Why do Hasidic Jewish women wear wigs, and what do they look like?

Question

Just heard they do this...and was curious.

Answer 1

This rule is not limited to Hasidim -- Orthodox Jewish women in general cover their heads after marriage, as do many non-Orthodox women also. Any head covering will do -- they can wear a hat or scarf or wig. Many women prefer wigs because, if you are going to keep your head covered all the time, it's easier to have a short haircut and wear a wig for purposes of comfort. As one woman remarked to me, "When you have five children, there's no time for sitting under a hair dryer at the beauty parlor, so it's easier to just send your wig out!"
However, there is no requirement for women to cut the hair or wear a wig. Some women wear a snood (not to be confused with the computer game!) which is a beret-like hat with room for long braids under it. (Search for hair snood to find sources on the Net.) The religious reason for covering the head is modesty, because women's hair is a sex symbol in many places. The men dress modestly, too. For example, Hasidic men do not wear shorts or go without a shirt.

Answer 2

Hair makes women look more attractive. Attraction leads to being promiscuous. Therefore, if the hair isn't shown, promiscuouity decreases.