Q&A: Completely Smooth-Shaven
Completely Smooth-Shaven
Question
A married woman whose entire head is shaved completely smooth—what is her status? If there is no hair, then there is no nakedness; and appearance to onlookers also would not seem relevant. And what is the source for head covering in general? From the fact that it says, “and he shall uncover the woman’s head,” maybe all that is required is to gather the hair into a bun, if anything at all, or to put on a headband. What does our rabbi say?
Answer
Simply speaking, there is no obligation under the law to cover it.
Regarding the source, you can see surveys online.
So too regarding what amount of covering is required.
Discussion on Answer
I answered regarding covering a shaved head. I referred you to surveys about head covering in general.
What’s the law regarding a woman who is plain ugly and repulsive—like white excrement? Is she, in principle, allowed to walk around like a white duck? That doesn’t cause improper thoughts for anyone (except maybe for an actual male duck).
Modesty is not only about causing men to stumble. Beyond that, we do not set specific laws for specific women. And people’s tastes also differ.
As for shaving the entire head, I didn’t find any mention of it online. Just step for a moment into the view that says head covering is indeed required—then if the whole head is shaved and uncovered, seemingly there’s no problem?