so on.
But it made me wonder about hair care. Apparently they are supposed to always(?) cover their hair when outside the home, but what’s under the scarves? No matter what, you need at least some hair care treatment. I mean, the stuff just keeps growing, you know? Are there specialized hair salons for orthodox women? If so, do they offer all the kinds of treatments you’d find in general hair hair salons? Straightening, permanents, coloring, weaves, braiding, whatever? Or is it just utilitarian, we cut it neatly to whatever length suits your hair texture/preferences?
The prohibition is against men other than their husband seeing their hair. There is no issue with being seen by other women.
Toronto has a large orthodox community and if you drive past a hair salon you won’t be able to see in as you usually can for a salon and only women are allowed in.
That’s all i do. I’m not Orthodox, and i don’t cover my hair. But other than when i tried to dye it purple (the dye washed out too quickly to be with the bother) i haven’t seen a hair care professional since i was married, decades ago.
Some of them wear scarves, and some wear wigs. No doubt some get their hair professionally cut, and others don’t bother.
Perhaps Sikh hair salons/hair treatment is relevant? Obviously any kind of cutting or trimming is right out, but many people use various hair oils or other conditioners to avoid dry hair and split ends. Also, overly tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia and hair loss.
Orthodox women that do not shave their heads still have hair that needs cutting. There is no prohibition against it, just about adult men other than their family seeing their hair.